I thought I was a beginner knitter but I am more in the easy category and going into intermediate skill level. And have only been doing this about a month. I really enjoy knitting
Love your video. I've only been knitting for four months and have done cable and fisherman's rib (with much unraveling and reknitting and learning) but I have learned more by tackling these projects than doing just more of the same.
I’ve only recently started knitting (couple of months) and at the beginning of the video, I’d have said I was beginner. Having watched it, I’m definitely in the easy category and just starting to dabble in intermediate... which I wasn’t expecting! Thanks for the heads up... and confidence boost! 🧶
Thank you for this! I’d have to say that I’m an experienced knitter, because I’ve done multiple very intricate beaded lace shawls, I just finished a shawl with Celtic-knot style closed cables, I’ve done plenty of short rows, and I’ve done several stranded knitting projects. However, I know that there is still SO much out there to learn, so much I haven’t done - I’ve never knit any brioche, never done any intarsia, never done any stranded knitting using more than two colors, and I’ve somehow messed up the stitch count on every pair of socks I’ve ever made, no matter how basic! Being an experienced knitter does not mean you’ve got nothing left to learn or improve upon. As an aside, I wonder if that’s why people don’t often rate the difficulty of patterns at a 10/10 - maybe they feel like it didn’t hit that imaginary ceiling of difficulty.
Barbara, you are the embodiment of Encouragement! I hope this excellent video will let people see that those labels should not be roadblocks on their knitting journey. Remember when Bugs Bunny defied the law of gravity, because he'd never studied law? When I switched from crochet to knitting, I didn't (and still don't) follow patterns, but made things up on the fly. I tried whatever technique I was interested in, but in an improvisational way, sometimes with no finished object in mind. If anyone asked what I was knitting, I'd answer "Experience". Like Bugs Bunny, I often succeeded only because I didn't know I was supposed to fail; that lace, brioche, entrelac, colorwork, etc. were all supposed to be beyond my status as a "beginner". In some ways, I wish they'd let us look at patterns without a skill level indication. Intimidation is the enemy of an adventurous spirit and curiosity based learning. My first pair of (improvised, of course) fingerless mitts was early on in my journey. It was also the first time I used DPNS, and when I got to the thumb holes, I decided to learn the Knit Back Backwards technique. If I'd seen a pattern that was labeled "Advanced" because of these techniques, I'd probably have been intimidated and walked away, maybe forever as respects those skills. How would I rate myself now? Who cares? I'm just a knitter, and I'm so darn cute, I don't even need a rank.
That is an awesome attitude! If someone doesn't want to have a label then I will not put one on them. And I do not label my patterns with skill levels - I just list the stitches and techniques involved.
I am Norwegian and started doing stranded colorwork(Fair Isle) when I was around 12 years old, but I did not try any lace or cables until I was 24. I always find it interesting that stranded colorwork is so intimidating to Americans as in Norway is it what you try as soon as you are ready to move on from basic knitting.
I just found this video and really enjoyed it. I was right where I thought I was in the intermediate category. I have to say I don’t pay a lot of attention to categories. I look at the pattern and see how much I don’t know. If it is one or two techniques I’ll probably give it a shot. There are some techniques I haven’t tried yet but that just means I haven’t fallen in love with a pattern that utilized that technique (mosaic, enterlac). But then I tend to leave lace out when discussing my skill set, since I have done so little. I haven’t done much lace knitting because I don’t enjoy it. But if I fall in love with a pattern I’ll muddle through it.
I just recently filled out a questionnaire where I chose "advanced beginner" but now I think I'm intermediate!!!❤ I've done lace, short rows, cables, and LOVE double knitting. I even re-write patterns if I want something different. But, I'm slow and have never knit a sweater so I kept my skill level low. Thanks for the confidence boost!!!!
You don't have to be a sweater knitter or a fast knitter to be an experienced knitter. Honestly, If you've knit a sock you have the skill to knit a sweater as they are nothing but 3 huge tubes instead of just 1. If you've seamed a hat, you can seam a sweater. You're over here doing incredible things (re-writing patterns and double knitting just to name a few) so I would say confidently that you are AT LEAST an intermediate knitter
@@taccora Thank you. An accident left me unable to sit up so I've learned to knit laying on my side. It limits me in some ways but given time, which I have plenty of, I'll gain confidence and the sky will be the limit :)
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Seriously? You've never knit a sweater? I've done loads of both garter and stockinette but with no shaping. Years ago, I took a two color knitting class and made a hat. Academically, I understand "how to" do more stitches than I actually use. I signed up for a KAL this year that teaches Japanese chart reading...and I can basically follow along. My thoughts are that if I can expose myself to various squares of assorted stitch combos...squares with no shaping, per se...that I'll level up my knitting game, and that maybe someday, I can put them together into a shaped garment like a sweater.
I’m an advanced/intermediate!! I thought I might be a beginning int.!! The one advanced technique which I recently got into is stranded colorwork!! And I have two amazing designers whom I constantly look to for inspiration who are at least partially to blame for it!!
Here I am! Late to the party as always! According to what you've said, I'd be an experienced knitter, but I, honestly, never thought about it. If I saw a pattern I liked and ran up on something I didn't understand, I asked a knitter how to do it, or looked it up on youtube, then went ahead and knit it! The day my sister taught me to knit, she showed me a cast on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. She left me with two colors of yarn and some needles and told me to practice. Said she'd give me a couple of days with it before checking on me. I don't know what she expected me to show her, but it must NOT have been the striped, ribbed scarf I came out of my room holding up for her! The shocked look on her face!!!😆She shuffled me into her car and to my very first yarn shop that day and showed the owner what I'd done. That's when I KNEW I'd found my happiness. They enjoyed just throwing patterns at me and going, "OOOO! Try this one!" and I enjoyed trying them! So, I agree with you. What's skill level if you're adventurous?
I might be the only one who overestimated their skill! I thought I was intermediate, but I'm more like easy-verging-on-intermediate. 🤷♀️ Also I like that this felt like a pep talk encouraging me to try new skills. Like, there's tons of instructional video and advice out there, so why not?
I thought I was a beginner, but I have decades of Crocheting and watched my mom knit all the time. I've dabbled with knitting but always preferred crocheting. I picked up needles again yesterday. I fell back into continental right away and had to change my first hat pattern because I'm not a fan of just knit/pearl. The one I chose is intermediate and I'm LOVING it. Never thought I was a knitter... I guess I am!
Yes you are right, I put myself as a beginner. However when I thought back on all my project's, I realized I've done many different patterns and color block, lace patterns too. So ha ha 😂 thank you. Big New Zealand 🇳🇿 fan
Your shawls & items just behind you in these videos are way beyond great. The colors & stitches take me to another place, another world. In fact they are so beautiful as to be distracting, but keep them coming!! Today the mustard brown & purple yarns chasing through the rows make me think of Morocco, or medieval Italy. They are superb!! They are, in every sense, art. Thanks for sharing, I’m inspired. ❤
One of the first things I tried after I started knitting 50+ years ago was a sweater-pieces and seaming. I love doing cables and that was probably the first “intermediate technique ” I tried. I could probably write a book and what not to do including what yarns not to use for wet projects. I would still probably consider myself advanced intermediate Mainly because there are some techniques that I’m not that interested including Argyle and fair isle. And mostly self taught in an era long before UA-cam but I did have a few accomplish friends point me in the right direction on things like not twisting my stitches unintentionally.
Thank you for this, because I tend to call myself a beginner knitter, but I've done cables, brioche....I love brioche knitting! Thank you for helping me appreciate my knitting skills!
Well, I’ve been knitting for about 15 months, but I am a fearless knitter. I guess I am experienced, despite my short time working on it. If there’s a video tutorial, I’ll try it. So, yes, I am knitting a shawl with lace, cables, simple color work, an I-cord edging. I have finished two-color brioche hats with brioche decreases. I have knitted a cardigan shaped with short rows and seamed together. I have knitted socks with German short row heels and toes and socks with grafted toes and decorative welts. I have knitted stranded color work a mosaic color work and like using charts. If you’re at all adventurous, do try some of Stephen West’s patterns. He has great tutorials and breaks complicated things down into easy parts. It’s a great way to advance one’s skill level!
I totally get you. I'll try just about anything once. But I also know people who have been knitting for 20+ years who have never done anything other than garter stitch. And if that is what makes you happy then great!
I’m the fearless knitter. I started last year with locals telling me “you can’t do that!” (Make socks as my first project - though a scarf or square would have had zero motivation for me!). UA-cam and a friend on messenger and I did. DPN’s, GSRheels, Kitchener, etc. I attended my first fiber festival and was too new for many classes offered. I took a “knitting fixes” class and was told I had to “learn to do it the right way” (English - I knit continental; didn’t know it had a name then) and that I shouldn’t have been allowed in the class. I went away knowing everything taught in the class and with no fear of fixing. This year, I was too advanced for any of the classes offered at the fiber festival. I went straight from in the round short rows to reverse thrumming, shaping, stranded colorwork, double knit colorwork, lace, mosaics, just finished my first cables (super easy and cute!) and am doing a raglan sweater with two-sided charted lace edges. There are/were gaps in my knowledge that I’m filling in over time, but I definitely fall under experienced it seems. But I started out trying intermediate-advanced. I think jumping right in and not being scared of it allows you to learn more, because you learn as much or more from mistakes, and if the FO is what motivates you, a boring FO won’t do the job.
