by Stephen H

Created on: December 28, 2006   Last Updated: July 31, 2010

Most knitters will knit for themselves and their families, baby clothes being a particular favourite. Finding patterns for teenagers is difficult. They are at a time in their lives where they seek excitement, rebel against the establishment and try to find their place in the world. At the same time they are very conscious of their appearance. Hand knitted home made garments have a stigma attached which turns teens off the idea. But help is at hand. There is a magazine available called Knit1. It is specifically focused on teenagers and young adults. It covers the current fads in young fashion across a wide range of garments including hats, scarves, fashionable jackets, tops and jumpers, leg warmers etc... It is written for a young audience and so is particularly useful if you have a teen who is going to knit their own garments.

If you are wanting to encourage knitting as a hobby for your teen, then the magazine alone is not going to be enough. You will need to help them understand the basics and because teens will have a short concentration span and will want to see quick results, teach them the two basic stitches (plain (knit) and purl)and start them off on an easy to finish piece that will be produced quickly. These quick wins will help cement the hobby in their minds. Scarves are a popular first piece, but may be considered a little cliched. Leg warmers are not a bad alternative, and this can be followed by a hat perhaps. The hat will be more challenging, probably requiring working off four needles, but will be quick to finish and the skull cap type hats are quite popular with the lads and lasses in London at the moment.

You might be tempted to go for big needles and thick wool to start with, to aid the quick win approach, but actually garments made using these are generally not very sleek or fashionable. I would suggest sticking with small needles and no more than double knit wool. Choose the latest colours and find the most fashionable patterns, otherwise the teen will soon lose interest. And as for little squares and blankets - probably not going to excite your teen - or anyone else - enough to consider as a hobby.

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