Learning to make practical wool clothing

Nov 09, 2019 19:24:21

Hi folks,

Does anyone know a high-quality guide to practical knitting/crochet for making things like hats, socks, sweaters (and ideally bottoms)? I've been able to find patterns on various websites, and books on knitting/crochet basics which seem primarily directed towards the hobbyist but no comprehensive how-to combining both directed at a pragmatic audience. Are there any good resources for people who want to make practical clothing out of high-quality materials?

Some context: I've recently tried to find a pair of wool arm warmers because my arms always get cold during hiking descents. I've found plenty of synthetic a warmers in stores, and they always feel wrong when touched. Finding wool warmers online is similarly challenging. I've recently bought some Merino bottoms which are way more tight around the waist than my previous pairs. Maybe I'm just picky but I'd like to try my hand at making some of these products.

Nov 09, 2019 19:35:17

Quick clarification: when I say knit/crochet, I don't really know if that's what I should be doing to make practical clothing. Maybe it's weaving and sewing. These are the types of questions an ideal practical guide to clothing making would cover (as opposed to cool patterns).

Nov 09, 2019 21:17:38

two ways of doing this:

1. knit/crochet- would be good for what you listed for things like hats, socks gloves
2. weaving and sewing -would be good for the bottoms you want, as that involves making clothes from fabric with patterns and sewing.

you would need to decide which if not both you need to learn about.
im a sewer as 1. just takes to long for me to get a finished product.

I started with a book like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Sewing-Step-Step/dp/1606522086

Nov 09, 2019 22:51:02

Like Bernetta said, knitting/crocheting would be good for the socks/hats. I would pick one and learn it, as both work well. Knitting is better for socks. I've never heard of crocheted socks--probably because knit has a lot more elasticity than crochet does.

For shirts and bottoms, I would probably find and buy wool fabric--at least to start--and sew your own pants. Start with something simple, like pajama-style pants. Sewing has a learning curve, and I can't imagine trying to learn weaving and sewing at the same time. I would probably be really disheartened by the length of the process-especially as a beginner--and give up before making pants. But, sewing simple pants is relatively easy, and will give you that nice boost of feeling accomplished.

Nov 10, 2019 13:10:37

Hi, Fil
I should be able to help you here. I've been knitting for 57 years. My grandmother taught me when I was 5. I learned to sew in school, and my step mother expanded greatly on that instruction. A great deal of my wardrobe even now is sewn at home on one of my 3 vintage sewing machines. I learned to spin about 35 years ago, and weave a couple years after that.

Here is my YT video on the basics of knitting

And here is my favorite basic slipper pattern:
AmedaDesigns - Ameda's Favorite Slippers

I just finished these hand spun wool socks for myself.

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