I began knitting five years ago to help my 3 daughters, who all had various degrees of interest in knitting at that time. I wanted to learn so I could help them if they got stuck. A friend gave me two lessons and the rest I learned through books, iPhone apps and UA-cam. The friend who taught me labeled me a “knitting prodigy.” I thought that she was way overrating my skills, as, in the beginning weeks, I really struggled learning knits and purls and consistent tension, etc. But, in a few weeks’ time I found that I took to knitting (and two years later to crochet) like a duck takes to water. I was definitely an adventurous beginner. I think I learned intarsia and Fair Aisle and cables and lace knitting all in that first year of knitting. So I guess I went from beginner to experienced rather quickly. It’s funny to me that a friend from church, who was knitting many years before me, will come to me for advice. She is one of those who has stayed at the beginner or easy level because she is very content to just knit garter stitch and simple knitting projects like dishcloths. We both share the love of knitting, it just manifests differently for each of us. So, following your encouragement, I proudly proclaim myself and experienced knitter.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit It's okay! I just wasn't expecting to be hit with "You're better than you think you are" out of the blue like that. I think I just needed to hear it that day. So thank you. ❤️
I taught myself to knit and crochet, my grandmother showed me a single crochet and that's all I learned growing up 🫣😂 So after having my 5 kids and wanting a hobby to destress I started dabbling in knitting and crocheting 2 years ago at 31. Best decision was to grab a needle and hook, I remember when I learned how to make stockinette after garter (with your video to assist) and I felt like a pro 😂😂 I make my daughter a blanket for her doll and she was very pleased with the outcome. I did learn about the rolling on that one though and why the garter boarder is a good idea to pair with. ☺️
Thanks for this confidence boost! I’ve learned I’m a fearless beginner who has jumped into the deep end by working an intermediate pattern right out of the gate. I’ve only been knitting a couple of months and have never done a project, I’ve only practiced on swatches. But I found a shawl pattern I liked and the designer assured me it was “beginner friendly”. She didn’t read the yarn council guidelines because it has multiple kinds of lace! But I’m glad I didn’t know better because I’m learning so much and it’s motivating to see this beautiful thing come to be. So at the end of this first project I’ll be comfortable saying I’m an inexperienced intermediate knitter!
So right. I have very little experience but listening to this I would say I'm borderline intermediate. I tried brioche and was successful, just really slow 😅 I think people judge on how easy they find something and how quickly they finish, rather than the success they have.
By these categories, I am an expert as I have done all of the types of knitting involved. I just picked a pattern I wanted to try and knit it - like intarsia, a more experienced knitting once told me, "if I can knit and purl I could do intarsia"; so I knit a child's sweater and hat, not even thinking of what level of knitting I was at. The knitting came out very nice.
I just started knitting a few days ago, so I knew I was obviously a beginner, *but* this video was definitely helpful in introducing me to skills I might want to learn in the future!
I guess I'm an easy knitter. And I did think I was a beginner. Still don't feel like an easy, but I've done decreases so I guess there's that. Currently knitting a basic scarf, and when I'm done with this there's a matching hat. And that'll be nice because it's the same pattern just in the round and I can see exactly how that translates.
I think, if you want to knit something bad enough, you will learn to knit it. Socks - first I knit with worsted weight, then DK, then simple pattern with sock yarn. It took a while but now my toes are nice and warm.
I started knitting in March, so I put myself firmly in the Beginner category before the video. Now I would say I’m an adventurous Intermediate! Give me a new pattern, some yarn, needles and UA-cam and we’ll figure it out! Thanks Barbara for all of your great videos.
I think part of what determines your skill level is also what you’re capable of “figuring out.” Like I don’t *think* I’ve ever seen short rows in a pattern before, but after knitting for nearly 20 years and doing a breadth of different techniques, I could probably figure out how to do it. The first time I did a pattern using Japanese stitches and charts I about ripped my hair out (it was a sampler piece and I swear used just about everything out of the Stitch Bible), but with some effort I was able to figure it out on my own without help. I think this is also why people vastly underestimate their own abilities-with experience comes being able to interpret patterns, adjust patterns that don’t suit your preferences, avoid and fix mistakes, etc. People don’t really realize how much they’re able to do!
Wow, thank you Barbara. I believed I was an advanced beginner...now, after watching this video I am actually an beginning intermediate! Thank you for this video! I am actually, also, becoming an adventurous! You are absolutely correct! it is just yarn and needles!!!
I do like to stay humble when asked what kind of knitter I am because there is always something to learn. Now having made socks I am not a beginner BUT I have not done color work and have not read through a grid pattern or cables. So a bit of this and a bit of that and am looking forward to being more knowledgeable and sharing with others in group project knit a longs!!! Thanks, Barbara
Dear Barbara, having had a short period of guidance in high school from a friend's mother, I have mostly learned knitting things from books. Now it's UA-cam videos. God bless all who put those up! I never thought of myself as more than an advanced beginner, maybe leaning towards a bit higher. After your request and due consideration, I have to say I am an experienced knitter. I can do cables and lace, fair isle and entre Mac. I am fairly confident using a scarf pattern to make a blanket. I can make substitutions of yarns and weights. I do a lot that I hadn't really thought about. I've made maybe 3 sweaters.... And one was in fashion and fit! Tons of fingerless mitts and hats. I have knit small critters and large softies. Even knit a mama kangaroo and her joey. Yes there was pouch for the joey. I think the reason I rated myself lower because,I've only had feedback from non knitters. As well as being self taught, on most techniques. But I knit by the maxim; if it has been done, it can be done. Kat
As always, I feel you're talking directly to me!!! I'm the first to yell that I'm a beginner! I just taught myself to knit in April. But... I've done cables, I've done ribbing, I've done DPN's, I've done color work, tons of short rows, and I'm working on a massively complicated lace in a silk lace yarn. So, well... not really a beginner! I would say I'm an intermediate who's not afraid of a challenge, and taking any pattern one stitch at a time!
Wow... what a confidence booster....I don’t enjoy shaping or sewing up so always considered myself a beginner... but having just learned basic lace and really enjoy complex cables... I now stay with blankets and throws so I actually get to complete projects. Loved this and thank you
as someone who just finally got knitting to "click" for me a week & a half ago...starting with experimenting with stitch combinations in wash cloths/dish cloths, then starting a 10-Stitch blanket, i just started your 2 row lace crescent shawl...i would probably consider myself somewhere between Adventurous Beginner & Low Intermediate, but steadily moving toward full-on Intermediate as my confidence grows with each new "Ah-Ha!" moment!
I called myself a beginner knit. But I think I am an Easy adventurous knitter. Where I use circulars, DPNS; some lace and short rows. I'm working on my skills to move to the intermediate category. I enjoy challenging myself.
You are so right in how we knitters self-assess. Based on what you and the Craft Council are saying, I am an Advanced knitter, as I have done everything on the advanced list many, many times over. Plus I test patterns all of the time. Before this video, I would have thought I was an Intermediate knitter. This was really clarifying and also, a great confidence booster too 🤗
At the beginning I thought I was intermediate knitter. Now I will say I’m advanced. Thank you for this video. So very helpful. I am a fearless knitter and I jump in. It’s yarn….. it can be ripped out and start over. The beauty of knitting. You get to start over if you make a mistake. I have frogged many projects because of errors and because I did not like how they were turning out. But I always find a better project for the yarn 🧶. I’m a lazy knitter. I don’t know how to “fix” errors in my knitting. I just frog back and try again. My goal is to learn to “read my knitting and to fix errors”. But that is not as much fun as knitting and knitting ( frigging when needed). Lol. You are great. So glad I found you!
You are a doll. I truly enjoyed your video and determined I'm an intermediate. Short rows, a mosaic with a chart, color changes, a lace-type, seaming pieces & easing collars/sleeves, shaping, top down/bottom up, DPN's …wow..I'm ready for cables, now! My challenge-instructions that aren't clear enough for my right sided brain. Thanks again! Patti
lol i started at 4 yrs old with oma ( beloved grandma) and i have been knitting for 58yrs. i do fair island, cables, lace and sweater in 4xl for hubby and med. for me. tons of socks over the year.
I thought I was a rusty advanced beginner, but I can say I am an adventurous intermediate! I love socks and dpns, and I have done some cable work on gloves and a sweater. I learned very early as a child, then knitted on and off into my 30s and 40s. In the back of my mind I always thought I’d be an experienced knitter by the time I retired, but then said, “what’re you thinking! there’s no better time than the present to learn intarsia and fair isle!” So learning those new skills are on my to-do list this year. Great video!
