From the April 2016 issue
Twisted stitches can be a real challenge for new knitters. The problem generally arises when stitches are oriented incorrectly on the left hand needle. In figure 1 we see the traditional orientation in which the right-hand leg of each stitch is sitting toward the front of the needle. In this position working into the front
View ProjectFrom the February 2016 issue
Hi Mary,
So, you’ve been making steady project on a knitting project and it’s just about time to finish things up, but what bind-off technique should you use? There are many options to choose from, and each technique is more suited to a different type of project, but there are three main categories of techniques: traditional,
View ProjectFrom the December 2015 issue
Hi Mallory,
There are many yarns that contain a variety of textures all in the same skein. Rowan Thick ‘n’ Thin, Patons Cobbles and handspuns from indie yarn makers like Happy Fuzzy Yarns all contain mix of weights and textures. You might think working with these kinds of yarns would be a challenge, but it is
View ProjectFrom the October 2015 issue
Hi Jamie,
Even the most experienced knitter will find slight variations in tension within his or her work from time to time. We are knitters after all, not knitting machines, and small fluctuations add an element of handcrafted charm. However, if your tension varies a great deal, then it’s time to do some problem solving. Here
View ProjectFrom the August 2015 issue
Hi Hannah,
Accidental increases present a challenge to new and experienced knitters alike. For those who are new to the craft, the problem is often an inability to recognize what should be the first stitch of a new row. Sometimes it is pulled out of shape making it appear as two stitches instead of one. If
View ProjectFrom the June 2015 issue
Hi Laura,
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book defines short rows as a way “to add rows in one segment of a piece without decreasing the number of stitches on the needle.” This ability to increase the volume of fabric in selected areas can be applied to your next knitting project in interesting ways.
Customize and Improve
From the April 2015 issue
Dear Jennifer,
As all knitters are aware, “casting on” is the process of putting stitches on the needle. There are countless ways to do it, but you may have a favorite technique you fall back on most of the time. This might leave you wondering whether the method really makes a difference. After all, stitches are
View ProjectFrom the February 2015 issue
Building a large stash is easy because yarn is so addictive. Perhaps your stash is so large and unwieldy that it has become difficult to find (or remember whether you even own) the right yarn when you need it. So what’s a knitter to do? Organize!
Before you begin rearranging your yarn consider how you are
View ProjectFrom the February 2015 issue
Knitting gauge or tension refers to the number of stitches and rows in a given area. Most patterns provide a gauge measured over 4″ or 10 cm. The more stitches/rows per inch means a tighter more dense fabric. If a more loosely knit fabric is desired, the number of stitches/rows per inch should be decreased.
View ProjectFrom the February 2015 issue
Many yarn crafters are curious about English and Continental methods of knitting and wonder whether they should use one or the other. Let’s explore the differences between these two styles. The English method is done with yarn held in the right hand. Stitches are worked by “throwing” or wrapping the yarn around the needle. In
View Project