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!

Thursday, March 15, 2007Name: Dorothy

Subject: washcloths

Comment: Make more dishcloths from one ball of peaches and cream by doing a S1 K1 on the knit side of any patterned dishcloth. This also gives your dishcloth a thicker texture.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007Name: Jane Price

Subject: Tips

Comment: Favorite patterns are typed up on computer and I make circles to represent multiple rows. This computerized pattern is placed in a page protector then put into a 3 ring binder. When knitting and a row is complete it can be marked off using a dry erase pen. When project is complete, wipe your pattern off and your ready for the next time.

Monday, March 12, 2007Name: Suzie in Virginia

Subject: Stitch markers

Comment: Use notebook paper hole protectors: Buy a package of colored Avery Reinforcement Labels: 320 paper rings per package - yellow, purple, red and green. Place the sticky backs of 2 rings together. Forms a stitch marker you cannot miss. Slides easily on the needle. Use one at the end of each repeat in a very long row - in a Fair Isle sweater or Norwegian pattern.

Saturday, March 10, 2007Name: Jilly

Subject: Yarn storage

Comment: When storing yarn, use small, see through, plastic stands with drawers. (you can get them at target or similar stores) The see through plastic makes it easy to see your yarn with out having to search for the right color.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007Name: Cindy

Subject: a couple things

Comment: Concerning Christina's comment..."A good way of sewing together a sweater, blanket, etc. Crocheting them together is so much easier, faster, and has a stronger hold.."

An addition to this:
The best stitch to do for this is the crochet's slip stitch. It's easy to do and very strong.

Also, I said it in crochet pattern central and I'll say it here. If you have any trouble learning a stitch. Knitting for dummies.

If you plan on learning both knitting and crocheting, some craft stores carry this special edition knitting and crocheting for dummies and it includes, like, 20 or 30 stitch markers, 2 knitting needles an h hook and one other thing (I can't remember off hand) along with the book.

IT ROCKS!!!

Thursday, February 22, 2007Name: Sue

Subject: Allison's comment

Comment: I tried that (holding the left hand needle straight) but i kept dropping stitches and it looked weird.

Thursday, February 22, 2007Name: Alison Hiscock

Subject: Re: Sue's Comment

Comment: Regarding Sue's suggestion to hold the left needle vertically in your lap, I do this with the right needle. I usually sit cross-legged on the sofa or floor when I knit, and I wedge the right needle against my leg and hold it there while I knit. Does anyone else do this? I knit quite fast, and at normal tension, but my mother says it looks weird.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007Name: Sue

Subject: holding needles

Comment: hold the left needle in your lap vertically. This takes some of the strain off your wrists and you can knit faster.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007Name: jayne

Subject: speed knitting

Comment: When knitting on straight needles, tuck the end of the right hand needle under your arm, it facilitates a much faster pace.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007Name: Mary mc connell

Subject: Having a nice edge.

Comment: Always slip the first stitch on your knitting, when it is time to put your garment together, pick up those loops, it makes a neat seam

Monday, February 19, 2007Name: Sue

Subject: Storing Yarn

Comment: to store yarn, put it in plastic baggies and then put it in a pillowcase. You'll never see it, and it will decorate your house too.

Monday, February 19, 2007Name: Elyssa

Subject: For all you free-formers

Comment: If you are free-forming, always try to sketch out what you want to make on paper, and as you knit, refer to it.

Monday, February 19, 2007Name: Elyssa

Subject: Felting

Comment: Always try to put your felting in a sock or cover so it doesn't ruin your washing machine.

Sunday, February 18, 2007Name: Amy

Subject: Counting rows

Comment: I bought one of these for counting my rows and I dont know how I managed without it.

http://play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/1022794/Totty_Counter/Product.html

Wednesday, February 14, 2007Name: becca

Subject: circular needle

Comment: if your knitting with a circular needle and the wire is too long pull some of the wire through one of the stiches and do this throughout the project

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