How to succeed with the knitting project from the first time?
Ways to prepare for the knitting project that helps you avoid the frustration of starting over.
When we tell ourselves or others we can or cannot do something - we are telling stories about our lives which we start to believe. The more we repeat the story the stronger it grows on us until one day we find out that we actually became the person who can't sing or dance, is bad at math or you name it. Think about it. What are you telling yourself?
On the other hand, these stories can have the opposite effect. Imagine you say "Oh I can run the 5k, I enjoy cooking, I can knit", doesn't that inspire you right away to try these things? It means you can start reshaping the story about yourself and who you are or what you are good at starting with the things you tell yourself. It's a very powerful idea.
So how that relates to knitting, huh? Every time you look at a beautiful knitted piece and sight "I can't possibly make that" you start to believe it, and make it a reality. What if instead of denying yourself the success of knitting something great you would change this story and go "Wow, I am making this sweater myself for sure!". Wouldn't you feel inspired right away?
I used to tell myself that sweater knitting is not for me until one day I changed the narrative. And I made it. So can you! There is one element though that makes our stories more believable to ourselves - that is experience. The more success and encouragement you get in doing something the more you will tend to believe in your abilities. The same goes for knitting, it becomes so compelling and engaging once you succeed. It works so well that you are just itching for more knitting! I want to share a couple of tips that work for me to succeed with any project (not specifically the first one), and it is very important you have a great experience when you start, so consider this list before you start, and if you need more encouragement or run into a problem - drop me a message, I bet we can work it out.
Tips for succeeding with the first knitting project
Choosing what to knit
Choose something exciting that will motivate you to persevere when it gets tough. It should be the item that you really want, that is beautiful to you, or in any other way very compelling. It really fuels your energy to get started and get it done.
Knit it for yourself - unless you feel great joy from making things for others, knitting for yourself is always (at least for me) more motivating. Call me selfish, but motivation speaks for itself.
Consider your first item size - you want to accomplish something relatively fast, so you get the joy of finishing an item while you are still excited about the project. Some of the knitting projects really take time to make and usually require perseverance and patience. If you feel like you don't want to over-commit, a scarf or a hat may be a good start.
Make it relevant for the season so you could use it right away. There is nothing better than showing your freshly made garment to the world by wearing it proudly.
Choosing a pattern
Look for a pattern that uses simple techniques - if this is your first project - following the pattern and working in stockinet stitch may be just enough to keep you interested.
Choose a pattern with very detailed step-by-step instructions. Not all patterns are made equal. Some patterns are very short and give you almost no instructions on how to shape the thing (I usually find these in mainstream knitting magazines), some patterns are pure charts, and some patterns are written instructions. I find the latter most comprehensive, descriptive, and easy to follow. You want to be well guided so you can just trust the process and walk out with a somehow finished product.
Pick a pattern that calls for medium size needles and comfortable weight yarn. The size of the needles and yarn will influence how easy it will be to work. The smaller the needles and the thinner the yarn - the longer it will take. Also, very big needles and super chunky yarn will introduce other challenges. It is easiest to go with the pattern for 4-5mm needles.
Choose a popular pattern - it means you can find help, and many examples of already made items. It shouldn't be a rule though, it's more important to find the design that you like, even from a very fresh designer.
Materials
Choose good quality yarn - it really makes a difference in the ease of knitting and the quality of the end product. Natural fibers like wool is always a good choice to start with as it is not pretentious and does not require much experience to handle well.
Match the yarn weight and length to the pattern - I can't stress more how important it is to choose the correct type of yarn. If you can get the same yarn as the pattern suggests - go for it, this will be the safest call. If not - do your best to find the equivalent material, weight, and length option.
Get the right equipment: needles, wires, and markers. Markers you can make yourself, however, it will be harder to forge a circular needle for yourself so either look for a pattern that calls for your current tools or invest in additional ones. Tools are real game changers as they open up your options for making things.
Other things that help
Decide how you will read the pattern - on paper, laptop, tablet, or phone. Each option has its pros and cons. I suggest starting with the most convenient one.
Have paper and pen for making notes - don't trust your counting! In every pattern there are parts you need to count rows or repeats, it's always a good idea to note these on paper.
And then after all - enjoy the process! Sit down in a cozy space, make yourself a nice drink, and go on this knitting adventure. You gotta love the ride!
How do you feel now? Hope these tips influence the story you tell yourself about how you will nail your first knitting project!