At some point, all knitters are faced with ripping out their knitting. Sometimes your mistake is so far down that it is easier to rip back to the error and then replace the stitches back onto the needles. When we place these stitches back on the needles it is very common to twist the stitches by sitting them on the needles incorrectly. (This also happens to me when I accidentally drop a stitch and pick it up in a frenzied panic before it runs down!)
When looking at the two “legs” of a knit stitch, the left leg of the stitch should be behind the needle with right leg in front. If you put your stitches with the right leg in front, essentially twisted, then I have a great tip for you. To untwist your stitches, simply knit into the back loop of the twisted stitch and VOILA! Your stitch is now sitting on the right hand needle in the correct position with the left leg behind the needle and no twist.
If you are like me, you are wondering where was this tip when you untwisted 97 stitches before knitting them!
February 5, 2010
HEEL WORKSHOP
Traditional Heel
The secret to a successful traditional heel lies in the heel flap. The heel flap selvages provide the foundation for future gusset stitches. Choose one of the following heel flap patterns to lay the perfect foundation for picking up your gusset stitches.
After completing final round of leg, turn to wrong side of stitches just worked to begin heel flap. Heel flap is generally knit over half the total number of leg stitches. In each option, repeat the two rows over an even number of stitches until heel flap reaches desired length ending after row 1.
#1 Slip Stitch Chain Selvage
The first stitch of each row is slipped. Selvage is loose and chain edge makes it simple to pick up gusset stitches.
1. (WS) Slip 1 purlwise with yarn if front, purl to end.
2. (RS) *Slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
#2 Wrapped Slip Stitch Selvage
The last stitch of each row is slipped and then immediately knit on next row. Selvage is a bit firmer than Option #1, but still maintains a chain edge.
1. (WS) K1, purl to last stitch, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front.
2. (RS) *K1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn if front.
#3 Single Garter Stitch Selvage
First and last stitch of each row is knit. Selvage is tight with no chain edge. Stitches may be picked up in bumps or bars along edge.
1. (WS) K1, purl to last stitch, k1.
2. (RS) *K1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back to last 2 stitches, k2.
©2010 Michelle Hunter
www.knitpurlhunter.com
January 15, 2010
Is it your New Year’s resolution to become a better knitter? Everyone, no matter their skill level, has something new to learn in knitting. I think it is this endless source of new patterns and techniques that keeps knitters addicted! The simplest way to improve as a knitter is to try something new. Start 2010 with a project that includes a stitch or technique you have never tried before. It can be something as simple as a purl stitch or as complicated as a giant cable chart. Use a book, YouTube or your local yarn shop to help you master this new task. You will be proud of yourself and one step further down the knitting road. If it doesn’t work out, maybe your “mistake” will become the next new “design element” everyone else will want to imitate! Happy New Year!!!
December 31, 2009
Knitters notoriously underestimate how much time is needed to knit for everyone on their gift list. It seemed like a great idea to knit Christmas gifts for all your family and friends in July! If you find yourself a bit behind this December, think big yarn and big needles. Try this simple and stylish cowl that can be knit in a few hours. You can always make everyone socks next year!
Moebius Seed Scarf
2 100g skeins Misti Alpaca Chunky
Size 17 needles
Holding two strands of yarn together, cast on 18 stitches
Row 1. *k1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2. *p1, k1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 24”.
Bind off in pattern.
Seam short ends together twisting one end before joining to make scarf a moebius.
Pattern inspired by Nina at Nina Yarn Shop in Chicago, Illinois.
December 4, 2009
If you make a mistake in your knitting late in the evening, resist the urge to rip it out. Put it aside until tomorrow. Chances are the mistake won’t look as daunting in the morning when your eyes are sharper and you are rested. 11pm is my bewitching hour and I never rip out after that time. If you want to keep knitting after your bewitching hour, grab an easy project and knit til the wee hours!
November 11, 2009
You’ve heard of the carpenter’s mantra, “Measure twice, cut once.” Knitters should count twice, knit once. It is painful to get to the end of a 187 stitch set up row and find out you only have 186 stitches!
November 3, 2009
This darling footie with the butterfly motif gives you plenty of reasons to smile. The picot hemmed cuff is followed by an eye of partridge heel and is finished with Michelle’s eye of partridge toe. Knit with Sugar Rush by Queensland giving it a yummy softness perfect for luxurious bed socks or stylish sport socks. Debuted as Mystery Sock #16 in July 2009.
November 1, 2009
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