My Tips to Learn to Knit and Sew!

[@christineshemranifar3218]

Great information there, Whitney. Thanks.

[@mygoldencharlie2016]

Great video. Thank you.

[@ZeldaSews]

Hi Whitney! This is a great video! I know how to sew, but I definitely do not know how to knit. It looks like fun!❤

[@whitmakes]

Maybe we’ll suck you in 😂

[@sewonsister]

I love it! This is a great resource. I taught myself to sew through content from amazing sewists on the internet. And of course, trial and error. I had a machine from the thrift store and it got me started. Later, my husband bought me a more upgraded machine. (I have a Janome.) I just want to add that Helen's Closet Patterns are so good for beginner sewists. Her instructions are very detailed. I know that some people find indie sewing patterns easier to sew and fit, but I have also had success with the Big 5. I started with making a few quilts and bags. I used Noodlehead Patterns for bags and her directions were great as well. I didn't know I was supposed to be "afraid" of zippers, so I just went for it and didn't really have a problem. Now I'm teaching myself to knit. I agree with you, we have to be patient with ourselves. Thanks for the video!

[@whitmakes]

I didn’t mention big five but I agree. Especially if you can find reviews of patterns- there are some great ones!

[@susanrobertson5137]

This is such a great resource. I learned to sew during the pandemic and I bought the Closet Core Patterns Learn to Sew class. You get three patterns with it and the first half of the videos is all about how to sew, tools, info about fabric, and then how to do simple sewing and seams. The second half of the videos is helpful things to get you through the harder parts of the patterns you get with the class. It's really great and set me up to keep going. My only other piece of advice is for both sewing and knitting: pick patterns you're excited to make and own the finished product, so it may be harder and you may try more new things, but if you want the finished thing you're much more motivated to keep going (at least I am).

[@whitmakes]

Agree! Make things that get you excited to start!

[@tammymasson2343]

Thanks so much for this video, Whitney! Especially the ending where you cheer us on. I need to really dive into my goal of knitting. I know the basics, but I want to make clothes. I've always been so afraid to try. Your pep talk at the end really helped! I love Tilly and the Buttons! So many great patterns included in her books. I bought all three books. I also love The Stitch Sisters from the UK. I've bought their online sewing classes. I love how they break down the classes into very small steps/videos. Their classes go on half price sale a lot during the holidays. Alisa from Thoughtful Creativity on KZbin shows how to sew and how to make your own easy patterns to fit your body.

[@whitmakes]

Thank you for more recs!! And yes- just acknowledge that it won’t be perfect and dive on in!!

[@Reeneedee]

Thanks for this video! My local library has a “library of things” and one of the things you can check out is a sewing machine!

[@whitmakes]

This is awesome!

[@Brenda_S]

Excellent video. Do you have any recommendations for an absolute beginner of crochet? KZbin, books, first projects? Much appreciated.

[@whitmakes]

I have used a few Bella Coco tutorials to start my blanket! That might be a good one to check out? I’m sorry I don’t have a lot of experience with crochet but maybe someone else will see this comment and chime in

[@oldwitchknits-Ursula]

Great tips! I can recommend another channel with amazing tutorials: Irina Revo Knitting & Crochet. You can also find yourself a crazy, knitting obsessed neighbour who basically forces you to start knitting but then also helps you every step of the way . My friend and neighbour is now almost done her second sweater 😁 I learned everything past knits and purls from youtube.

[@whitmakes]

Thanks for more recs! And nothing better than creating your own knitting bestie!