New knitter

Hey everyone,

I’ve just started knitting and my thumbs are killing me from holding the yarn and needles. My fingers also hurt where I’m stabbing them with the tip of the needle when casting to the other side. Will I get used to this or am I just doing something wrong? Is it too tight or something? I’m just so afraid it’ll be too loose. I’m planning on making a cat bed, I have the side already and am going to make the bottom 4 or so layers so it’s soft for my cats. The side was a scarf I was making on a loom but the darn thing KILLED my fingers so I gave up, it’s the perfect size for a bed though.

I could use any suggestions or help, my thumbs are seriously sore... So far this is my work, I did drop a loop without realizing it but the extra layers will cover it up. I still have my 20 loops though so I’m not sure how the hole happened. This is the first thing I’ve actually knitted with needles though, so please don’t be too harsh on me. Lol I picked red because I read cats can see that color and I wanted to make their lives a bit more colorful/enjoyable.

Here’s one of my little ones under the side piece I made from the loom. He seriously loves it already so I’m working hard to finish the bed for him and his sister.

I didn’t make the bottom long enough so my plan is to layer it blue/red in alternating directions to make it workout. I’ll get creative, I just need to be able to make the pieces first.