It is easiest if you find a class or someone to show you. There are two basic stitches, so it is easy. It just is awkward at first. However, many here taught themselves with a how-to knitting booklet. Those are available at stores that sell yarn.

You might also want to Google "learn to knit". Lots of sites available, with varying quality of instructions. A lot depends on what type of learner you are. Do you learn best by reading and studying, or do you feel more comfortable having matters explained to you by a live person? If you feel you can do it on your own, a how-to book may indeed be the way to go - even one written for children, if you go for simplicity. Sheilajoyce's advise, however, is excellent - a class can be extremely helpful, and group classes at a local ACMoore or Michael's are not very expensive. Ane when you get started, we're all here to answer questions and give moral support.

Go for it!

it might help to tell the general area you live in. Maybe someone on the forum can help?

Moni

Lots of stores like Michael's have "I taught myself to knit" kits...they come with yarn, needles and instructions. I taught myself when I was six years old, so you should have no problem! :)

you might want to try out knittinghelp.com

I only just recently learned how to knit this past spring. I purchased a book called "How to Knit" by The National Needlework Association at a local yarn shop to teach myself, and begged the help of knitting friends from time to time when I needed a live demo. It felt very awkward at first, all thumbs and clutzy, but with just a week or so of practice my confidence and competence increased, and now feels like I've been doing it forever, and I just enjoy it so much! I'm glad I do have a book to refer to as I have to "relearn" things sometimes, like binding off and picking up or dropping off stitches, when I've been on a role doing stockinette stitch for a while. I think attending a class would be great as sheilajoyce recommended. I'd start by looking up "yarn" in the yellow pages and calling those places for information on the locations of classes. Keep us posted on your progress!!

and if there is a yarn store near you, the people who hang out love to show newbies what to do.

I'm knew at this forum, usually I spend time at the Rose forum but decided to drop in and check this one out. Hopefully I can be of some help.

Congrats on finding a great new hobby! Go to Micheals or Joanns and pick up a good book on knitting. I have a great book called, "Big Book of Knitting," it is very detailed and the illustrations are very indepth.

The people I have taught to knit find it easier to begin on thick yarn with the short thick needles at least a size 10. Thick seems easier to handle at first.
If you get DIY the show Knitty Gritty might be helpful.

Start out with a basic scarf and just knit, don't try to purl yet. Heck, you don't even need to finish the scarf but its always nice to have one you have made.

Good luck,
Carlota

I kind of picked up how to knit and purl, on my own. But, when I really became interested in learning more, I took knitting classes at two different locations, which helped me tremendously. Sometimes it is better to have someone show you where you are making a mistake, rather than try to read the directions.