How to Finger Knit

Do you remember how to finger knit?

When I was growing up, finger knitting was one of the favourite past-times in the playground. It is quick and easy to do and can keep your kids amused for quite some time!

All you need is some scrap yarn and your index finger to get started.

©  Betsssssy| Flickr  Leo Finger Knitting

Instructions on How to Finger Knit

Step 1:

Make a slip knot with a loop large enough to fit comfortably over your index finger.

Step 2:

Wrap the long tail of your yarn over your index finger in front of the loop.

Step 3:

Pick up the loop and lift it over the yarn and slip it off your finger.

Tug the short tail (below your slip knot) to tighten the stitch, and repeat.

What You Can Do With Your Finger Knitting

If you have managed to get the kids to sit still long enough to learn how to do this style of knitting, you are going to be confronted with the issue of what to do with the long, thin chain of stitches that they have produced!

So, how about a few ideas for turning that chain into something more appealing to your kids?

Much like French Knitting, Finger knitting can be used to

• Make a necklace. Sew another one into the shape of a flower and attach to your necklace.
• Sew together your knitted strips to make a scarf.
• Sew your strip into a coil to make a mat.
• If you don't like your mat, use starch to shape your mat into a hat.
• Use your knitted strips to add texture and colour to a collage.

This is a fun activity to do with the kids on a cold or rainy afternoon.  If they manage to master finger knitting, you could move on to arm knitting with much thicker yarn or cord.  That way your kids could very quickly maker their own cuddly blankets!