I thought I was a beginner but I'm actually in the intermediate category because I have kmit cables a few times and I'm currently knitting my first shawl. It's very refreshing and I got a confidence boost in myself watching this video. So thank you for posting this. Have a great day 😄
Based on these categories, I am an advanced knitter, who chooses to knit patterns that are more in the intermediate category. I learned to knit in 1966, when there was no UA-cam, no internet, and just a few knitting books at the library. My first project was a turtleneck sweater with cables. 😅. There was no one to tell me that this was not a beginner pattern. 😳. I loved lace, but hated adding lifelines. Interchangeable needles made lifelines a snap! I learned to knit fair isle from a great Canadian kit that had me knitting in the round. At 72, I have less tolerance for complex patterns. However I do not like boring knitting...unless I am watching videos or TV. If I have to pay attention to every stitch of a complex pattern, this is no longer a pleasure...and I just don’t do it anymore. I love your patterns, Barbara. Please keep creating! 💐💜🙏🏼
Thought I was beginner. But I am intermediate. Just need to be an adventurer. Be brave. I truly want to make a pullover jumper/sweater. Just moved into hats. Making striped elf hats for my family of 64. On hat 23. Wow has casting on and rib stitching started to make sense and " look" like knitting. Wahoo!!
I thought I was an advanced beginner, but you're right, I think many of us underestimate our skills... based on your explanations I'm a strong intermediate knitter!
I am an experience crocheter so I decided to teach myself to knit at the beginning of quarantine. I love a challenge, so even though I have been knitting less than a year, I have make lace, complete cables, mosaic, short rows, and all kinds of other patterns that involve lots of techniques. Before your video I would have said I’m intermediate due to the time I’ve been knitting, but I now consider my selves closer to the advanced category.
I don't do other people's patterns. I watch other people do stuff that I think I might like and just knit things. I can do complex fair isle and intarsia - slowly and if I want to - but I like to keep things simple where possible - for example I have never yet done cables (because I haven't seen the need). I am actually not that experienced - but my mother was - and I watched her loads - that mainly is where my confidence comes from.
I taught myself to knit with a scarf kit and plastic needles from Target, way back in grad. school. Even after all those years, I would have placed myself as maybe Intermediate (easily an "advanced Easy") without having previously known the differences for skill level (yes, I thought of it more towards experience in how much I have knit and for how long). Now, looking at the skills attributed to each I am definitely and Experienced knitter! Thanks for the clarification! I do somewhat look at difficulty level for patterns first, but by now I have learned that I like to see what skills are needed and whether or not I'm up for doing them even if a pattern is labeled "easy" or "experienced". I'm the adventurous type!
One year late, but I am an experienced knitter. Taught myself to knit using aluminum needles, acrylic yarn, and a Learn to Knit Sunset booklet 40 years ago and never stopped.
Hi Barbara, Once again you have challenged me as to how I view myself as a knitter. I fall in the intermediate skill level knitter, since I've knitted lace, cables, simple fair isle, short rows and more in hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, cowls, shawls, socks and baby/child sweaters. I haven't knitted an adult sweater but that's next on my list. I do get intimidated when I see a pattern that says "Experienced" because I don't feel I've reached that level of knitting yet. But I do believe that as I improve on the skills I have and are open to learning new skills I will reach that level. In the meantime I'm just going to enjoy whatever is on my needles. Thanks for this wonderful topic/podcast!
I'm an intermediate knitter, which is where I thought I was. Thank you so, so, SOOO much for the bit about adventurous knitters, because I'm very adventurous. Give me an experienced pattern any day, I will go online and learn how to do it. In fact, I like to say that I'm actually an experienced knitter, I just don't have enough exposure yet (to experienced techniques). But, every pattern gets me closer to that level!
You'll get there soon. And then you'll find more things you want to learn and just when you think you've got it someone will invent something new and we get to explore and learn and have fun forever!
After many years crocheting, I started knitting at the beginning of the pandemic. Before watching this video, I considered my self an "advanced" beginner, now I think I'm on the cusp of being a solid intermediate. I taught myself the continental style of knitting and the Norwegian purl and just finished a scarf with cables. I've completed swatches of single color brioche and a lacy pattern of hearts. In fairness, I just can't replicate the skills I've tried without a refresher but once I get the rhythm down, it's off to the races! I would describe myself as a process knitter. I want to start doing stranded color work in my next project; and then a simple sweater. I attribute my success to teachers like you!
I am an adventurous intermediate knitter in that I tackle patterns I am drawn to without regard to skill level. I love the challenge of new stitches and drawn strongly to pieces with interesting textural patterns. I have never knit Fair Isle ( not a fan of busy colour patterns) but love cable work. I jump between knit and crochet with ease, depending on the whims of my current state of mind. For me patterns must always contain an element, which in a useful piece, will create something unique and original.
Your video was very informative. I thought I was a beginner, which made me think twice about pattern choices. But I'm also adventurous. So now I would say I'm an intermediate. Thank you for boosting my knitting convidence.
I definitely thought I was a beginner but it turns out I’m an intermediate knitter I’m really glad I saw this video totally gave me a confidence boost today
I too, thought myself Easy. After seeing that I accomplished everything on the lists for both Beginner & Easy, then checking the Intermediate skills, it appears I’ve accomplished some of the Intermediate ones. I would say I’m a budding Intermediate. Frankly, I’m really surprised…and happy! Thanks Barbara.
I know this video is a couple of years old, but I just found you this evening, so I beg forgiveness for my tardiness in replying. First, I would have initially deemed myself a beginner or advanced beginner, having only been knitting for a few months. After watching this, however, I would formally put myself into the intermediate category. Partially because I’ve now knit several hats in the round, an asymmetrical shawl with lace components, several scarves with fairly intricate cable patterns and such. I knew coming in that I had three goals, I wanted to knit socks (still working on this), I wanted to knit sweaters (one on the needles now) and I wanted to knit big, beautiful, lacy shawls ( which I’ve accomplished once and have another in the needles). I’m one who thrives on learning and growing in all that I do (I’ve taught myself how to spin yarn, weave and knit over the course of the past 9 months) and even though I’m retired, my motto has always been that the day you stop learning is the day you die, and I’m nowhere ready to die lol. Will be tracking you down on Ravelry and FB. Thank you!
I thought that I was in the Adventurous Beginner category but that just went out the window. I’m definitely in the Adventurous Intermediate category, I’ve done Lace, Short rows, special stitches, I’ve made your Sparrow hat and I’m getting ready to tackle a project with Cables. I practice stitches and patterns by making Dishcloths. Thanks for the encouragement 🧶
I just realized after almost 4 years of knitting that I am actually not a beginner anymore...I'm an intermediate knitter now. I always went for beginner/easy patterns, but it's time to branch out, and so far the harder patterns I have taken on are really not that scary. Good topic for a video. Thank you..
I'm happy to say I'm an experienced knitter. :) And one thing I realised over time is that people often minimize their skill because of badly written patterns. I've seen patterns so hard to understand I had to ignore parts of them and figure out a way to end up with the same result. And error is human - sometimes there are mistakes. I've seen people get discouraged because of that, thinking they chose a pattern too complicated for their skill, and it's a shame. I do think, however, that *understanding* what you're doing - not just reading and doing - and being able to un-knit intricate stitches to fix a mistake on your part or being able to spot mistakes in a pattern and correct them, comes with a certain level of skill and experience.
You are absolutely right. I always referred to myself as as adventurous beginner because of modesty sake; I've only been knitting for about 2 years so it felt boastful to claim more than that. But according to what you've reviewed here I'm darn near an experienced knitter. I was finding errors in the 3rd pattern that I ever knit up, and by my 5th project I was writing out my own pattern for a top-down raglan sweater with staghorn cables-- did I bite off more than I could chew with that? Yes, but it was a perfect example as to how I really dove in to knitting head first. After just over a year of knitting I started test knitting for a couple of pretty big knitwear designers and I absolutely *love* tech editing patterns!! I *adore* brioche, and that ladies at my knitting group who have been knitting for 20-30 years have been just staggered by my ability to pick things up without worrying about it... I guess I *am* a fearless knitter! Thanks Barbara for helping me recognize this ❤️
I always thought I was a beginner, even after doing a couple colorwork sweaters for my nieces years ago. I'm experienced in all the technical attributes of an intermediate knitter, but yet have experienced lace, Fair Isle, cables, or even Raglan sweaters. So on with my experience in learning a Raglan, then inspiration is there for a Fair Isle. I want a cable sweater some day.
Now I’m definitely not a beginner.. I done 2 MKALs shawls which had lace work! Working on the Massallo shawl by Brooklyn Boy Knits which uses slip stitches and has color changes , and have memorized a lot of the knit lingo, have done increases , decreases , some short rows which I probably have to refresh my memory did the knit collage spring knit along all have video tutorials so that has made it somewhat easy for me to follow and complete the project .. so I think this makes me an adventurous intermediate knitter 🤔
Late to the party on this one, but I am an intermediate - experienced knitter who would probably have said she was easy - intermediate before the video. You were right. Fun to know
WOW, what a surprise! I've always thought I was not so advanced... I just discovered I am an intermediate knitter! I rarely look at the level when I pick a pattern... only the final result made me choose this one pattern. I might be a little bit crazy, but I like challenging myself and with the time, I just learned more and more this way... even if sometimes, it kind of brought me some frustrations. But each difficulty pushed me to think again and try again until reaching my goal. Another point to take into consideration, I am a sewer too... so knitting flat seems obvious to me, as there are the same steps than sewing. Thank you very much Barbara!
