2.21.2012

Teaching a child to knit

My almost 6 year old, homeschooled, kindergartner wants me to teach her how to knit.


ummmmmm????


Pretty sure I learned when she was a baby!

I mean, off and on as a child... but not 5!

Not sure where to begin.


I just did a bit of research and was reading that you should start with finger knitting.  Remember the easy Christmas Garland I posted a long time ago?  Probably not.  It was a LONG time ago.  You can find it here.


It really is easy and I will probably start her with that this week.  

Has anyone else taught a young child to knit?  Need suggestions here!

3 comments:

Jacqueline said...

My 6 and 10 year old both wanted to learn to knit last year when I started knitting. I taught them how to fingerknit and they loved it! They wanted to finger-knit all the time. The 6 year old made all kinds of scarves for her Barbies and the 10 year old had yarn garlands everywhere. It got a little crazy so I went and bought them their own needles. I heard that the fatter ones are bigger for their little hands. My 6 year old didn't quite get it and she lost interest. My 10 year old made a scarf with a basic garter stitch and then lost interest. Their 7 year old friend asked me to teach him how to sew. He's really into it...watching youtube videos and so on... he was teaching me new techniques! Ha! I guess it depends on the kid. Here is a really great series I found on youtube that helped me learn and I think it's ideal for kids... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9hv44QwQ-A&list=UU_yKXUyN5NIN_D1DGwyZw0A&index=17&feature=plcp

There are about 12 videos in the series. If you find any more tips, please let us know!!! :)

Anonymous said...

I have tried to teach my 7 year a couple of time when she's asked me. But she doesn't sit still long enough to get the hang of it. ;)
Give her a try, you never know.
or you could try French Knitting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OUP0CkjBKs

We made the spool with a toilet roll and some lolly sticks. This worked well. She could do it easily and leave it after 2mins and come back to it later.

Harriet said...

Hi there,
I taught my daughter to knit (with needles) when she was 4. Sure it wasn't perfect, but it worked as a doll blanket! We used a rhyme I got from somewhere....
"In through the door, run 'round the back, out through the window and off jumps Jack!" Don't know how, but it helped my daughter. Good luck!