As I sit down to write this, I have Julie Andrews from “The Sound of Music” going through my head — “Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start” – singing in her crystal clear voice as she teaches the children how to sing using Do-Re-Mi. That really is one of my favorite movies, and I absolutely adore Julie Andrews. But I digress. Let’s talk about how to start any yarn project!
Having all of your supplies in order is fine, but how do you actually get started knitting or crocheting? The answer is the simple slipknot – no matter which kind of yarny project you are starting.
But how do you make a slipknot?
- Grab your yarn and fold over about 3-4 inches to make a loop.
- Put your right index finger down through the loop and hold the yarn tails (one short and the other end attached to your ball or skein, also called the working yarn) in your left hand. The loose end should be farthest from your body.
- Rotate your right index finger clockwise until it is pointing straight up. You should now have an x of yarn between your hands.
- Insert your right thumb into the loop with your right index finger.
- Keeping the loop over your right thumb and finger, bring your right hand over to your left hand and pinch the loose yarn between your right thumb and index finger. This will be the yarn farthest away from your body.
- Keeping the yarn pinched between your thumb and forefinger, pull your right hand back while still holding the tails until the knot pulls tight between your hands. You should be able to pull the loose yarn back and forth through the knot.
- Now, just place the loop of the slipknot over your hook or needle (depending on your project) and pull the loose yarn until the loop is snug, but not too tight.
Here’s a video showing the whole process.
Congratulations! You’ve begun your project! Now, I think it’s time to curl up with some Chocolate Chip Cookies and watch “The Sound of Music” – who wants to join me? I can’t wait to see what you will make from here!
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I enjoyed the story if your sloppy sweater and glad you were able to use it, albeit for outdoor chores. My worst experience was far more disappointing as I had to ditch the whole project. It was a dress of knobby yarn which wouldn’t pull apart! It was a very half lesson!
Thank you for your tips about yarn choice, very helpful.
Thank you, Jenn…..you have inspired me to dig out those boxes of yarn I have stored in my closet!! I love to knit and crochet for all the many reasons you mentioned, and recently have gotten into slow hand stitching for a meditation practice. Very enjoyable. Thank you again for your information and enthusiasm for your craft. Many blessings are wished for you!
Hooray – I’m so glad this inspired you! Thank you and many blessings to you too!