Startup Library: Knitting (DVD + Streaming)

Join Susan B. Anderson, your expert guide to knitting, as she teaches you how to make three cozy accessories — a pair of hand warmers, a bulky cowl, and a pom-pom hat — from getting your first stitches on the needles to finishing your projects, with troubleshooting tips and much more. Explore two different knitting styles, Continental and English, and decide which one you prefer!

NOTE: If you’d like to purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link. (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

Supplies Needed

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• Wool Yarn (Weight #4)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) Long Circle Needle
• Bamboo Straight Needles
• Locking Stitch Markers
• Yarn Needle
• Craftsy Tape Measure

What You Need (7:40)
One of the best things about knitting is that it doesn’t require a lot of supplies. In this lesson, Susan helps you choose what you need for your projects and shares a few additional tools to stock your knitting bag.

Casting On (8:17)
This is when the fun begins! Susan shares her tried-and-true method for getting your stitches onto your needles. Then cast on for your very first project: a pair of hand warmers.

The Knit Stitch (13:29)
Explore the knit stitch, the most basic unit of knitting, and use it to create garter stitch. Then try your hand at two different knitting styles, Continental and English, and decide which one works best for you. Afterwards, you’ll add the first rows to your hand warmers.

The Purl Stitch, English (10:38)
In this lesson, you’ll learn the English-style purl stitch. Then, explore a new stitch pattern, the stockinette stitch, by alternating rows of knits and purls.

Ribbing, English (7:27)
Using the English style of knitting, complete your hand warmers by working the rib stitch pattern. By alternating knits and purls in the same row, you’ll create a textured, stretchy finish. See how to manage your yarn as you switch between stitches.

The Purl Stitch, Continental (12:42)
In this lesson, you’ll work the Continental-style purl stitch, holding the yarn in your left hand. Then explore a new stitch pattern, the stockinette stitch, by alternating rows of knits and purls.

Ribbing, Continental (7:40)
Complete your hand warmers by working the Continental-style rib stitch pattern. By alternating knits and purls in the same row, you’ll create a textured, stretchy finish. Learn how to manage your yarn as you switch between stitches.

Binding Off (7:19)
Whether you’re knitting English- or Continental-style, you’ll need a way to get your stitches off the needles and keep them secure. In this lesson, Susan explains what binding off is as you practice on your hand warmers.

Finishing (21:21)
Once you’ve finished knitting your hand warmers, seam them and weave in any loose yarn ends. Afterwards, uncover the magic of blocking as you learn to block your own knits.

Reading a Pattern (34:33)
In order to tackle your favorite knitting projects, you’ll need to know your way around the pattern. In this lesson, Susan walks you through each part of a knitting pattern and helps you understand how written instructions translate to actual knitting.

Knitting in the Round (10:09)
Take your knitting from flat to round by knitting in the round! Discover the best way to cast on and start your round, plus tips for keeping track of where you are and which direction you should be knitting.

Waffle Stitch Cowl (19:42)
Practice knitting in the round by working the Waffle Stitch Cowl pattern included in your class materials. And, while you’re at it, try a new stitch pattern!

Shaping (9:30)
Shaping opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities for your knitting. In this lesson, you’ll practice basic increase and decrease stitches to make your knitting wider or narrower.

Changing Colors (10:23)
Have fun with your knitting by playing with color! Susan shows you how to knit stripes, both flat and in the round, and shares tips and tricks for changing colors with different stitch patterns.

Striped Hat (34:01)
Build on your skills by working your next project: a striped pom-pom hat. Practice working in the round, knitting stripes, and using decreases to shape the top of your hat.

Fixing Common Mistakes (21:11)
Remember, no one knits perfectly the first time around. In this final lesson, Susan helps you fix some common beginner mistakes, and identify what went wrong in the first place!

Susan B. Anderson lives with her family in Madison, Wisconsin. She is the author of six knitting books, including the best-selling “Kids’ Knitting Workshop.” In 2016, Susan and her son started a yarn and pattern company, Barrett Wool Co. Susan’s favorite part of being a knitting teacher is traveling the country, teaching, and meeting knitters from all over the world.

How do I access the companion materials for my DVD class?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” area, select the “Classes” content. On this page, you’ll see all classes you’ve purchased from Craftsy. Simply select the desired class from your content list, and you’ll be presented with your selected class page. From the class page you can easily view, download or print the companion class materials, which are in the “Bonus Materials” tab on the class page. You can log in any time, and download or print the companion materials as many times as you like. Companion class materials are not shipped in the mail with your DVD, and must be accessed on Craftsy.com.

How do I stream my class on Craftsy.com?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” content, select the desired class. Stream the video on-demand from the class page any time you like; your viewing access is unlimited. You can stream your class from any computer, tablet or mobile device with Internet access.

Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class?
No, you do not. Every DVD purchased on Craftsy.com includes both the physical DVD in the mail and unlimited on-demand streaming access at Craftsy.com. These benefits are yours with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership?
No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players?
Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy?
We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy customer service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference. If you do receive a full refund, your streaming video class will also be removed from your Craftsy account, so on-demand video access will no longer be available to you.