The Learn-To-Knit Companion

We just received a new collection of patterns from Churchmouse Yarns. These are perfect for the new knitter but they are also great for those of us who have knit for a long time and have some bad habits.

The Learn-To-Knit Companion is a 16-page booklet that uses more than 120 instructional photos that will turn you into an accomplished knitter. Just follow the steps! With The Companion by your side, you can even begin one of the First Projects patterns in the Churchmouse Classroom collection.

PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Choosing and preparing your yarn. • Two ways to cast on • The knit stitch and purl stitch for both  'pickers' and 'throwers' • Changing from knit to purl within the same row • Getting a dropped stitch back on the needle • Binding off • Blocking • Weaving in tails

Garter Stitch Scarf and Sideways Handwarmers

This Churchmouse Classroom First Projects pattern is about as simple as it gets—just knit, knit, knit. When you turn garter stitch on its side, the little ridges create a ribbed effect that is nice and stretchy, making the handwarmers easy to fit, with just a wee bit of seaming around the thumbs. Handsome on men and women alike, these easy pieces make great gifts. From you, the knitter!

PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • The anatomy of garter stitch. • Mattress-stitch seaming in garter stitch, end-to-end.

Stockinette Stitch Cowl and Handwarmers

This Churchmouse Classroom First Projects pattern will teach you how to knit soft and elegant stockinette stitch. You'll work stockinette back and forth (knit a row, purl a row) for the handwarmers. For the cowl, you'll be delighted when you knit in the round: the knit side is always facing you, so you just knit, knit, knit. Once you’ve tried it both ways, it’ll make sense—you’ll see!

PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Joining in the round. • Make-one increases. • Slipped bind-off for thumb opening. • Mattress-stitch seaming in stockinette stitch, side-to-side.

Stitch-Sampler Handwarmers and Ribbed Scarf

This Churchmouse Classroom First Projects pattern will teach you three essential stitch patterns. For the scarf, you’ll simply alternate two knits and two purls to create handsome vertical ribs. In the handwarmers you'll knit a ridged garter-stitch cuff, a smooth stockinette-stitch hand, and a bit of springy K2/P2 ribbing at the finger edge to echo the scarf. It's easy! The pattern shows you how.

PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Changing balls in ribbing. • Mattress-stitch seaming in garter stitch and stockinette stitch.

Ribbed Beanie and Handwarmers

This Churchmouse Classroom First Projects pattern will teach you to work in the round using two different methods. For the beanie, you’ll begin with a short circular needle. As you begin to decrease for the crown, you will need to change to double-point needles—great practice for the stylish handwarmers! Ribbing is very stretchy, so sizing your beanie is quite forgiving.

PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Decreasing a stitch. • Joining in the round. • ‘Buttonhole’ thumb opening.

The patterns are for beginners and include great tutorials but they are also stylish. You don't have to be a beginner to knit them.