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!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010Name: Mr Rose Bunce

Subject: Lace Shawls

Comment: In 3 years i have knitted 30 plus shawls. My tip, save all your bits as they are useful for the invisible casting on you will need to do if, like me, you enjoy knitting with NO SEAMS.

Sunday, March 14, 2010Name: Marie

Subject: Knitting Tip

Comment: Never put your knitting down partway through a row as it will leave a hole in your knitting overall.

Thursday, March 11, 2010Name: Winifred from Scotland

Subject: casting off

Comment: When asked to cast off loosely it can sometimes be difficult, not if you use a needle two sizes bigger than the one you are using, and it gives you a nice finish

Monday, March 08, 2010Name: Allie

Subject: Tension

Comment: Tension is a problem for me, but I found out by accident if I leave my yarn ball in the basket (or my purse, etc) on the floor beside me it creates the perfect tension. It's a good cheat for a beginner knitter...

Monday, March 08, 2010Name: Maureen

Subject: Knitting

Comment: When coming to the end of a ball of wool and you are not sure if it will knit another row stretch out stitches on your pin and if your wool will stretch over four times you have enough for another row. It always works for me.

Monday, March 08, 2010Name: MARGARET

Subject: needles

Comment: When you are not using you knitting needles, either put a cork on the pointed end or a piece of foam.
That will stop the holes in your bag or if the children go near them.

Friday, March 05, 2010Name: Winifred

Subject: Sweater cuff

Comment: When knitting the cuff of a sweater use one size smaller than the pattern asks for and you will get a nice neat fitting cuff. Also these row counters that you slide on to your knitting needle can move if you hold your needle under your arm I thread mine through a length of wool and hang it round my neck this is within easy reach and the rows never get moved accidently

Thursday, March 04, 2010Name: Mirriam

Subject: Where to put row counter

Comment: I use a yarn needle to thread one of those small row counters that's meant to go on a needle onto the tail from my cast-on instead. That way the counter isn't weighing down one needle making it feel "off balance". This also works well if you're using circular needles or a set of double-pointed needles.

Saturday, February 27, 2010Name: Connie

Subject: organizers

Comment: Don't throw away those cosmetics bags and totes you receive when purchasing make up at department store cosmetics counters. I use the smaller bags to hold all my small items like row counters, cable needles, ruler, stitch markers, pens, etc. I use the larger tote bags to carry the projects when I travel. Some of the bags even have small pockets inside to hold hand sanitizer, hand lotion, etc.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010Name: chris

Subject: patterns

Comment: A little tip for when you do have patterns with different sizes in brackets. I first go through the pattern and for the one size I use a high lighter and high light every size in a different color, then at the top of the pattern I put the color and then right the size beside the color it was highlighted in. This way you can follow the pattern a lot easier. Also instead of a row counter which I just started knitting and knew nothing about these, I just used a counter that men use for golf, works great.

Monday, February 22, 2010Name: Josiane Young

Subject: Knitting needles

Comment: When not using knitting needles, put elastic bands around each pair

Sunday, February 21, 2010Name: Jude

Subject: keeping track of charts

Comment: When I'm knitting from charts I enlarge them, then use a magnetic board and long rectangular magnet to keep track of rows. You can pick up small A4 "magnetic whiteboards" from larger stationery shops and they're really cheap - a lot cheaper than a special craft one I bought once then lost! Keeps the pattern clear for re-use too.

Friday, February 19, 2010Name: Winifred from Scotland

Subject: cable needle

Comment: When you can't find your cable needle you can substitute a cocktail stick it works a treat.

Friday, February 19, 2010Name: Winifred from Scotland

Subject: stuffing

Comment: I keep all my bits of wool I cut of when my product is finished. Its amazing how quickly it mounts up. I use this when I need to stuff knitted toys or anything. Its also easy to wash and dry.

Friday, February 19, 2010Name: Winifred from Scotland

Subject: Where to put cable needle

Comment: I made a knitted square and stuffed it with wool and made a chain and attached it to the square. I made it long enough to hang round my neck so when I am not using the needle I stick it in the pad and its within reach for me when I come to the next batch of stitches to cable. You never lose the needle.

Notice: If you want to send me (the webmistress) a "thank you" using this form, that is fine (I appreciate it). However, I may not be posting it publicly for all to see, and I have no way of responding without knowing your email address.

Name Provide Your Name Subject Subject of Your Testimonial Comment What is your tip or trick? Type In the Letters/Numbers Submit

Notice: By submitting your content, you are agreeing to have it displayed on this page. I retain the right to edit and/or refuse unsuitable content. (Unsuitable content includes questions and help requests.) All submissions are checked before being published.