I've been considering myself an intermediate knitter for a while. And that is spot on! Based on these suggestions, I'm a solid intermediate, edging into an adventurous intermediate. =)
I learned to knit by making socks on DPNs with my Swiss grandma who spoke no English and I didn't speak her language but she got her points across and I learned. So I was kinda tossed into the deep end right off the bat. 😊
At the beginning of this video I would have classified myself as a beginner but I truly know that I am an intermediate knitter. Each project that I choose is more and more difficult plus the quality of the yarn I choose is much better. Knitting has become my passion! Thank you
I am actually a beginner, only having done scarves and am in the middle of a really simple blanket with only knits and purls so far, but I am AFTER that intermediate level. My next project I'm going to learn to cord, and the world is my oyster from there mwahahaha! (Thank you for this video, it really helped!)
Very interesting topic. I guess I would be considered an experienced knitter. I have knit a few of your mosaic shawls, done brioche, double knitting, lace shawls, cables galore, some stranded knitting, socks (plain, colorwork, mosaic, made up my own design), sweaters, Xandy Peters's Fox Paws. I have taken a class from Patty Lyons in one of the Vogue Knitting Live retreats and she said that knitting is not hard or scary if you just knit one stitch at a time. Same year I took a class on double knitting with Lucy Neatby and left with a kit to make a double knit shawl in fingering weight yarn with a design of a monarch butterfly. One stitch at a time was the trick and I got a beautiful double knit shawl. I used to be scarred of making a mistake but with time I am making mistakes in complex cable design and rather then ripping back 16 rows (over 200 stitches per row), I fix 16 rows of just the cable that got of course. It's exhilarating. One stitch at a time. By the way, your shawl shapes knitting videos are awesome and your laugh is the best.
Good pep talk video on acknowledging skill level. I thought that I was an intermediate... but, perhaps I have crossed (or am about to cross over) into the advanced category. I've made socks, hats, mittens, have worked plenty of cables and have done fair isle (stranded) knitting working with a needle in both hands to tack down the floats. I still make mistakes left and right and always kick myself for not using a safety line in my work.
This is so funny and true of me. I thought I was a beginner but I started knitting lace and cables on my first rectangle shawls and blankets, hats and color changes. I thought I was a beginner because I hadn't knitted for long. That was 15 years ago and only about 3 years ago I decided I was intermediate because I can now knit socks. Looks like I'm almost getting into advanced except I don't think I will ever be because fair isle and intarsia does not appeal to me as I don't like all the fiddling with so much yarn and I don't like weaving in ends. So I will now say I am delving into being an experienced or advanced knitter. (However I am at a lower level of understanding written patterns :-) )
I’m in the intermediate level, I’ve tried intarsa, fair isle and brioche knitting. They gave me a head ache. Self taught learner, when I started knitting I knew c/o, knit and purl. What I had and still have trouble with is tension. I can cable, yo, lace yet I’m still learning new stitches. I’ve tried one or two of your shawl patterns, yet I have never finished them. I find that I’ll get bored and start something new. I currently have a few wips so I can change if I get bored of it. My current wip as of this post are gloves at my daughters request, let’s see how that goes. If I manage to finish the set I’ll come back and let you know.
It sounds like you need to stick with smaller, more immediate gratification, projects. Maybe cowls. I am curious about how you do on the gloves. I could never knit gloves - all of those fingers and associated ends ...... noooooooooo!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit oh I've knitted shawls and cowls before, I don't know why I get excited to learn a new pattern or a stitch and before I know it. I'm looking for something else to work on. I've seen so many beautiful patterns to buy and I just don't because I know that I'll just leave it. I have the same problem with crochet. I've completed items and I've left some unfinished.
Good talk Barbara! I usually say adventurous beginner but I guess I'm an intermediate. I need to turn on the fearless genes and get going. Thank you for the encouragement!
I am still an easy knitter, but starting to feel good enough about my knitting to try some of the things in intermediate. Definitely feeling exited about that 😊!
You're right, the levels refer to skills, not to time, how long you have been knitting. When I was a teen I was knitting sweaters and steaking them, I just didn't know what it was called, or that it was supposed to be dificult. There will always be a limit to putting things 'in boxes' when it comes to people. We're all different 😘
Another fun video! I learned to knit about 25 yrs ago in a class with a teacher who was great! The first project was an Icelandic sweater in the round with circular needles (double pointed for the cuffs and neck), 3 colors and Kitchener stitch. She showed us how to unknit, read our knitting and a pattern. I knitted a second one for my husband and then knitted a sweater with cables. Since then I've knitted lace scarfs and lots of socks. I haven't tried many color projects, somehow this is scarier territory than texture and playing with stitch combinations. I had a long hiatus not knitting at all and restarted in the spring. The wealth of information from generous knitters such as you and others has been a life saver. I learned magic loop, short rows and haven't looked back. I would say I'm intermediate. A well-written pattern can be the most helpful in all cases. If I get stuck I check UA-cam or one of my books. I am currently knitting a top down sweater, learning new techniques and challenges. I think using various type of fibers fits in here somewhere? Love your videos, a mix of technique and entertainment!
I'm so glad you like the video and it sounds like you jumped into the deep end with both feet. In my brain I think of my videos as "Knittertainment" LOL.
I taught myself to knit from books. My first project was a baby romper/onesie with long sleeves and legs. My second (I think) project was a colorwork Christmas stocking. I guess I jumped ahead a bit. :D 30 years later I would say I am an experienced knitter. I think that crocheting for about 18 years before seeing the romper pattern and saying "I want to make that" probably helped with the quick knitting advancement.
I have only recently learnt to knit, I am trying to add a new skill with each pattern so I can learn and improve. I did a scarf (learnt cast on/off, knit/purl) Then I did a basic hat (learnt additional skills of working in the round, magic loop and decreases) then socks (heel and gusset) I am currently doing a basic jumper and I have another patterned jumper planned, that builds on what I am learning from the basic jumper. It is a way of learning that seems to be working for me.
I am probably Intermediate and have knit years of beginning stitches and made up my own patterns. Now I am going to try more advanced techniques. Part of my motivation is to try and use up my huge stash of yarn!
THought I was intermediate....but I'm and expert knitter. Yes I'm proud. Thanks for parting the curtains on this issue!!
I thought I was a beginner knitter but I am more in the easy category and going into intermediate skill level. And have only been doing this about a month. I really enjoy knitting
When you're hooked you can progress very quickly!
Love your video. I've only been knitting for four months and have done cable and fisherman's rib (with much unraveling and reknitting and learning) but I have learned more by tackling these projects than doing just more of the same.
Yes, adding skills by finding things you want to make is awesome!
I’ve only recently started knitting (couple of months) and at the beginning of the video, I’d have said I was beginner. Having watched it, I’m definitely in the easy category and just starting to dabble in intermediate... which I wasn’t expecting! Thanks for the heads up... and confidence boost! 🧶
keep knitting you will "level up" fast
This is exactly why I wanted to make this video!
I’m straddling the line between easy and intermediate but rapidly progressing. I think the adventurous knitter label fits me to a tee.
I love adventurous knitters!
I thought I was just an adventurous beginner. However, now I’m an adventurous intermediate knitter (is that was an option 😂)
You can make up whatever title you want darlin.
Thank you for this! I’d have to say that I’m an experienced knitter, because I’ve done multiple very intricate beaded lace shawls, I just finished a shawl with Celtic-knot style closed cables, I’ve done plenty of short rows, and I’ve done several stranded knitting projects. However, I know that there is still SO much out there to learn, so much I haven’t done - I’ve never knit any brioche, never done any intarsia, never done any stranded knitting using more than two colors, and I’ve somehow messed up the stitch count on every pair of socks I’ve ever made, no matter how basic! Being an experienced knitter does not mean you’ve got nothing left to learn or improve upon. As an aside, I wonder if that’s why people don’t often rate the difficulty of patterns at a 10/10 - maybe they feel like it didn’t hit that imaginary ceiling of difficulty.
That is a really interesting thought! Thank so much for your comment.
Celtic Myths by any chance? mine is still on the needles, I have about half the cable section left to finish
I thought I was intermediate but after watching I am experienced. Thank you
Very cool! Glad I got you thinking.
Barbara, you are the embodiment of Encouragement! I hope this excellent video will let people see that those labels should not be roadblocks on their knitting journey.
Remember when Bugs Bunny defied the law of gravity, because he'd never studied law? When I switched from crochet to knitting, I didn't (and still don't) follow patterns, but made things up on the fly. I tried whatever technique I was interested in, but in an improvisational way, sometimes with no finished object in mind. If anyone asked what I was knitting, I'd answer "Experience". Like Bugs Bunny, I often succeeded only because I didn't know I was supposed to fail; that lace, brioche, entrelac, colorwork, etc. were all supposed to be beyond my status as a "beginner".
