Teaching someone to knit gives immense satisfaction.  The look on that persons face when they master their first row and see how simple it is to produce a fabric from two sticks and some yarn is always so rewarding.
TEACHING A CHILD (OR ADULT!) TO KNIT
I begin teaching by casting on 10 stitches in a chunky yarn like the one below and knit two rows . I then show the pupil how to knit the knit stitch. I  begin by showing them how to insert the needle int the first stitch and tell them to lay the two needle in the shape of an X.
I say aloud the four stages while demonstrating.. IN, ROUND, THROUGH, OFF. After two or three stitches I stop after ROUND, and let them do THROUGH and then OFF.
I don't teach casting on until they are comfortably  knitting and then I teach the cable cast on because it uses the same techniques as the knit stitch and is easy to learn at this stage.   
Most  difficulties are at the THROUGH stage.This can be avoided by making them hold the yarn tight  and using a yarn where the colours change and the stitches can be recognised by their colour.



The pattern below has been tried and tested by hundreds of my pupils, some of them having special needs.  Most of them have been children between nine and eleven.  They have little patience for practicing on dishcloths or making big items like scarves.  They love this purse because it is quick to make and they can show it off to their friends. 

I use King Cole Magnum Multi Chunky for beginners. The yarn does not split easily and is smooth and quick to knit. There is a big choice of colours for boys aqnd girls alike. The colour changes are quite close together so it makes it possible to recognise a stitch by its colour. 
 It is a lot more effective to tell a pupil to slip the green stitch off the needle or  pull the yellow thread through the blue loop than to ask them to slip the frist stitch off the left hand needle and pull the yarn through the first stitch on the right hand needle. 

Feel free to copy this pattern and use it to teach anyone to knit.
The crochet stitch is a very simple chain but  it may be too much to expect a child to master the holding of a crochet hook after struggling with knitting needles. If so, I tell them to use their fingers to make a chain and not bother with a hook or do the crochet bits for them.  .
Once they have finished making this purse I teach them how to do the purl stitch and they make a little dolls hat. Will write up pattern details soon.

While the boys were showing off their Weekend Waistcoats, I thought the girls may be missing out so I designed a demure little fairisle beret to add to the vintage theme. Although still at the design stage it is satisfyingly quick to knit and  will probably be available soon in different colourways.

A few snaps of the Weekend Waistcoat in blue.
A lot of work goes into making each Careloomkit a perfect knitting experience for you.  Every design is made up in each size to make sure the garment will fit well. The pattern is then checked and rechecked to ensure it is easy to to follow and knit.  The yarn is chosen for smooth knitting and easy care.
The result- a Careloomkit for quality and style!

We've already got a sample of our new autumn weekend waiscoat in the grey blue colourway and Alex couldn't wait to model it.
The body is knitted in garter stitch in one piece up to the armholes and the yarn is a luxury soft merino wool. There is an optional fair isle contrast band in mercerised cotton. The colours are soft and muted and give the waistcoat a retro feel.
A quick knit to suit a confident beginner. Details of kit prices and availability will be out soon.

Ben was 30 last week.  The outfit he is wearing didn't even last one year. I spent hours knitting the fairisle sweater in Shetland wool and it ended up shrunken and stiff from being thrown in a washing machine.  With three little ones to look after, and paper nappies still a dream, handwashing woollens was not a priority.
I would have loved to still have the outfit to treasure and to put on to Ben's little one year old boy, but I have learned my lesson, that kid's clothes should be machine washable if you want them to last. 
That's why I began Careloomkits, so that everyone can produce an heirloom, and knitwear that lasts for generations.





 

Hi,
I'm so delighted with the response on my website that I have decided to write a blog to keep in touch with all of you.  I intend to keep you posted on the latest kits and I'd love to hear all your comments and ideas on the kits you have made and want to make.
This summer I spent teaching children to knit.  I love to see their enthusiasm and the look on their faces when they have mastered their first perfect row.
I have created a few small items that are easy and quick for a beginner to learn on without losing patience; no scarves!  I intend to publish the patterns on this blog so as to give you all the oppportunity to teach someone to knit and open up a  whole new world of knitting for them.
My next kit is going to be something I could envisage a beginner doing as a first real project and since a lot of you asked for larger sizes this kit will be what you've been waiting for! 
I started with only small sizes in order to keep costs down, but because the next kit will be a sleeveless waistcoat it will use less wool than a full sweater and be priced accordingly.