Knitting and Crocheting Patterns
By SkiBabe1814
@SkiBabe1814 (109)
United States
January 4, 2010 10:52pm CST
I have been crocheting and knitting for over ten years now, but it seems I can only make scarves and blankets. I will say I can create different stitches, and use all different material to work with, like knitting with ribbon. But I can only go in lines. I would like to learn how to at least make mittens!!! Does anyone know a good source for learning to follow patterns?
7 responses
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
5 Jan 10
If you can do different stitches and go in lines you can make your own pattern for mittens. If I were you I would experiment with increases. Start with single crochet and then use variable height stitches to shape your thumb. If you can make blankets you can probably join squares. You can also make the upper part of the mitten wider by changing your hook size.
When it comes to learning to follow patterns you just have to keep trying, but you could always look through books and patterns written for kids; the language is usually easier to understand.
@SkiBabe1814 (109)
• United States
5 Jan 10
I guess you are right!!! I should start experimenting to see what I can come up with!
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
5 Jan 10
I have trouble with a lot of the patterns as well. It took years for me to find a hat pattern I could understand. Sometimes it's about trial and error. My latest pattern attempt was a pair of slippers and it was so frustrating I plan to just make it up as I go at some point.
@Clicker625 (196)
• United States
9 Jan 10
I'm new to knitting and can't get my crochet squares to be square so I can't help with making mittens. I go to a women's center and experienced knitters are teaching me and other beginners how to knit. They showed me how to use circular needles and I made a hat for one of my grandsons. Using these needles was so easy. I couldn't believe it. I thought it was an advanced technique. So, this is just to encourage you to try these needles if you'd like to try something new.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
6 Jan 10
If you can increase and decrease and count stitches, you can follow a pattern. It's not as complicated as it looks! A lot of it is still straight knitting.
There's a good pattern and basic formula for knitting mittens here:
http://knittingonthenet.com/patterns/mittenformula.htm
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
6 Jan 10
can you knit in a tube? Like use circular needles or double pointed needles?
If you can, then knitting mittens is just a matter of being able to do increases and decreases.
I would take a look at knitty.com -there are some good artciles there, as well as lots of patterns.
@Orea15 (281)
• United States
7 Jan 10
I've never tackled mittens. I'd like to be able to knit some for my grandchildren...should I ever be blessed with any! My grandmother sent hand knit mittens nearly every year for Christmas.
I taught myself to knit as a child and completed several sweaters for myself in high school. I've only just picked up the needles again, and I am loving it! I want to learn (and re-learn!) so much. I've been doing scarves and now a prayer shawl, but I'm anxious to take on something more complex now that I have my tension back, etc.
@workinggene (104)
• Philippines
5 Jan 10
Have you joined Ravelry? They are still on beta and you have to wait in line or wait for their email once you are approved. It is filled with free knitting and crocheting projects both from popular and new designers.
