So, you finally decided to learn to knit, sew, crochet or embroider (or anything else, really!). You have questions about the basics? Ask them here and our expert crafters can answer your .

Ok Hi I have decided to get a sewing machine (hopefully this counts as on topic)
Now does anyone have particular advice lik don't get this or try this is good... I'm jst want to be wary of something someone may hvae had that was not a good sewing machine... and anyone know what a good sewing machine would usually include I'm all new too this so anything would help any good name brands just type away
Please and Thank You,
AzraelSC

I have a Janome at home. I bought it in a special shop that sells nothing but that. It's best to stay away from big stores like Wal Mart and such. They'll sell you something that's not a quality product.

Also, make sure you thread your stuff properly. I sewed a simple thing yesterday, and until I got it right, the thing would come out very badly. And another advice, if you're a beginner like me... Always try your stitch on a piece of scrap fabric first... Just to make sure everything is fine. You don't want to scrap a good fabric you've spend hours cutting!!

Of course I have to give my two knuts on this one, as sewing is my specialty!

If you're going to buy a new sewing machine, there are several things you want to think about. What do you want to use it for? Quilts, Clothing, Denim, crafts etc? Do you want embroidery stitches? How much do you want to spend? Sewing machines can run from very cheap (which I really don't recommend) to VERY expensive, which I wish I could afford! Most importantly, do some research before you buy. It's important to know what you want so you don't invest in a machine and realize it's not what you need when it's too late.

I highly recommend getting a machine from somewhere that offers an extended warranty or repair service on site. Sewing machines need maintenance. I get mine serviced yearly, and it makes a huge difference in performance. If you buy your sewing machine from a specialized shop, you are likely to get a free "how to use your machine" class. (something I wish I'd known when I got my first one!)

I absolutely agree with Josée about not buying your machine at a superstore like Wal-Mart. Be very wary of cheap sewing machines. Many of them have plastic parts inside and wear out quickly, something I didn't know when I got my first one (an inexpensive Brother machine). Once I really learned to sew, it lasted less than a year before I had to replace it. I actually tried to get it repaired and the guy at the repair shop told me about the plastic parts and that it couldn't be fixed. A "throw away" he called it.

I have a Kenmore now that I've had for about 8 years. Sears sewing machines are made by another major sewing machine manufacturer, Janome, I think, though not 100% sure on that. Anyway, because of Sears warranty service, I've kept an extended warranty on it, about $100 every three years, which enables me to get an $80 service every year for no cost and any repairs I might need for free. I'd really like to upgrade to a Bernina machine that is especially for quilting. Unfortunately, the one I want is very expensive and by necessity is pretty low on my list of priorities right now!

I hope all that helps! I had no idea what I was doing when I bought my first machine and did make the mistake of getting a cheap one. If you have a friend that sews, it wouldn't hurt to take her with you!

I'm going to follow the advice and get a sewing machine from a department store where I can get a warranty. I'm pretty good with my hands I love to draw Anime lol--which has nothing to do with sewing. I want to make my own costume for the OOTP. As a person just starting out what is something I should practice before trying to make a sweater or something.

I agree wholeheartedly with Josee and Ofenjen. I went sewing machine shopping last year, I wanted to upgrade to a nice machine from the "cheap beginner" I had. I ended up going to my local sewing machine shop (It was called AAA Sewing Machines, in case there's one in your area). I found that having a knowledgable staff member help you is key. I told the gal what I was looking for, including my price range, and she was able to show me 5-6 models that fit the bill. The best part was I could sit and play with all of them to see what was going to be best for me. They even offered the service warranty, and I was able to take the free classes as well. I ended with a Brother Pacesetter (it was about $400), and I have been nothing but happy with it.

I hope that helps...

I highly recommed starting with pajamas! Stick with 100% cotton (pre-wash your fabric before cutting out your pattern) at first because it's the easiest to work with and won't stretch. If you're aiming to make a costumes, then starting with clothes is the way to go. P.J.s are very forgiving. If you mess up, no one will ever know but you, because you won't wear them out of your house. If you have kids to sew for, even better! Kids clothing uses less fabric, but you can still learn all the basics. Take a class if you can or get a friend that sews to help you. If not, I highly recommend the book "Simply The Best Sewing" available at most craft & fabric stores.

Good luck! Be sure and let us know what machine you choose!

Thanks for all the advice I am still 'researching' and browsing for exactly what I think I need and then I'll go from there with the price and all! Thanks again!
~AzraelSC

I've been a crocheter for about 12 years now and just recently I've been trying to learn to knit. I'm finding it very awkward. . My 11 year old knits and has been giving me lessons and advice, but she doesn't really get that my problem is that my hands have crochet "memory" and I find myself dropping the left needle and working the right one like a hook. I was wondering if anyone that has learned to knit after crocheting can share any suggestions, books, websites, etc. I've got the Stitch & ---- knitting book out from the library, and it seems like a good beginners book, but I would prefer a book that show actual hands holding yarn instead of line drawings.

