Completely ignorant knitting question

[Reel Life]

Hey everyone! My mom, a very capable sewer/crafter, is thinking of taking up knitting, and would definitely take it up sooner if she had some motivation - like making stuff my LO needs. I'm just wondering how hard it is to make longies, shorties, and soakers. Even if its pretty advanced then she might be able to learn by the time another LO (Lord willing) comes, so do you know some tried and true patterns for any of these items? Thanks!

[HGrace]

If she's already crafty then I bet she can pick it up in no time! I taught myself watching www.knittinghelp.com (I chose continental knitting, and really prefer it now). That website is awesome and she includes videos for everything! If you want a great pattern that will include instructions on soakers/shorties/longies, then I'd go with the Eviepants pattern- lots of extra options are included too. I started out with the Sheepypants pattern (before I knew about the eviepants pattern) and found it very simple/easy to understand and read as well. Hope this helps!

[Reel Life]

Oooh! Thank you so much!

[ltlmrs]

I am not at all crafty, don't have a creative bone in my body and I taught myself to knit solely for the purpose of making diapers. It didn't even take that much effort really.

[Reel Life]

oh, that's good to hear!

[hcokasil]

i'm another one who taught myself to knit (thanks youtube!) just so i could make longies. they are really not hard at all!

[Ala]

Originally Posted by hcokasil i'm another one who taught myself to knit (thanks youtube!) just so i could make longies. they are really not hard at all!

I have been wanting to learn to knit as well... From what I can tell, you need different sized needles for different patterns? What supplies, size needles, etc, that I would need to get started?

[Kandarpa]

I'm also a self-taught knitter. Learned form videos on Youtube and other websites. For the reason of making longies and the like for DS

To get started you need wool yarn, 3 stitch markers, needles and a darning needle for waving in the ends. The size of the the needles depends on what yarn you are using and also on your tension when you knit, but 4 or 4.5 mm works for most and then you'll need needles 2 size smaller for the waist.

[Ala]

Can anyone recommend any easy, beginners patterns? Also interested in patterns for sewing up cycled soakers, etc.

[ltlmrs]

I learned how to knit from the Little Turtle Knits ribby wrap pattern. After knitting and crocheting other soakers from other patterns it is still my favorite pattern of all time and one that I recommend to anyone wanting to knit a wool diaper cover. The instructions are super clear and easy to follow, there is an appendix photo section of techniques. It is a paid pattern, but the skills I got from following it and the number of soakers I've made from it that it is well worth the $8.00.