In some ways, I wish they'd let us look at patterns without a skill level indication. Intimidation is the enemy of an adventurous spirit and curiosity based learning. My first pair of (improvised, of course) fingerless mitts was early on in my journey. It was also the first time I used DPNS, and when I got to the thumb holes, I decided to learn the Knit Back Backwards technique. If I'd seen a pattern that was labeled "Advanced" because of these techniques, I'd probably have been intimidated and walked away, maybe forever as respects those skills.
How would I rate myself now? Who cares? I'm just a knitter, and I'm so darn cute, I don't even need a rank.
That is an awesome attitude! If someone doesn't want to have a label then I will not put one on them. And I do not label my patterns with skill levels - I just list the stitches and techniques involved.
I'm definitely an adventurous knitter. If I see a pattern I really want to make, I will learn how to make it.
You and me both! It's super fun.
I thought I was an adventurous beginner knitter but after watching this I know am a FEARLESS INTERMEDIATE 💪🏽🥳
You go!
I am Norwegian and started doing stranded colorwork(Fair Isle) when I was around 12 years old, but I did not try any lace or cables until I was 24. I always find it interesting that stranded colorwork is so intimidating to Americans as in Norway is it what you try as soon as you are ready to move on from basic knitting.
It is so interesting how different cultures approach knitting differently!
Thanks for your feedback- you have made it sound less daunting.
I just found this video and really enjoyed it. I was right where I thought I was in the intermediate category. I have to say I don’t pay a lot of attention to categories. I look at the pattern and see how much I don’t know. If it is one or two techniques I’ll probably give it a shot. There are some techniques I haven’t tried yet but that just means I haven’t fallen in love with a pattern that utilized that technique (mosaic, enterlac). But then I tend to leave lace out when discussing my skill set, since I have done so little. I haven’t done much lace knitting because I don’t enjoy it. But if I fall in love with a pattern I’ll muddle through it.
Well, I'm an intermediate knitter thinking I'm always a beginner...happy to have done this exercises
I just recently filled out a questionnaire where I chose "advanced beginner" but now I think I'm intermediate!!!❤ I've done lace, short rows, cables, and LOVE double knitting. I even re-write patterns if I want something different. But, I'm slow and have never knit a sweater so I kept my skill level low. Thanks for the confidence boost!!!!
I've never knit a sweater either .... what level knitter do you think I am? ;) LOL
You don't have to be a sweater knitter or a fast knitter to be an experienced knitter. Honestly, If you've knit a sock you have the skill to knit a sweater as they are nothing but 3 huge tubes instead of just 1. If you've seamed a hat, you can seam a sweater. You're over here doing incredible things (re-writing patterns and double knitting just to name a few) so I would say confidently that you are AT LEAST an intermediate knitter
@@taccora Thank you. An accident left me unable to sit up so I've learned to knit laying on my side. It limits me in some ways but given time, which I have plenty of, I'll gain confidence and the sky will be the limit :)
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Seriously? You've never knit a sweater? I've done loads of both garter and stockinette but with no shaping. Years ago, I took a two color knitting class and made a hat. Academically, I understand "how to" do more stitches than I actually use. I signed up for a KAL this year that teaches Japanese chart reading...and I can basically follow along. My thoughts are that if I can expose myself to various squares of assorted stitch combos...squares with no shaping, per se...that I'll level up my knitting game, and that maybe someday, I can put them together into a shaped garment like a sweater.
I’m an advanced/intermediate!! I thought I might be a beginning int.!! The one advanced technique which I recently got into is stranded colorwork!! And I have two amazing designers whom I constantly look to for inspiration who are at least partially to blame for it!!
I am an advanced/Intermediate knitter. I have been knitting for 17 years and just started trying to tackle advanced complex patterns and stitches.
Before I saw your video I would have said I was intermediate but I now happily realise that I’m actually experienced/ advanced. Wow!!
See - don't underestimate yourself!
I couldn’t agree more! I know so many sock knitters that don’t think they can knit a simple sweater?!?! It’s so fun to show them that they can!!!
Yeah, if you can knit a sock you can knit a sweater. Heels are way harder than shoulders LOL!
You are the Bob Ross of knitting! Your videos are so reassuring and take away all my anxiety about knitting... Thank you ❤️
Well, that is an absolutely lovely complement. Thank you!
Here I am! Late to the party as always! According to what you've said, I'd be an experienced knitter, but I, honestly, never thought about it. If I saw a pattern I liked and ran up on something I didn't understand, I asked a knitter how to do it, or looked it up on youtube, then went ahead and knit it! The day my sister taught me to knit, she showed me a cast on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. She left me with two colors of yarn and some needles and told me to practice. Said she'd give me a couple of days with it before checking on me. I don't know what she expected me to show her, but it must NOT have been the striped, ribbed scarf I came out of my room holding up for her! The shocked look on her face!!!😆She shuffled me into her car and to my very first yarn shop that day and showed the owner what I'd done. That's when I KNEW I'd found my happiness. They enjoyed just throwing patterns at me and going, "OOOO! Try this one!" and I enjoyed trying them! So, I agree with you. What's skill level if you're adventurous?
KNIT ALL THE THINGS!
Great video! I thought I was an advanced beginner. And then I looked down at the brioche sweater on my needles. I'm moving up to team "intermidate" 😊.
I hope you said Oopsie! out loud.
I might be the only one who overestimated their skill! I thought I was intermediate, but I'm more like easy-verging-on-intermediate. 🤷♀️
Also I like that this felt like a pep talk encouraging me to try new skills. Like, there's tons of instructional video and advice out there, so why not?
It was intended to be a pep-talk so I am so glad that was your take-away!
I thought I was a beginner, but I have decades of Crocheting and watched my mom knit all the time. I've dabbled with knitting but always preferred crocheting. I picked up needles again yesterday. I fell back into continental right away and had to change my first hat pattern because I'm not a fan of just knit/pearl. The one I chose is intermediate and I'm LOVING it. Never thought I was a knitter... I guess I am!
Yes you are right, I put myself as a beginner.
However when I thought back on all my project's, I realized I've done many different patterns and color block, lace patterns too. So ha ha 😂 thank you. Big New Zealand 🇳🇿 fan
Your shawls & items just behind you in these videos are way beyond great. The colors & stitches take me to another place, another world. In fact they are so beautiful as to be distracting, but keep them coming!! Today the mustard brown & purple yarns chasing through the rows make me think of Morocco, or medieval Italy. They are superb!! They are, in every sense, art. Thanks for sharing, I’m inspired. ❤
I gotta show off my designs LOL. I am so glad you enjoy looking at them. Thanks for watching and commenting.
One of the first things I tried after I started knitting 50+ years ago was a sweater-pieces and seaming. I love doing cables and that was probably the first “intermediate technique ” I tried. I could probably write a book and what not to do including what yarns not to use for wet projects. I would still probably consider myself advanced intermediate Mainly because there are some techniques that I’m not that interested including Argyle and fair isle. And mostly self taught in an era long before UA-cam but I did have a few accomplish friends point me in the right direction on things like not twisting my stitches unintentionally.
Thank you for this, because I tend to call myself a beginner knitter, but I've done cables, brioche....I love brioche knitting! Thank you for helping me appreciate my knitting skills!
Yay! That is precisely why I made this video.
Well, I’ve been knitting for about 15 months, but I am a fearless knitter. I guess I am experienced, despite my short time working on it. If there’s a video tutorial, I’ll try it. So, yes, I am knitting a shawl with lace, cables, simple color work, an I-cord edging. I have finished two-color brioche hats with brioche decreases. I have knitted a cardigan shaped with short rows and seamed together. I have knitted socks with German short row heels and toes and socks with grafted toes and decorative welts. I have knitted stranded color work a mosaic color work and like using charts. If you’re at all adventurous, do try some of Stephen West’s patterns. He has great tutorials and breaks complicated things down into easy parts. It’s a great way to advance one’s skill level!
I totally get you. I'll try just about anything once. But I also know people who have been knitting for 20+ years who have never done anything other than garter stitch. And if that is what makes you happy then great!
I’m the fearless knitter. I started last year with locals telling me “you can’t do that!” (Make socks as my first project - though a scarf or square would have had zero motivation for me!). UA-cam and a friend on messenger and I did. DPN’s, GSRheels, Kitchener, etc. I attended my first fiber festival and was too new for many classes offered. I took a “knitting fixes” class and was told I had to “learn to do it the right way” (English - I knit continental; didn’t know it had a name then) and that I shouldn’t have been allowed in the class. I went away knowing everything taught in the class and with no fear of fixing. This year, I was too advanced for any of the classes offered at the fiber festival. I went straight from in the round short rows to reverse thrumming, shaping, stranded colorwork, double knit colorwork, lace, mosaics, just finished my first cables (super easy and cute!) and am doing a raglan sweater with two-sided charted lace edges. There are/were gaps in my knowledge that I’m filling in over time, but I definitely fall under experienced it seems. But I started out trying intermediate-advanced. I think jumping right in and not being scared of it allows you to learn more, because you learn as much or more from mistakes, and if the FO is what motivates you, a boring FO won’t do the job.
