On Teaching Children to Knit
Wednesday June 24, 2009
Some people who visit this site were lucky enough to learn how to knit at a very young age. And parents who knit are sure to wonder when its appropriate to try to teach their children to knit and how they might go about it.
The key seems to be to really know the child involved and be willing to take it slowly if the child is having trouble or doesn't seem interested. You certainly don't want to turn them off knitting forever by pushing too hard.
I think teaching kids (or anyone else, for that matter) how to knit is one of those areas where you almost can't have too much advice, so I'm calling on those of you who are experienced teachers of little ones to share your advice on teaching kids how to knit as well. If you have an opinion about the right age or the perfect first project, we'd all love to hear it.
The key seems to be to really know the child involved and be willing to take it slowly if the child is having trouble or doesn't seem interested. You certainly don't want to turn them off knitting forever by pushing too hard.
I think teaching kids (or anyone else, for that matter) how to knit is one of those areas where you almost can't have too much advice, so I'm calling on those of you who are experienced teachers of little ones to share your advice on teaching kids how to knit as well. If you have an opinion about the right age or the perfect first project, we'd all love to hear it.
Comments
I learned to knit about 3 times… throughout my childhood. I think being exposed young is part of my comfort in knitting, but it didn’t “stick” until I was almost 20, when I needed stress relief in college during finals week!
I learned to crochet first when I was nine by watching a great aunt who gave me my first ball of yarn and hook and then said do what I do. I self-taught to knit with the use of a how-to book at about eleven and then taught my mother how to knit and she was 30 at the time.
I forgot to say I am 49 now and still enjoy crocheting and knitting as much if not more than I did when I first started I now have a 3 year old daughter who says when I am working on my hand crafts “mama me do too” and I let her have the hook or needles and hand over hand will do the stitches with her. I have given her the hooks or needles by herself and she does try but is still a little too young but she is willing to learn.
I am teaching my grandsons, but started with a hook. This week I was browsing on you tube and found finger knitting. One child was doing it on one finger, so I showed the video to my youngest grandchild and taught him how. It happened he was going with me to my “knitting group” that day. He was pleased as punch to be able to “knit” with us, wanted to go again and was told they would love to have him come back. I’ve never seen him do anything for an hour at a time, but given the place he really felt part of our group. And he’s learning a usable skill, that will evolve into more advanced skills.
I taught 12 year olds as a volunteer,and some of my own granddaughters. It was very interesting. I started them with Barbie doll clothing. The item was finished before they got too frustrated and we could use decreasing and increasing in the process.I started my grand mother and mother with scarves.
I taught some kids at a Boys & Girls Home. (For those who were kicked out of regular schools.) I think it helps keep interest high if you make something for others, We made simple small preemie blankets. Then I let them choose a project. I also teach at our small town library in the fall and winter.
I don’t think everyone follows thru but at least the basic is taught and in the future, I know they will pick it up again.