What to do with this activity?

Knitting is an amazing way of making cloth that was invented at least 3000 years ago, probably in Egypt. It involves looping just one thread in rows. By the way, men were the main knitters in the past, so this is for boys and girls!

There are different types of knitting that your child might like to try.

1) There's classic knitting. If you know how to knit already or just need to brush up, these tips from Videojug might be useful as you teach the skill.  If you are a total beginner and need to learn yourself, there are lots of tutorials on youtube. You could start with this one (by Judy) which shows you how to cast on the first row. Start with a small project, like a scarf for a favourite teddy.

2) Your child might enjoy what's known as "French Knitting" which makes a sort of rope. Here's a youtube tutorial from Fiber Flux. You can buy the spools in your local craft shop, or better still, make one yourself. These instructions from Kidspot show you how to make a French knitting machine from an empty toilet roll and some lolly pop sticks. 

3) Did you know you can also knit with just your fingers and some wool? Here's a great youtube tutorial on finger knitting, also from Fiber Flux.  

Knitting encourages concentration and careful work, as well as counting skills.