I began knitting five years ago to help my 3 daughters, who all had various degrees of interest in knitting at that time. I wanted to learn so I could help them if they got stuck. A friend gave me two lessons and the rest I learned through books, iPhone apps and UA-cam. The friend who taught me labeled me a “knitting prodigy.” I thought that she was way overrating my skills, as, in the beginning weeks, I really struggled learning knits and purls and consistent tension, etc. But, in a few weeks’ time I found that I took to knitting (and two years later to crochet) like a duck takes to water. I was definitely an adventurous beginner. I think I learned intarsia and Fair Aisle and cables and lace knitting all in that first year of knitting. So I guess I went from beginner to experienced rather quickly. It’s funny to me that a friend from church, who was knitting many years before me, will come to me for advice. She is one of those who has stayed at the beginner or easy level because she is very content to just knit garter stitch and simple knitting projects like dishcloths. We both share the love of knitting, it just manifests differently for each of us. So, following your encouragement, I proudly proclaim myself and experienced knitter.
You go! I am proud of you!
At the beginning I thought it was a beginner/easy but now I am an intermediate heading to experienced!!
Fantastic! My work here is done. LOL
I wasn't expecting this video to make me cry. I just wanted something to listen to while cleaning.
I’m so sorry, that was truly not my intention. I hope you clean with me again!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit It's okay! I just wasn't expecting to be hit with "You're better than you think you are" out of the blue like that. I think I just needed to hear it that day. So thank you. ❤️
I taught myself to knit and crochet, my grandmother showed me a single crochet and that's all I learned growing up 🫣😂
So after having my 5 kids and wanting a hobby to destress I started dabbling in knitting and crocheting 2 years ago at 31.
Best decision was to grab a needle and hook, I remember when I learned how to make stockinette after garter (with your video to assist) and I felt like a pro 😂😂 I make my daughter a blanket for her doll and she was very pleased with the outcome.
I did learn about the rolling on that one though and why the garter boarder is a good idea to pair with. ☺️
Rolling is a hard lesson to learn. I hope you're still having fun.
Thanks for this confidence boost! I’ve learned I’m a fearless beginner who has jumped into the deep end by working an intermediate pattern right out of the gate. I’ve only been knitting a couple of months and have never done a project, I’ve only practiced on swatches. But I found a shawl pattern I liked and the designer assured me it was “beginner friendly”. She didn’t read the yarn council guidelines because it has multiple kinds of lace! But I’m glad I didn’t know better because I’m learning so much and it’s motivating to see this beautiful thing come to be. So at the end of this first project I’ll be comfortable saying I’m an inexperienced intermediate knitter!
I am betting in the months since you left this comment you've gotten even better! You go!
So right. I have very little experience but listening to this I would say I'm borderline intermediate. I tried brioche and was successful, just really slow 😅
I think people judge on how easy they find something and how quickly they finish, rather than the success they have.
That's an excellent point!
By these categories, I am an expert as I have done all of the types of knitting involved. I just picked a pattern I wanted to try and knit it - like intarsia, a more experienced knitting once told me, "if I can knit and purl I could do intarsia"; so I knit a child's sweater and hat, not even thinking of what level of knitting I was at. The knitting came out very nice.
I just started knitting a few days ago, so I knew I was obviously a beginner, *but* this video was definitely helpful in introducing me to skills I might want to learn in the future!
I guess I'm an easy knitter. And I did think I was a beginner.
Still don't feel like an easy, but I've done decreases so I guess there's that.
Currently knitting a basic scarf, and when I'm done with this there's a matching hat. And that'll be nice because it's the same pattern just in the round and I can see exactly how that translates.
Sounds like you are well on the path to intermediate!
I think, if you want to knit something bad enough, you will learn to knit it. Socks - first I knit with worsted weight, then DK, then simple pattern with sock yarn. It took a while but now my toes are nice and warm.
You kept at it and that is awesome.
I started knitting in March, so I put myself firmly in the Beginner category before the video. Now I would say I’m an adventurous Intermediate! Give me a new pattern, some yarn, needles and UA-cam and we’ll figure it out! Thanks Barbara for all of your great videos.
How long you've been knitting doesn't really say anything about your skill level! You rock.
I think part of what determines your skill level is also what you’re capable of “figuring out.” Like I don’t *think* I’ve ever seen short rows in a pattern before, but after knitting for nearly 20 years and doing a breadth of different techniques, I could probably figure out how to do it. The first time I did a pattern using Japanese stitches and charts I about ripped my hair out (it was a sampler piece and I swear used just about everything out of the Stitch Bible), but with some effort I was able to figure it out on my own without help. I think this is also why people vastly underestimate their own abilities-with experience comes being able to interpret patterns, adjust patterns that don’t suit your preferences, avoid and fix mistakes, etc. People don’t really realize how much they’re able to do!
Wow, thank you Barbara. I believed I was an advanced beginner...now, after watching this video I am actually an beginning intermediate! Thank you for this video! I am actually, also, becoming an adventurous! You are absolutely correct! it is just yarn and needles!!!
And soon you'll know even more! Yay!
I would have said a low intermediate knitter but according to this I'm an experienced knitter. Thats eye opening, and nice.
Yay for being better than you thought!
You are right!! Thought I was an adventurous beginner but I would say now I am intermediate knitter.
Rock on!
I do like to stay humble when asked what kind of knitter I am because there is always something to learn. Now having made socks I am not a beginner BUT I have not done color work and have not read through a grid pattern or cables. So a bit of this and a bit of that and am looking forward to being more knowledgeable and sharing with others in group project knit a longs!!! Thanks, Barbara
You go!
Dear Barbara, having had a short period of guidance in high school from a friend's mother, I have mostly learned knitting things from books. Now it's UA-cam videos. God bless all who put those up! I never thought of myself as more than an advanced beginner, maybe leaning towards a bit higher. After your request and due consideration, I have to say I am an experienced knitter. I can do cables and lace, fair isle and entre Mac. I am fairly confident using a scarf pattern to make a blanket. I can make substitutions of yarns and weights. I do a lot that I hadn't really thought about. I've made maybe 3 sweaters.... And one was in fashion and fit! Tons of fingerless mitts and hats. I have knit small critters and large softies. Even knit a mama kangaroo and her joey. Yes there was pouch for the joey. I think the reason I rated myself lower because,I've only had feedback from non knitters. As well as being self taught, on most techniques. But I knit by the maxim; if it has been done, it can be done. Kat
Yep - experienced! Don't undersell yourself again.
As always, I feel you're talking directly to me!!! I'm the first to yell that I'm a beginner! I just taught myself to knit in April. But... I've done cables, I've done ribbing, I've done DPN's, I've done color work, tons of short rows, and I'm working on a massively complicated lace in a silk lace yarn. So, well... not really a beginner! I would say I'm an intermediate who's not afraid of a challenge, and taking any pattern one stitch at a time!
You are a fearless knitter and that is fantastic! Thank you for your continued support.
Wow... what a confidence booster....I don’t enjoy shaping or sewing up so always considered myself a beginner... but having just learned basic lace and really enjoy complex cables... I now stay with blankets and throws so I actually get to complete projects. Loved this and thank you
I am so glad that you feel empowered!
as someone who just finally got knitting to "click" for me a week & a half ago...starting with experimenting with stitch combinations in wash cloths/dish cloths, then starting a 10-Stitch blanket, i just started your 2 row lace crescent shawl...i would probably consider myself somewhere between Adventurous Beginner & Low Intermediate, but steadily moving toward full-on Intermediate as my confidence grows with each new "Ah-Ha!" moment!
Yay for a knitting journey!
I called myself a beginner knit. But I think I am an Easy adventurous knitter. Where I use circulars, DPNS; some lace and short rows. I'm working on my skills to move to the intermediate category. I enjoy challenging myself.
You go! Sounds like you're pretty fearless too!
You are so right in how we knitters self-assess. Based on what you and the Craft Council are saying, I am an Advanced knitter, as I have done everything on the advanced list many, many times over. Plus I test patterns all of the time. Before this video, I would have thought I was an Intermediate knitter. This was really clarifying and also, a great confidence booster too 🤗
Fantastic! That's what I was hoping for.
At the beginning I thought I was intermediate knitter. Now I will say I’m advanced. Thank you for this video. So very helpful. I am a fearless knitter and I jump in. It’s yarn….. it can be ripped out and start over. The beauty of knitting. You get to start over if you make a mistake. I have frogged many projects because of errors and because I did not like how they were turning out. But I always find a better project for the yarn 🧶. I’m a lazy knitter. I don’t know how to “fix” errors in my knitting. I just frog back and try again. My goal is to learn to “read my knitting and to fix errors”. But that is not as much fun as knitting and knitting ( frigging when needed). Lol. You are great. So glad I found you!
I'm here to pump you up!
You are a doll. I truly enjoyed your video and determined I'm an intermediate.
Short rows, a mosaic with a chart, color changes, a lace-type, seaming pieces & easing collars/sleeves, shaping, top down/bottom up, DPN's …wow..I'm ready for cables, now!
My challenge-instructions that aren't clear enough for my right sided brain. Thanks again! Patti
Sometimes you just have to keep trying and find a designer who writes patterns in a way that clicks with your learning style.
lol i started at 4 yrs old with oma ( beloved grandma) and i have been knitting for 58yrs. i do fair island, cables, lace and sweater in 4xl for hubby and med. for me. tons of socks over the year.
