Tip #28 f you're having trouble understanding a pattern get some graph paper and make yourself a chart.
For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.
Tip #28 f you're having trouble understanding a pattern get some graph paper and make yourself a chart.
Tip #27 No-rinse wool wash is perfect for washing hand knits in the machine for squeaky clean results. Only don't wash super-wash yarns that way, as the wool wash will ruin it.
Tip #26 When giving a hand knit gift include a card with the fiber content, washing instructions, and a yard of the yarn for future mending.
Tip #25 Using a three needle bind off is the perfect way to join shoulders. Hold right sides together for a seam on the inside, hold wrong sides together for a seam on the outside.
Tip #24 Choose needles with long graceful points for lace knitting.
Tip #23 Use a sweater that is a good silhouette and fit for the basis for choosing the size for your sweater pattern. Lay it flat and measure and compare to the pattern measurements.For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Tip #22 Always carry a second color in the same way, either under or over. Varying between over and under will change the height of you stitches which will be noticeable.
Tip #21 The needle size stated for the gauge is only a recommendation, always do your gauge swatch! And do your swatch using the needles you will be using as different needles can give you different gauges on the same yarn.
Tip #20 When making a ball from a skein, wind the yarn very loosely to protect the fibers.
Tip #19 If you're sewing a seam, leave a very long tail after binding off and use it to sew the seam.
Tip #18 Moving your working yarn from back to front, or vice versa, when ribbing before taking the stitch off your needle will increase your speed and keep your tension even.For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Tip #17 Use a sticky note to keep your place in your pattern chart.
Tip #16 The only time it is legal to copy a pattern is if it states clearly that it is in the public domain; Otherwise copyrights are in effect even if missing on the pattern. You can make one copy of a purchased pattern for your own use.For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Tip #15 When getting your gauge, stitches per inch are more important than the row count. However, if your row count is off, you run the risk of running out of yarn, consider buying another ball if the row count is off.Here's the best kind of ruler for measuring your gauge:
Tip #14 Knitting chenille yarn in a tighter gauge will help prevent worming, a common complaint for chenille.
Tip #13 When adding a new ball of yarn, leave a six inch tail from the old ball, hang another 6 inch tail for the new ball, and begin knitting. Weave in the tail ends later. Always add balls at the edge of your knitting.
Tip #12 Row counting will make your garment pieces match perfectly.
Tip #11 If you are left handed, do not try to learn to knit left handed; knitting is a two handed process!For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Tip #10 If your needle has slipped out entirely, use a circular needle to pick up your stitches so you won't have to worry about the direction of the needle.
Tip #9 When slipping a stitch, slip it as though to pearl; if you slip as though to knit, the stitch will twist and the fabric will tighten up.For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.
Tip #8 Using a smooth, contrasting yarn, catch the yarn every 10 rows for easy row counting.For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.
Tip #7 Enlarge color charts on a copier, and using magic markers, color in the colors corresponding to the symbols.
Tip #6 Always read the pattern through before beginning.
Tip #5 Never carry a second color over more than three stitches or your work will pucker.For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.
Tip #4 Washing and blocking multicolor knitting will even out the stitches.
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Tip #3 Pull the first two stitches on each needle more tightly when using double pointed needles to avoid laddering.For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.
Tip #2 When in doubt, tear it out! A hole or mistake will give you grief throughout the life of the garment, and whatever time it takes to fix will be long forgotten.
Tip #1 One of the most important issues for perfect knitting is getting the correct gauge, or the correct number of stitches per inch and rows per inch. Always do your gauge swatch as instructed in the pattern. Check your gauge on your project after about four inches; if you're not getting your gauge begin again.