Tips 'n Tricks

Do you have a helpful hint or handy trick that will make any aspect of knitting easier? Share it! Post ideas on scrap yarn usages, stitch markers, color changing, maintaining your sanity while following a difficult pattern, etc. There is most probably someone out there that will benefit from your help. Need ideas yourself? Read others' comments--we all live and learn!

Friday, July 08, 2011Name: Cookieh

Subject: Mittens

Comment: When making mittens or socks do both as the same time. Also works for sleeves on sweaters.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011Name: knittnpretty

Subject: Storing and Reusing patterns

Comment: When I find a pattern I want (usually off of here) I print it out, slip it into sheet protectors and then put them into a 3-ring binder. I then keep a dry erase marker with my binder so I can make any notes on my pattern as I go along and then erase my marks (if I choose) so that the pattern itself may be used again free of stray marks.

Saturday, June 11, 2011Name: Ratcha Chambers

Subject: Using Paper Clip As A Stitch Marker

Comment: I find that paperclips are great for stitch marker. They so tiny and won't interfere with the width of the stitches.

Saturday, May 14, 2011Name: Maureen

Subject: Bag

Comment: Knit front of a bag so that it is same upper part as lower part Then if insufficient wool, fold bag front up so that top and bottom of your bag front meet at top. Then you could have a smaller wide but short in height bag which might store some knitting needles

Tuesday, May 10, 2011Name: Barb

Subject: Point Protectors

Comment: Was looking for a point protector when I had to put my project aside, couldn't find it, but found some Play Dough handy, fastened a small amount to my needle tip

Tuesday, May 10, 2011Name: Barb

Subject: Large Project Holders

Comment: I save any zipped bags that mattress covers and blankets and bedding are sold in. They are great for holding the bulky afghan you are working on, and keeping it clean.Barb

Tuesday, May 10, 2011Name: Barb

Subject: pattern storage

Comment: Like someone else here mentioned, I also download patterns from here, and copy them into WORD, so I can edit the document before saving. The patterns go into a 3-ring notebook. When I am using one, I make a photocopy of my "original", so that I can write on it if I am keeping track of rows. Anytime I use a pattern for a project, I use the BACK of the original in my notebook to list what I made, date, who it was for, etc. Once a project leaves my side (and hundreds have) it's great to have this record.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011Name: Barbara

Subject: knitting groups

Comment: Whether you are a beginner or an expert knitter, there is nothing like knitting with others. PLEASE find a friend or two or join a local group of knitters. Whether a novice or not, there is always something new to learn. And one person might be better at fixing mistakes than another. Share patterns and yarns, too. If you're lucky enough to join a group that is part of a church or local community center, people often donate yarn and needles, so you can always find something you might need to finish a project. You also might be lucky enough to be part of a community project to help the homeless or residents of a nursing home, or soldiers at war, by knitting stuff such as hats and scarves, shawls, blankets, baby booties, and helmet liners and more.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011Name: Barbara

Subject: storing circular needles

Comment: Since I already print out my favorite patterns, insert them into page protectors into a notebook, I decided I can store my circular needles the same way. I insert a piece of paper inside with each needle, noting its size and length.

Sunday, May 08, 2011Name: Diane

Subject: Following Patterns

Comment: I fan a piece of paper for each row. It is very easy to follow by using a paper clip as I go along and never lose my place. I know exactly what line I am on. The major pt. being I place the small end of the clip on the line I am using and even if I drop my paper I look at the paper clip to denote where I am.

Try it, it is easier than carrying around a large paper or clip board.

Diane

Friday, May 06, 2011Name: Rhiannon

Subject: following patterns

Comment: I use a post-it note above the line that i'm up to. so i can find my spot easily and keep track of where i am up to when i leave it for a couple of days.

Sunday, May 01, 2011Name: cathie

Subject: casting on

Comment: Most patterns call for smaller needles for cuffs, waistbands, collars, etc., then change to larger needles for the rest of the project. If you cast on with the larger ones, then cahnge back to the smaller ones for the ribbing, the edge of the band will be stretchier and less likely to bind---much easier to do it this way, than casting on loosely. Same goes for casting off--use the larger needle for a neat, but stretchy edge.

Sunday, May 01, 2011Name: cathie

Subject: garter stitch stripes

Comment: When knitting striped items in garter stitch, if you knit the first row of each new colour using K1P1 instead of all knit, there is not such an obvious right and wrong side---looks better for items that will be seen from both sides---scarves, blankets, etc.

Friday, April 29, 2011Name: Amy

Subject: Focus

Comment: I like to knit in front of the TV, but then I find myself getting to distracted by watching the program. So I use audio-books instead. It works well because there is no program for you to watch, just listen.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011Name: Help 4 U

Subject: Counting

Comment: Count your stitches on every row to stop you from dropping stitches.

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