Sounds like a lifetime of fun knitting!
I thought I was a rusty advanced beginner, but I can say I am an adventurous intermediate! I love socks and dpns, and I have done some cable work on gloves and a sweater. I learned very early as a child, then knitted on and off into my 30s and 40s. In the back of my mind I always thought I’d be an experienced knitter by the time I retired, but then said, “what’re you thinking! there’s no better time than the present to learn intarsia and fair isle!” So learning those new skills are on my to-do list this year. Great video!
Yay for being fearless.
I thought I was a beginner but I'm actually in the intermediate category because I have kmit cables a few times and I'm currently knitting my first shawl. It's very refreshing and I got a confidence boost in myself watching this video. So thank you for posting this. Have a great day 😄
I am so glad! I made this video to pump people up!
Based on these categories, I am an advanced knitter, who chooses to knit patterns that are more in the intermediate category. I learned to knit in 1966, when there was no UA-cam, no internet, and just a few knitting books at the library. My first project was a turtleneck sweater with cables. 😅. There was no one to tell me that this was not a beginner pattern. 😳. I loved lace, but hated adding lifelines. Interchangeable needles made lifelines a snap! I learned to knit fair isle from a great Canadian kit that had me knitting in the round. At 72, I have less tolerance for complex patterns. However I do not like boring knitting...unless I am watching videos or TV. If I have to pay attention to every stitch of a complex pattern, this is no longer a pleasure...and I just don’t do it anymore. I love your patterns, Barbara. Please keep creating! 💐💜🙏🏼
Another comment-er just coined the term Lazy Advanced and I am 100% stealing it. You can be Lazy Advanced with us!
Thought I was beginner. But I am intermediate. Just need to be an adventurer. Be brave. I truly want to make a pullover jumper/sweater.
Just moved into hats. Making striped elf hats for my family of 64.
On hat 23. Wow has casting on and rib stitching started to make sense and " look" like knitting. Wahoo!!
Eye opening. I thought I was easy but now I am thinking I am intermediate. I'm holding my head a little higher! Thank you!!
Yay! This is what I wanted with this video.
I thought I was an advanced beginner, but you're right, I think many of us underestimate our skills... based on your explanations I'm a strong intermediate knitter!
Excellent! You rock and I'm glad you know it now. Onward and upward to Experienced!
I am an experience crocheter so I decided to teach myself to knit at the beginning of quarantine. I love a challenge, so even though I have been knitting less than a year, I have make lace, complete cables, mosaic, short rows, and all kinds of other patterns that involve lots of techniques. Before your video I would have said I’m intermediate due to the time I’ve been knitting, but I now consider my selves closer to the advanced category.
You are fearless and that's awesome.
I don't do other people's patterns. I watch other people do stuff that I think I might like and just knit things. I can do complex fair isle and intarsia - slowly and if I want to - but I like to keep things simple where possible - for example I have never yet done cables (because I haven't seen the need). I am actually not that experienced - but my mother was - and I watched her loads - that mainly is where my confidence comes from.
I taught myself to knit with a scarf kit and plastic needles from Target, way back in grad. school. Even after all those years, I would have placed myself as maybe Intermediate (easily an "advanced Easy") without having previously known the differences for skill level (yes, I thought of it more towards experience in how much I have knit and for how long). Now, looking at the skills attributed to each I am definitely and Experienced knitter! Thanks for the clarification! I do somewhat look at difficulty level for patterns first, but by now I have learned that I like to see what skills are needed and whether or not I'm up for doing them even if a pattern is labeled "easy" or "experienced". I'm the adventurous type!
One year late, but I am an experienced knitter. Taught myself to knit using aluminum needles, acrylic yarn, and a Learn to Knit Sunset booklet 40 years ago and never stopped.
You go!
Hi Barbara, Once again you have challenged me as to how I view myself as a knitter. I fall in the intermediate skill level knitter, since I've knitted lace, cables, simple fair isle, short rows and more in hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, cowls, shawls, socks and baby/child sweaters. I haven't knitted an adult sweater but that's next on my list. I do get intimidated when I see a pattern that says "Experienced" because I don't feel I've reached that level of knitting yet. But I do believe that as I improve on the skills I have and are open to learning new skills I will reach that level. In the meantime I'm just going to enjoy whatever is on my needles. Thanks for this wonderful topic/podcast!
Enjoyment is what it is all about. And beautiful yarn LOL!
I'm an intermediate knitter, which is where I thought I was. Thank you so, so, SOOO much for the bit about adventurous knitters, because I'm very adventurous. Give me an experienced pattern any day, I will go online and learn how to do it. In fact, I like to say that I'm actually an experienced knitter, I just don't have enough exposure yet (to experienced techniques). But, every pattern gets me closer to that level!
You'll get there soon. And then you'll find more things you want to learn and just when you think you've got it someone will invent something new and we get to explore and learn and have fun forever!
After many years crocheting, I started knitting at the beginning of the pandemic. Before watching this video, I considered my self an "advanced" beginner, now I think I'm on the cusp of being a solid intermediate. I taught myself the continental style of knitting and the Norwegian purl and just finished a scarf with cables. I've completed swatches of single color brioche and a lacy pattern of hearts. In fairness, I just can't replicate the skills I've tried without a refresher but once I get the rhythm down, it's off to the races! I would describe myself as a process knitter. I want to start doing stranded color work in my next project; and then a simple sweater. I attribute my success to teachers like you!
You sound like you are well on your way to being advanced! Having fun is what it is all about.
I am an adventurous intermediate knitter in that I tackle patterns I am drawn to without regard to skill level. I love the challenge of new stitches and drawn strongly to pieces with interesting textural patterns. I have never knit Fair Isle ( not a fan of busy colour patterns) but love cable work. I jump between knit and crochet with ease, depending on the whims of my current state of mind. For me patterns must always contain an element, which in a useful piece, will create something unique and original.
Sounds very much like my style LOL!
Your video was very informative. I thought I was a beginner, which made me think twice about pattern choices. But I'm also adventurous. So now I would say I'm an intermediate. Thank you for boosting my knitting convidence.
You are so welcome!
I definitely thought I was a beginner but it turns out I’m an intermediate knitter I’m really glad I saw this video totally gave me a confidence boost today
Yay! That is why I made it.
I too, thought myself Easy. After seeing that I accomplished everything on the lists for both Beginner & Easy, then checking the Intermediate skills, it appears I’ve accomplished some of the Intermediate ones. I would say I’m a budding Intermediate. Frankly, I’m really surprised…and happy! Thanks Barbara.
You go!
I know this video is a couple of years old, but I just found you this evening, so I beg forgiveness for my tardiness in replying. First, I would have initially deemed myself a beginner or advanced beginner, having only been knitting for a few months. After watching this, however, I would formally put myself into the intermediate category. Partially because I’ve now knit several hats in the round, an asymmetrical shawl with lace components, several scarves with fairly intricate cable patterns and such. I knew coming in that I had three goals, I wanted to knit socks (still working on this), I wanted to knit sweaters (one on the needles now) and I wanted to knit big, beautiful, lacy shawls ( which I’ve accomplished once and have another in the needles). I’m one who thrives on learning and growing in all that I do (I’ve taught myself how to spin yarn, weave and knit over the course of the past 9 months) and even though I’m retired, my motto has always been that the day you stop learning is the day you die, and I’m nowhere ready to die lol. Will be tracking you down on Ravelry and FB. Thank you!
No apologies necessary! I'm glad that this video got you thinking. See you soon!
I thought that I was in the Adventurous Beginner category but that just went out the window. I’m definitely in the Adventurous Intermediate category, I’ve done Lace, Short rows, special stitches, I’ve made your Sparrow hat and I’m getting ready to tackle a project with Cables. I practice stitches and patterns by making Dishcloths. Thanks for the encouragement 🧶
You leveled up! Awesome!
I really needed this boost in my knitting confidence so badly right now…. Thank you 🙏 😊
Yay! That’s why I made this video.
I just realized after almost 4 years of knitting that I am actually not a beginner anymore...I'm an intermediate knitter now. I always went for beginner/easy patterns, but it's time to branch out, and so far the harder patterns I have taken on are really not that scary. Good topic for a video. Thank you..
LOL - I am glad you are branching out!
I'm happy to say I'm an experienced knitter. :) And one thing I realised over time is that people often minimize their skill because of badly written patterns. I've seen patterns so hard to understand I had to ignore parts of them and figure out a way to end up with the same result. And error is human - sometimes there are mistakes. I've seen people get discouraged because of that, thinking they chose a pattern too complicated for their skill, and it's a shame.
