A common question from beginning knitters is how to tell if a stitch was a knit or purl? If just below the loop on the needle, the yarn is horizontal, like a frown, that was a purl stitch. If just below the loop on the needle, the yarn is more vertical and/or you can seeContinue reading “How to Tell if it was a Knit or Purl?”
Tag Archives: Knitting
How to Knit a Tidy Rib Stitch
Rib stitch is made by alternating knit and purl stitches, usually knit 1 purl 1 (K1P1 or one-by-one rib) or knit two purl two (K2P2 or two-by-two rib). It makes a very stretchy fabric such as at the end of a pair of gloves, top of a pair of socks, edge of a hat, orContinue reading “How to Knit a Tidy Rib Stitch”
Knit Stitch Troubleshooting
This video gives a slow motion breakdown of some common things that can go wrong for new knitters learning the knit stitch, and how to avoid them.
Lesson 1 – Knitting Materials
This lesson starts by providing a list of the two to four items you need to get started with your knitting. After that, I’ll share everything I keep in my knitting bag, and the other knitting tools I keep close at hand. Getting Started with Knitting All you really need to get started knitting isContinue reading “Lesson 1 – Knitting Materials”
Garter Stitch Coaster Pattern and Video
A Garter Stitch Coaster is great for a would-be-knitter’s very first project. It’s relatively simple while still teaching several important skills that all knitters use. This one uses the continental cast on, knit stitches to make garter stitch fabric, and a simple bind off method. The pattern is available to download, and the video belowContinue reading “Garter Stitch Coaster Pattern and Video”
How to Start a Yarn Skein
This video shows how to pull the yarn from the center of the skein, which will help it keep from getting twisted while knitting or crocheting your project:
How to Tie a Slip Knot
Most knitting cast on methods start with a slip knot. The following is a slow motion demonstration of how to tie a slip knot. The steps are repeated several times so you can practice along with the video.
How to Hold Your Yarn for Knitting (Continental Style)
Everyone holds their yarn a little differently when knitting. Two main camps are divided between knitters who hold the yarn in their left hand (Continental Knitters or “Pickers”) and those who hold the yarn in their right hand (English Knitters or “Throwers.”) Even within those groups, there is much variation. The following notes and theContinue reading “How to Hold Your Yarn for Knitting (Continental Style)”
Yarn and Stitch Orientation Tips
Keeping your yarn and stitches sorted out can be tricky for a beginning (and sometimes an experienced) knitter. The following are some yarn and stitch orientation tips: Unless instructed otherwise, always wrap the yarn counter-clockwise (for both knit and purl). You may also want to check out this video demonstrating which way to wrap theContinue reading “Yarn and Stitch Orientation Tips”
Which Way to Wrap the Yarn
New (and even experienced) knitters can sometimes wrap the yarn backwards, which results in twisted stitches. The video below shows how to wrap the yarn the correct way around your needle when knitting or purling. Spoiler: always wrap counter-clockwise. You may also want to check out these tips for yarn and stitch orientation.
Cushion of Joy 