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Knitting for Kids
Knitting is a wonderful skill to share with children. It is good for their fine motor skills and concentration but more importantly it is great fun! The best part is your children will soon have something to show for their efforts. Most kids are ready to learn how to knit from about age 6 and upwards. Also, remember that boys like knitting just as much as girls! (I should know because my son is a keen knitter.)
Before I discuss conventional knitting, bear in mind that a gentle way to introduce kids to knitting, is to teach them either How to Finger Knit or How to French Knit Now, where do you start with knitting for kids? The first stage is obviously collecting together some yarn and needles. If you have some spare, then that is great. Otherwise, I would suggest a standard DK acrylic (because it is cheap and easy to work with) and some 4mm needles. If you visit a yarn shop, many children will be drawn towards the novelty yarns. However, these can be difficult to work with and are not ideal for teaching. If you do choose a novelty yarn, the rather funky rainbow wool available is a good option. Remember that the lighter the color of the yarn, the easier it will be for your kids to see the stitches. You may come across special knitting needles made for children, where the needles are different colors. This helps kids differentiate between the right needle and the left needle.
Now, take a deep breath and make sure you are in a very patient mood! If you need any help with teaching knitting, then you might find my knitting instructions useful. Kids learn fast but progress is always slow at the start. Here is a great knitting rhyme to help kids remember how to do the knit stitch: In through the front door, Once around the back, Peek through the window, And off jumps Jack! And here is another knitting rhyme for the purl stitch: Down through the bunny hole, Around the big tree, Up pops the bunny, And off goes she!
When your kids have mastered the basics of knitting, they will be ready to knit their first item. At this stage, why not check out my beginner knitting patterns for some good ideas. If you want a tip, I know that my son really enjoyed knitting a small purse, which is a great project for boys or girls. Learning to knit is an experience children never forget. They will always remember who taught them and the magical time they spend just hanging out with you. Happy knitting!
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