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!

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Name: mer
Subject: working with cables
Comment: When you are making cables, look at what your work looks like after you complete one repeat of the pattern. You can count the number of rows between the twists quite easily. I find this observation method works well for me, much better than trying to keep track of which pattern row I am on.

Name: Knitting Boy
Subject: Needle Storage
Comment: If you make the Alphabet Ball (it's in the Pattern Directory under toys) It will make a good pincushion. With a little creativity you can make numbers instead of letters, and store your needles accordingly.

Name: judy
Subject: proper tension
Comment: when learning to knit- my instructor told me to keep my yarn on the floor ( you can put in plastic bag to keep clean) and your tension will always be the same- does not matter where you are. It works perfectly.

Name: Pamela
Subject: Keeping wool clean
Comment: 1. I start a ball of wool from the middle/centre, this way when you pull the ball will not roll. Good if you have cats.
2. I keep the ball of wool I am using in a clear plastic bag. Always stays clean, even white.

Name: Jeanette
Subject: To keep needles moving well
Comment: Instead of using wax or polish for your needles, run them through your hair as if you have an itch and wish to scratch. This way you use the natural oils in your hair that will not damage natural fibers of wool or silk.

Name: morgan
Subject: holders
Comment: I found if u r starting a new project and r looking 4 someplace 2 store it an empty plastic baby wipe container works wonders!

Name: Zia
Subject: creating patterns
Comment: if you make a pattern You would need to experiment with it before posting it on a blog or in a book or sharing it with anyone.

Name: Charlotte
Subject: Binding Off
Comment: bind off the last two stitches together so you don't get that loose stitch at the end of your work.

Name: Judi
Subject: needle organizers
Comment: I keep each size of my round needles in a plastic bag that seals. Then I keep them in a bin by number. It's a great way to always have what you need when you need it and not be rummaging to find the right size!

Name: Barbara
Subject: knitting with color or complex patterns
Comment: I have found that it is easier for me to work with a color chart or a complex pattern if I can "snip" and paste it into MSW Paint. That way I can use the paint brush to cross out the rows I have done, or use a contrasting color to indicate how I want to alter a chart. You can also invert horizontally, vertically, etc. When I'm working fair isle across a reasonable number of stitches, I actually create the entire row in PAINT, then cross out as I knit a section. I find this to be invaluable. Try it!

Name: linda
Subject: storage
Comment: i have found the 3 ring binder pencil case works for a lot of small stuff
i get mine at 99 cent store and is good for double points also

Name: Winifred Kennedy Scotland
Subject: Basic pattern
Comment: If you have a basic plain pattern use this all the time and add in your own stitch pattern. Each time you knit it it will look like you have used a different pattern. Do round or v neck cardigans and jumpers. Use up odd bits of wool and make stripes as well. This will save you a fortune on patterns as they are so expensive now.

Name: Nelie
Subject: On the go knitting
Comment: I use a gallon zip lock bag to store my small projects that I take with me. Just put the yarn and needles in the bag and zip shut. When you want to knit just remove the knitted potion from the bag. The yarn will feed easily out of the bag and keep the yarn clean and organized at the same time.

Name: Leslie
Subject: tracking rows
Comment: I create spread sheets for many projects! I list all rows, the pattern for the row, and use a graph to check off the row I just completed. I don't lose track of how many rows between cabling anymore! I also have a record of how many rows I've done, in case I have to make a duplicate.

Name: Aileen
Subject: dropped stiches
Comment: I use a crochet hook to pick up stitches or to correct stitches down a pattern. I find using the crochet hook saves me having to rip out rows of work just have to drop down the one stitch and when the error has been corrected you do not see where the mistake was made. It is really tidy.

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