Knitting is a journey quite similar to life. You learn you teach and you share. It is not just magic that you create with your knitting needles. It is a magical bond that connects the community, and allows you to gift a part of your love and spread gratitude, Advanced and experienced knitters also never ever comment that they know everything about knitting. The craft is fun, creative, learning and a very sustainable way of gifting. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the craft, there is always something exciting to learn. So, to keep learning and enjoying your favorite craft, here are a few knitting tops for beginners as well as advanced knitters.
- Cast on & Bind Off Methods
Every knitting project has two edges- cast on and bind off. They are not counted as rows and rounds in the pattern but these are responsible for the neat start and finish of the project. The cast on is the foundation of the project, therefore choosing the right method is most important. When you are a beginner you mostly adopt the technique to cast on stitches taught by your mentor. But, with time it is very useful that you expand your knitting repertoire. Every project will require a different cast-on that depends on the stitch pattern or the project. Say, for example, socks require a stretchy cast on as does a sweater neckline. For dishcloths or blankets, the method is totally different. Similarly, the bind-off is very important. A proper way to bind or cast the stitches off the knitting needles will ensure that you have a neat finish to the project. Even when you have the experience of years, never stop experimenting with cast-on and bind-off methods. If you ever get the opportunity to learn a new method it’s always worth your time and effort.
- Learning How to Fix Mistakes
Knitters, both new and experienced must have the knowledge of fixing stitches. Mistakes in knitting are a part of the craft. Learning how to fix knitting mistakes is however the best technique of the craft. There are many ways to fix stitches, depending on the mistakes- a hole in the pattern or a dropped stitch or a twisted stitch. It also depends on when you spot the mistake, a few stitches later, the next row or round or after you’ve bound off the stitches. The simple technique of tinking (unknitting) follows the steps of knitting but backward and is an easy and reliable fix for most mistakes. But, it is also important to identify your mistake to know how to fix them.
- Joining and Changing Yarn
Joining and changing yarn are easy knitting skills. Be it a new or experienced knitter, it is always worth experimenting with methods to join and change yarn. With a plethora of methods, you can make the right choice according to the pattern and the yarn. Explore methods such as the Russian knot, splice the yarn, twisting yarn etc.
- Learn to weave in yarn ends
Every knitting project will have loose yarn ends. If it’s a small pattern made with one single skein, you will have at least two ends. If it is a project with many yarn changes (colors or fibers) there will be as many ends as the yarn changes multiplied by two. Any project is truly not complete till each end has been secured in the fabric. The best way to tackle and weave in yarn ends is to work with darning needle also known as a wool or tapestry needle (a size smaller than the knitting needle).
- Try new Knitting Style
Every knitter has a unique way to tension the yarn and hold the knitting needles but the community has few standard knitting styles. When you are a new knitter or an advanced maker, experimenting with knitting styles is definitely worth your time and effort. If you are well-versed in English and continental style you can work with them both for colorwork methods. This switching of knitting styles works wonders for your fatigued hands and wrists helping you be more productive.
Do you have any favorite knitting habits? Whatever be your project, yarn or style, we believe that the work will even more satisfying when you work with the best-quality knitting needles, crochet hooks and accessories as it reflects in your finished project.