Thanks!

~Viva Las Vegas!~

I have The Knitter's Companion, and it's quite useful. I'll show it to you at Vegas... and I'll try to unmemory crochet reflexes from you.

Do you think pointing my wand at your hands and shouting "obliviate" would work?

Oh, please don't obliviate my crochet skills! I still want to crochet, I just want to learn to knit, too.

I've been practicing (in between frantically finishing up my Lumos crafts - swaps are done, but have a few other things I'm working on), and am getting a little better, but I feel like I'm conducting an orchestra the way I'm swinging the right needle around! You know it's bad when my daughter pats me on the back and says, "It's okay mom, just keep practicing." And she's serious, too...

I'm going to pick up some bulky yarn today and see how that works for me. I think if I can just get the rhythm down, I'll be okay. Not sure why I'm torturing myself this way! It must be because I don't have enough hobbies! ;)

What a thoughtful daughter you have. Well, maybe we can work on that right needle rythm in Vegas! only 5 more days! Make sure you bring your yarn, needles and crochet hooks

I've been practicing and it is getting easier. I've basically stopped following the books we have exactly, holding the yarn like I do when I crochet, which is making it loads easier. I picked up some chenille yarn on the recommendation of my daughter (did I mention, she's 11?) and that has really helped. I find it goes smoother for me. There are no strands of yarn to deal with and it's really soft. Right now and I'm just knitting back and forth, but practice makes perfect, right?

Hope has threatened to jinx me if I spend too much time on crafts in Vegas! I'll probably have at least my crochet (hopefully on the plane...I hate flying), and if Elena consents to loaning me a set of her needles for the trip, I'll pack those in my suitcase. Crafting with the HP crafters. What could be better for someone like me?!

I'll have loads of needles in Vegas, so if your daughter doesn't want to lend you some it's fine. And knitting back and forth is pretty much all you have to learn. Once you know how to knit purl, all that's left to learn are knit/purl together and how to bind off, which isn't so hard, but takes a little longer

And I've actually been considering bringing my glue gun and other things to finish crafts I haven't been able to finish before I leave!! How pathetic is that!

Oh! And if Hope jinxes you, just knock to the room next door... We'll craft together there and she won't know

3 years ago when visiting my grandma in Florida she taught me how to crotchet. It took me a few hours just to understand where to put the need and how to turn it. Nonetheless, by the time I left a few days later I was fairly proficient at it. I asked her to teach me to knit as well, and she told me to work on the crotcheting for now, and maybe next time.

Well, two weeks ago, while I was visiting she taught me to knit/purl. It actually took me less time to get started with it, then with the crotchet. It's taking me much longer though to get into a consistant rhythm. I'm wondering if I may be doing something wrong. How can I tell?

Hmmm did my little knitting lesson help you or you still need help regarding this?

LOL! Yes, we did lots of knitting together, didn't we? Where did the time in Vegas go? I hardly touched any of my crafts other than to show them off!

I'm doing okay with the knitting, it'll just take time (which I don't have much of right now) & more practice to get it down. After I finish my little scarf, I'd like to try a simple pattern. No idea what yet...

If I were you, I'd try to make a scarf. All you have to master is the knit stitch. And you'll also have colour changes to do, but they are probably done the same way in crochet. You just take the two yarn, make two knots (like you would do with your shoelaces) and then tuck the yarn in using a crochet hook. Atypically.knit.net has a great pattern, and you can adjust the number of stitches you cast on if you don't want the scarf to be as large.

Thanks for the link (knit.atypically.net/scarves/azkaban/pattern.shtml)! I've seen that one before when I was looking for a color reference for the different houses. Didn't think to go back for an HP scarf pattern!

Finishing off & changing colors are not a problem for me... very similar to crochet.

Totally off topic - just finished Doris' "Leaky Cauldron" bag. Ship it out tomorrow! Yeah!

Using my pinky to hold the thread has helped immensely, to make it smoother and also allow me to transition from knit to perl and back more easily. As for the other way to knit, although quick it more tiring so I've gone back to the way my Grandma showed me. I seemed to be slightly more consistant now, but still not the regular pacing like when I crotchet. I guess I just need more practice?

Thanks for the help Josee

My pleasure! I'm glad the pinky tip helped. As for the way to knit itself... To each's own I suppose!

I've taken to knitting quite a bit and it is a lot of fun. I've knitted two scarves so far but I can't workmyself up properly to knit corners! I know it's really silly but it's too hard!!! Can you please suggest something easy to knit (not a jumper) that will help me build up my knitting.

