Knitting has been a valuable skill since the 11th century, possibly earlier. It is a process where a single strand of yarn may be turned into clothing such as sweaters, socks, hats and even dresses. There can be a significant amount of skill needed to form a quality piece of knitwear, but there is much to be said for the artistic aspects of the craft as well. It may be used to create dainty items of decorative lace and bulky sweaters that protect from the coldest of winter storms.
Needle & Skein in St. Louis Park has classes for men and women, from beginners learning to knit to individuals wanting to learn special techniques. When you learn to knit, you’ll have a craft to enjoy nearly anywhere, requiring only the simplest of tools and time.
Learning to Knit
Knitting may be learned from a book, watching videos online, or taught by in-person instruction. There is no “right” way to learn, only the right way for you. Needle & Skein offers classes that teach and allow you to practice basic ideas such as:
- Casting on stitches
- Knitting and purling
- Reading patterns
- Yarn tension
- Stitch gauge
- Needle size
- Yarn weight
Specialty Knitting
As your skills advance, you may wish to attempt more complicated patterns and learn more of the finer points of this “comfort to the soul:”
- Joins and adding in different colors
- The different types of fibers available and how they affect the finished product
- Cables
- Increasing and decreasing
- Circular knitting
- Casting off
- Blocking and assembly
To the beginner, needlecraft, in general, can be frustrating and they may find their yarn worn out from undoing stitches. But before long, with our classes, Knit-Alongs and practice, the frustration turns into a calming and productive way to pass any amount of time in nearly any setting.
