Knitting lesson: one on one

Thursday, July 28, 2005

posted by emy at 2:01 PM | link

While in Shanghai, I conducted a one-to-one knitting lesson for my girlfriend who is intrigued by my knitting pastime.

Here's a rundown of the coaching schedule:
1st Lesson (1 hr)
Taught to wind a hank into a ball of yarn ready for use.
Taught knitted cast on, knit and purl stitches.

Then she did self practice. I was there knitting my project so she could ask for help whenever she is unsure.

beginner knitter Shanghai

2nd Lesson on the next day (1 hr)
Taught long tail cast on.
She started casting on for scarf.
Taught the concept of front/back vs knitting in the round.
[I drew diagrams and showed her samples.]
She learnt how to spot mistakes and fix them.
Taught her how to join yarn as well.

She then went on to knit her scarf on her own.

confident knitter

I just love being able to teach in a home environment.

Sitting cross legged is more comfy & a run to the kitchen for snacks and drinks anytime is more convenient, don't you agree?

3rd Lesson 2 days later (1 hr)
Taught how to cast off & finish off nicely.
She learnt how to make tassels and tied them to the ends.

Viola! Her FO!

first finished beginner knit scarf

I gave another 2hr lesson on the following:

- using tape measure, pen, paper and calculator to work out gauge and pattern
- knitting with dpns
- mattress stitching,
- knitting in the round and
- decreasing.

She has started on a matching winter hat. And yesterday she just told me that she's working up another scarf! Woo hoo!

Total lesson hours: 3 + 2 hrs

See, knitting lessons aren't as scary as they sound and it's really easier to grasp the concepts when you have someone around to show you the maneuvers.

Edited to add:

I just found this photo -- it's one where Jen posed with the yet to be finished scarf around her neck to do a length check!