The second project I knitted was the Ravenclaw V-neck vest (which you can find in the crafts section on TLC). It was hard for me, and I had to undo and redo some parts over and over again, but it was a great way to learn, I thought.

What do you mean you have trouble knitting corners? Do you mean like reaching the end of a row? Because technically, when you get to the end of a row, you just take the needle in your left hand, put it in your right hand, take the one in your right hand and put it in the left hand, then you pick up your wool again in your right hand and making sure what you have already knitting is facing inward, you start knitting normally again, with whatever stitches you have to do. The way my grandma taught me to knit, you skip the first stitch of your knitting (you just slip it onto your right needle, without knitting it. Maybe that would help you too. But of course, you can't do that with everything, only sweaters and whatnot. It would look quite ugly on a vest.

Just give me and the others a little more details on what you are having trouble with, and I'm sure we can figure out a way of having you do it properly

Okay so saying this makes me feel completely stupid but I only learnt quite recently and not properly. Basically I can knit rows and knit a straight line but when it comes to basically turning corners I screw it up.
Thankyou for the tips though and I'm going to go look at the vest *right now*

Don't feel stupid. I had the great luck of learning sitting next to my grandmother, and doing the same movements as her. And even then, I needed to redo things over and over again. Just yesterday and today, I had to undo 2 lines I had done in my Quidditch sweater (it's a pattern I'm testing and I hope to have up eventually!) because I had forgotten to add 2 stitches.

My question might sound weird, but when you are knitting on straight needles (straight lines as you call them), when you finish the line and turn your work, do you start purling or you continue knitting? That might be the source of your problem as well.

You might want to go here for knitting techniques and here for purling techniques. Looking at this briefly, I use the English method, but if you're left handed, you'd probably use the Continental method. I don't know what the video really shows, because I'm in the office and can't look at them, but if that doesn't help you, just ask again and I'll try to find something else... Heck I'll film myself doing it if that may help you

Now I see why they call you the crafty witch! Thankyou so much!!!
I'll talk to you on skype!!!!!

Hi...I'm going to ask my pygmy puff question here for now...

It says "row 1 knit all, row 2 knit all, repeat for fourteen rows." Does that mean to knit garter for 16 rows? thanks!

Hmmm... Technically it wouldn't be in garther since you're working with straight needles. You'd end up with one row in stockinette and one row in garther. I'm just trying to figure out if that's the right thing though, as if it had been, I would have simply written knit for 14 rows... It's odds on it's row 1 knit, row 2 purl, etc. for the rest.

I'll have to contact the author directly however, as she seems to have taken down her blog.

Thank you - would it really make a difference if I purled instead of knit? You can't really tell with the fuzzy yarn.

Yeah, I'm thinking you can pretty much do anything with the fuzzy yarn, as long as you have the right number of stitches. But I'd still like to check with the author for accuracy's sake

Make sure you send a picture of your finished puffs to crafts@the-leaky-cauldron.org so we can eventually upload them in the galleries!

Thanks Also, once I've finished all the rows, I'm not really sure how it's supposed to be sewn together.

There are ways to sew in your yarn so that it will come out as invisible, and quite honestly, I have never mastered it (I need to go see my grandma so she can show me properly). Bbut in this case, I think that if you do just a kind of zig zag between the 2 sides, it should look OK. Make sure you use the same yarn you used to sew your pattern.

Oh! and I got in touch with the author and thanks to you, I now know you have to knit all 14 rows. AND I found out the author has a new blog. So many thanks again

I'm a bit late on this, but I found a great tutorial with pics on finishing off seams smoothly. Hope it helps!

Hey there! Not sure this is quite the thread for this, but I'm really new to this part of the boards so I figure I'd give it a shot (on KimmyBlair's glowing recommendation of the place).

By way of quick introduction, I can sort of knit, but I've never finished a scarf (they take forever because I knit WAY too tightly), and I'd love to work on that but my much greater priority right now is learning how to weave. Does anyone here do weaving? Know where I can find more information out about looms, techniques (changing colours still baffles my mind), or maybe even something HP related?

I know it's a weird skill to want but it would probably really help me out at work (I work in a museum) and I think it would be really fun. Any help is appreciated, even if it's just moving this post to a more suitable thread! Thanks!

jillians62 I use wooley.com. It will help with everything you may need answers about weaving.

Also check out nativetech.org This is a native american web community. But they have different types of weaving, finger, basket, blanket and then clothing. So it may take sometime to find exactly what your looking for. Let me know how you did. Have fun GMC

Thanks, GMC! One question - are you sure it was wooley.com? When I tried that I got to some silly place-holder website. I then tried .net, .org, and wooly.com. I figure that's enough junk sites for one day. If you could help me out with that site, I'd really, really appreciate it.

