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, January 15, 2010Name: Rowan

Subject: Socks

Comment: When knitting the heel flap on a cuff down sock, it can be awkward to work those first few rows, so, I leave my heel stitches on two needles. It causes less stress at the sides of the instep, and it is easier to work.

Thursday, January 14, 2010Name: heather

Subject: needle storage

Comment: The best knitting needle holder in the world is made from two purchased cloth placemats. -its an improvement on the traditional knitting needle "roll". Place one placemat on top of the other,(horizontally) fold flap of top placemat. down about 4 inches,allows you to put taller needles behind flap in the back; then sew side and bottom seams with narrow seam around edges and sew vertical channels (from underneath flap to the bottom, through both layers--this gives you TWO layers of needles spaces -- front flap should still move, to show taller needles behind and cover points of shorter needles in front. Vertical channels can be made whatever size suits your collection. Very top of back placemat also folds down over everything and keeps needles secure: roll the whole thing up and sew two ribbons to each edge of shorter placemat sides,to tie around it.--this holds ALL my needles crochet hooks, circular needles, etc. and keeps them secure and organized for travel.

Thursday, January 14, 2010Name: heather

Subject: best knitting bag

Comment: A knitting bag, that is long and vertical,(like a small duffel bag) with a drawstring at the top, and a side strap for slinging over your shoulder works much better than zippered (yarn catches) or purse/tote bag size.--it accommodates the needles length and the yarn doesn't flip out when you knit.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010Name: Kathleen

Subject: Storing Needles

Comment: I store my knitting needles in decorative wine bottle boxes.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010Name: linda

Subject: knitting from charts

Comment: before you start knitting from a chart (picture, fairisle etc.) usually on a4 size, get it blown up to a3, that way you can see the little squares easier and you can mark off the rows without ruining the original.
i am thinking of bringing my knitting to the computer 'cos i can't stop reading these great tips!!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010Name: Rachel

Subject: knitting cables

Comment: I am only 11 years old so I can't go out and buy a cable needle whenever I want. Instead I use a crochet/afghan hook, small doll rod, or even, if I am knitting outside and don't feel like going and getting one of those, a stick right off the ground; it really works!

Monday, January 11, 2010Name: Debbie

Subject: Storage

Comment: I use old prescription bottles for storing stitch markers & point protectors. The caps screw on nice & tight and they're not floating all around my knitting bag!

Monday, January 04, 2010Name: Clare

Subject: Cable Needle Storage

Comment: While knitting cables, I keep the needle pushed through my jumper (if it's wool) - easy access and I don't lose it!

Monday, January 04, 2010Name: Pamela

Subject: First row

Comment: 2 ways to get firmer looking starting rows.(1)As you begin adding stitches knit inbetween each stitch (rather than into the stitch). (2)As you knit the first row knit into the back of the stitch. The knitting sits flat & firm. Enjoy!

Monday, January 04, 2010Name: Jen

Subject: Knitting Needle Holder

Comment: I made myself the best knitting needle holder when I was 15. I'm now in my mid-thirties and I still have it and love it. If you have an old pair of jeans that you no longer fit into, cut one of the legs, sew one end shut. For those who know how to sew, you can add a flap and button on the other side. Go nuts and decorate with dazzler gels, etc. It holds all the needles I've gathered over the years and my first knitting book and reminds me of how creative I was when I was a teenager!

Saturday, January 02, 2010Name: Josephine

Subject: Printing Patterns

Comment: I'm only 11, so I cant exactly go out and buy myself a bunch of knitting pattern books or even drive myself to the library. Therefore I have to look up almost all of my patterns on the internet, or write them myself. It was very uncomfortable to knit in a cold computer chair, especially in winter. I now have taken to printing out the patterns I want (when they're in PDF Files it makes it easier) and organizing them in a file cabinet in my room. You can also use an accordion folder. I organize mine in alphabetical order, but any other way works. Now I can still knit on the couch!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009Name: Georganna

Subject: keeping stiches

Comment: when you need to put your project away, you can put rubberbands on the needles. This keeps your stiches from sliding off.

Saturday, December 19, 2009Name: Alethea

Subject: storing yarn

Comment: Hi! When I began knitting, I started building up a yarn stash. It was fine for a few years, but then it started getting big. So, I asked my mother if she was using any of the drawers we had, or if we had any baskets. (I was 10 at this time). Apparently, we did, and so my yarn got a new home in a basket. Unfortunetly, it started snagging, but I solved that problem by putting some cloth on the bottom. Now, it still works well, so if you need to find a home for your yarn, try this!!!

Saturday, December 19, 2009Name: Cindy

Subject: circular needles

Comment: I use circular needles for everything, straight needle knitting as well as in the round, although I do keep one set of dp's for making I cords. Much easier to use circulars in the magic loop method than to juggle double pointed needles. You don't get the ladders between needles.

Circulars are one piece so you're not losing one needle in the couch all the time and having to look for it. I like bamboo needles rather than metal. The stitches stay on the needle better so there's no dropped ones. I'm able to keep a tighter, even tension with bamboo ones. They're not so loose.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009Name: Dash

Subject: Pompoms

Comment: If you ever have old pompoms that you do not need lying around you can always rip them up and (This worked better if they are made from chunky wool) use them as stuffing for any knitted toys you make!

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