I do think, however, that *understanding* what you're doing - not just reading and doing - and being able to un-knit intricate stitches to fix a mistake on your part or being able to spot mistakes in a pattern and correct them, comes with a certain level of skill and experience.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
You are absolutely right. I always referred to myself as as adventurous beginner because of modesty sake; I've only been knitting for about 2 years so it felt boastful to claim more than that. But according to what you've reviewed here I'm darn near an experienced knitter. I was finding errors in the 3rd pattern that I ever knit up, and by my 5th project I was writing out my own pattern for a top-down raglan sweater with staghorn cables-- did I bite off more than I could chew with that? Yes, but it was a perfect example as to how I really dove in to knitting head first. After just over a year of knitting I started test knitting for a couple of pretty big knitwear designers and I absolutely *love* tech editing patterns!! I *adore* brioche, and that ladies at my knitting group who have been knitting for 20-30 years have been just staggered by my ability to pick things up without worrying about it... I guess I *am* a fearless knitter! Thanks Barbara for helping me recognize this ❤️
Yay! Now you are empowered to be a super knitter!
This is so comforting. I sell myself short a lot. ❤
Stand tall and be proud.
I always thought I was a beginner, even after doing a couple colorwork sweaters for my nieces years ago. I'm experienced in all the technical attributes of an intermediate knitter, but yet have experienced lace, Fair Isle, cables, or even Raglan sweaters. So on with my experience in learning a Raglan, then inspiration is there for a Fair Isle. I want a cable sweater some day.
Now I’m definitely not a beginner.. I done 2 MKALs shawls which had lace work! Working on the Massallo shawl by Brooklyn Boy Knits which uses slip stitches and has color changes , and have memorized a lot of the knit lingo, have done increases , decreases , some short rows which I probably have to refresh my memory did the knit collage spring knit along all have video tutorials so that has made it somewhat easy for me to follow and complete the project .. so I think this makes me an adventurous intermediate knitter 🤔
Adventurous Intermediate is a great place to be!
My first ever project was a scarf with trinity stich and 3 cables in the center. This video put a lot of things in perspective!
So you are what I think of as a fearless knitter LOL! You go!
Late to the party on this one, but I am an intermediate - experienced knitter who would probably have said she was easy - intermediate before the video. You were right. Fun to know
Never underestimate yourself!
WOW, what a surprise! I've always thought I was not so advanced... I just discovered I am an intermediate knitter! I rarely look at the level when I pick a pattern... only the final result made me choose this one pattern. I might be a little bit crazy, but I like challenging myself and with the time, I just learned more and more this way... even if sometimes, it kind of brought me some frustrations. But each difficulty pushed me to think again and try again until reaching my goal. Another point to take into consideration, I am a sewer too... so knitting flat seems obvious to me, as there are the same steps than sewing. Thank you very much Barbara!
Not crazy at all. I consider this to be the "adventurous" category ... ready to try anything for the love of knitting.
I've been considering myself an intermediate knitter for a while. And that is spot on! Based on these suggestions, I'm a solid intermediate, edging into an adventurous intermediate. =)
Wonderful!
I learned to knit by making socks on DPNs with my Swiss grandma who spoke no English and I didn't speak her language but she got her points across and I learned. So I was kinda tossed into the deep end right off the bat. 😊
LOL, sounds like you learned to swim!
At the beginning of this video I would have classified myself as a beginner but I truly know that I am an intermediate knitter. Each project that I choose is more and more difficult plus the quality of the yarn I choose is much better. Knitting has become my passion! Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
I am actually a beginner, only having done scarves and am in the middle of a really simple blanket with only knits and purls so far, but I am AFTER that intermediate level. My next project I'm going to learn to cord, and the world is my oyster from there mwahahaha! (Thank you for this video, it really helped!)
Very interesting topic. I guess I would be considered an experienced knitter. I have knit a few of your mosaic shawls, done brioche, double knitting, lace shawls, cables galore, some stranded knitting, socks (plain, colorwork, mosaic, made up my own design), sweaters, Xandy Peters's Fox Paws. I have taken a class from Patty Lyons in one of the Vogue Knitting Live retreats and she said that knitting is not hard or scary if you just knit one stitch at a time. Same year I took a class on double knitting with Lucy Neatby and left with a kit to make a double knit shawl in fingering weight yarn with a design of a monarch butterfly. One stitch at a time was the trick and I got a beautiful double knit shawl. I used to be scarred of making a mistake but with time I am making mistakes in complex cable design and rather then ripping back 16 rows (over 200 stitches per row), I fix 16 rows of just the cable that got of course. It's exhilarating. One stitch at a time. By the way, your shawl shapes knitting videos are awesome and your laugh is the best.
You sound experienced to me! I so wish I could take all of those classes, totally jealous.
Good pep talk video on acknowledging skill level. I thought that I was an intermediate... but, perhaps I have crossed (or am about to cross over) into the advanced category. I've made socks, hats, mittens, have worked plenty of cables and have done fair isle (stranded) knitting working with a needle in both hands to tack down the floats. I still make mistakes left and right and always kick myself for not using a safety line in my work.
This is so funny and true of me. I thought I was a beginner but I started knitting lace and cables on my first rectangle shawls and blankets, hats and color changes. I thought I was a beginner because I hadn't knitted for long. That was 15 years ago and only about 3 years ago I decided I was intermediate because I can now knit socks. Looks like I'm almost getting into advanced except I don't think I will ever be because fair isle and intarsia does not appeal to me as I don't like all the fiddling with so much yarn and I don't like weaving in ends. So I will now say I am delving into being an experienced or advanced knitter. (However I am at a lower level of understanding written patterns :-) )
I'm guessing you were intermediate within the first 6 months of starting LOL!
I’m in the intermediate level, I’ve tried intarsa, fair isle and brioche knitting. They gave me a head ache. Self taught learner, when I started knitting I knew c/o, knit and purl. What I had and still have trouble with is tension. I can cable, yo, lace yet I’m still learning new stitches. I’ve tried one or two of your shawl patterns, yet I have never finished them. I find that I’ll get bored and start something new. I currently have a few wips so I can change if I get bored of it. My current wip as of this post are gloves at my daughters request, let’s see how that goes. If I manage to finish the set I’ll come back and let you know.
It sounds like you need to stick with smaller, more immediate gratification, projects. Maybe cowls. I am curious about how you do on the gloves. I could never knit gloves - all of those fingers and associated ends ...... noooooooooo!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit oh I've knitted shawls and cowls before, I don't know why I get excited to learn a new pattern or a stitch and before I know it. I'm looking for something else to work on. I've seen so many beautiful patterns to buy and I just don't because I know that I'll just leave it. I have the same problem with crochet. I've completed items and I've left some unfinished.
Good talk Barbara! I usually say adventurous beginner but I guess I'm an intermediate. I need to turn on the fearless genes and get going. Thank you for the encouragement!
You can do it!
I am still an easy knitter, but starting to feel good enough about my knitting to try some of the things in intermediate. Definitely feeling exited about that 😊!
It's just yarn, go for it!
You're right, the levels refer to skills, not to time, how long you have been knitting. When I was a teen I was knitting sweaters and steaking them, I just didn't know what it was called, or that it was supposed to be dificult. There will always be a limit to putting things 'in boxes' when it comes to people. We're all different 😘
Exactly - if you want your first project to be a steeked stranded colorwork cardigan then GO FOR IT!
Another fun video! I learned to knit about 25 yrs ago in a class with a teacher who was great! The first project was an Icelandic sweater in the round with circular needles (double pointed for the cuffs and neck), 3 colors and Kitchener stitch. She showed us how to unknit, read our knitting and a pattern. I knitted a second one for my husband and then knitted a sweater with cables. Since then I've knitted lace scarfs and lots of socks. I haven't tried many color projects, somehow this is scarier territory than texture and playing with stitch combinations. I had a long hiatus not knitting at all and restarted in the spring. The wealth of information from generous knitters such as you and others has been a life saver. I learned magic loop, short rows and haven't looked back. I would say I'm intermediate. A well-written pattern can be the most helpful in all cases.
If I get stuck I check UA-cam or one of my books. I am currently knitting a top down sweater, learning new techniques and challenges.
I think using various type of fibers fits in here somewhere? Love your videos, a mix of technique and entertainment!
I'm so glad you like the video and it sounds like you jumped into the deep end with both feet. In my brain I think of my videos as "Knittertainment" LOL.
I taught myself to knit from books. My first project was a baby romper/onesie with long sleeves and legs. My second (I think) project was a colorwork Christmas stocking. I guess I jumped ahead a bit. :D 30 years later I would say I am an experienced knitter. I think that crocheting for about 18 years before seeing the romper pattern and saying "I want to make that" probably helped with the quick knitting advancement.
I think coming from crochet really does give a leg up. The hardest thing to learn is yarn tension management and crochet requires that too.
I have only recently learnt to knit, I am trying to add a new skill with each pattern so I can learn and improve. I did a scarf (learnt cast on/off, knit/purl) Then I did a basic hat (learnt additional skills of working in the round, magic loop and decreases) then socks (heel and gusset) I am currently doing a basic jumper and I have another patterned jumper planned, that builds on what I am learning from the basic jumper. It is a way of learning that seems to be working for me.
This has become my favorite knitting channel! Thank you so much for all you do!
Thank you so much! I hope to continue to earn your views!
I am probably Intermediate and have knit years of beginning stitches and made up my own patterns. Now I am going to try more advanced techniques. Part of my motivation is to try and use up my huge stash of yarn!
Stash is always a huge motivator! You go!