The Native American Tech site looks amazing! Thank you!!!

Ohhh now I'm questioning buying a new machine I have a very cheap Brother right now and it's likely broken forever, so it's time for a new one. So thanks very much for the advice! I had no IDEA you could get free lessons :rubs hands together: EXCELLENT! I really want to learn to make clothes and quilt. So I'll go to a specialty shop and see what they say. I'm so glad I came in here first! I know I would have just gone to Walmart and done a repeat! I'm feeling very inspired by my Project Runway addiction. AND I'm visiting a friend over the coming holidays that's a sewing junkie and she will be teaching me a lot.

I shall keep you informed.

-Kadi, who thought she wasn't crafty but surprises even herself

Yay, Kadi!!!

You are fabulous & crafty! All your evile tees prove that. ;)

I am oh-so-excited that you're going to be learning to sew. In only wish I lived near enough to be involved in the process.

Ha! We have converted another crafty witch! EXCELLENT! Yeah, buying a sewing machine at Wal-Mart or on TV might seem to be a good idea, but you'll be buying something that'll last for a very limited amount of time.

Pfftt, I'll still be learning when we're in New Orleans. Plus I'm sure I'll need plenty of tips and advice when I finally start making new projects. I'll keep you posted (with pics)!

Sweet, evile, girl, I'm still learning and need tips & and advice all the time on new projects! That's what makes crafting so much fun... there's always more to know, learn, do, try, make... whew... got excited, must go sew something!

Hi. I'm interested in making some Harry Potter jewelery and I was wondering if anyone could tell me where I can buy materials from. If anyone could point to a UK company that would be great, since I live there and it would keep costs down, but information would be very helpful. Thanks.

jillians642 sorry about that. You want woolery.com I seemed to drop a letter there. I agree Native american site is great. I found it when I was interested in learning how to make pine needle baskets.

I'm not too sure if this is the right place to ask, but this year i'm going to start carving pumpkins to put in the window on the steps to my house. And because I've never done it I have a few questions to ask, here it goes;

- How do you know if a pumpkin is good for carving?
- Whats the best way to carve it?

I would really appreciate some help, thanks!

This would be the right place to ask indeed! And you almost read my mind, as there will be a Potter Pumpkin tutorial going up this week! Keep an eye out for it!

But to answer your question, any type of pumpkin will do the job. The most important thing to check is the size and the shape. Obviously, if you want to carve something very big, buy a big pumkin. Also, try to look for one that either has a flat side or one that is even all over. That will make your job easier than if you pick one that is of an uneven shape.

Personally, I'll be carving dear old Snape. I however made a few alteration to that stencil. While it's exceedingly easy to position the white pieces you see in the stencil on a shirt with glue, it's very hard to have them hang in the air if you don't have true magic powers. So you have to make sure there are no white pieces completly surrounded by black. So in Snape's case, I made an "opening" in the stencil at the neck and didn't do the chin all the way around the face. I also modified his eyes and eyebrows so they would look good. Also, I removed the tiny details, since those are incredibly hard to carve.

Another stencil that would present a good challenge without being too difficult would be the Weasley Twins.

Easier ones would be HP (just create an opening at the bottom of the P loop), Muggle (don't follow the whole tutorial, just use the words) or any other stencil that includes writing.

You can also try making your own stencils using this tutorial.

Don't hesitate to give me more details on what you want to do exactly (which character, etc.), and I'll be glad to help you if I can

Thank you so much that has certainly helped, i think i need to go for something rather easy for my first attempt.

Thanks so much GMC! I would never have thought to throw in an "r".

That site is amazing ... slowly but surely I will unravel the secret of weaving! That is, as long as I don't get distracted by the prospect of pumpkin carving ...

Hi there

I'm not much of a knitter - still a beginner, I have come across the term stockinette stitch, what exactly is this and how do you do it?

Stockinette stitch is the name of the stitch you do when you knit one row, then purl one row on straight needles. If you're knitting on circular needles, it would be all knit stitches. You can see a picture of it here

Okay I figured I would stop lurking on this forum...at least for awhile. Normally I would stay lurking in the sewing and quilting...only because I mainly introduce myself in the sewing world as a quilter and a dealer, my mother and I are sewing machine dealers .....so I sew for a living...Isn't that fun. In the Fall I teach a Harry Potter Costume class that does pretty well! But everyone wants potter scarfs and I don't make them saddly...well til now. I am trying to teach myself to knit, and I think I am doing okay...There is no one to ask or work with near me that knits... Which saddens me, it would be sooo much more fun to knit with someone like I do when I quilt!

My question is....are there beginner scarfs that someone would suggest? Thanks for the help.

*edited because I was taught grammer and spelling in school, but must have forgotten most of it!*