Confessions of a Knitaholic

Side Seams

I love to use seed stitch to frame all sorts of knitting stitches. Seed stitch lies flat and makes for easy seaming which is why I chose it to border my Building Blocks squares. Simply work your way up a side seam by picking up the bumps going from side to side and your seam will be nearly invisible.

Who said finishing had to be difficult? Watch the side seam video and see if you agree!

Backward Loop Cast On

The backward loop cast on is perfect for buttonholes, thumb gussets or any time stitches must be cast on within a garment. Although it is loose and somewhat unsubstantial, its construction allows you to easily cast on stitches within a row.

1 Comment August 26, 2010

Blocking

Blocking is the process of using steam or water on a knitted fabric and then pinning into shape. It gives knitting a smooth, professional finish. Blocking also presents the opportunity to adjust the fabric to the desired dimensions.

I like to think of blocking in these terms: Would you want to wear a carefully pressed shirt or one that was rumpled in the dryer? Answer: There is nothing wrong with an unpressed shirt or unblocked knitted garment. However, an ironed shirt and a blocked knitted garment are infinitely more impressive. You spent countless hours knitting your work of art so take the extra time to give it the professional finish it deserves! As a bonus, blocking can smooth seams, adjust the size and erase irregularities.

Like mom always said, “A job worth doing is worth doing well.”

Watch this blocking demonstration and take your knitting to the next level.

Central Double Decrease

A central double decrease works three stitches together resulting in one stitch that lies vertical with no lean. This stitch is often used at the base of v-neck openings. A central double decrease is also found in many beautiful lace patterns.

While there are several variations of this stitch, I have provided a video that demonstrates the option with the smoothest result.

Knitting Charts

Charts are a simple way to convey knitting directions while providing the knitter a visual representation of the finished design. Charts are read from bottom to top moving right to left on right side rows and left to right on wrong side rows. It is important to note that a chart shows the stitches as they appear from the right side of the fabric. In a flat knitting chart, the symbols will stand for one stitch on the right side row and another on the wrong side row. A flat knitting chart will have the row numbers on both the left hand and right hand side of the chart. In circular knitting (in the round), all row numbers are on the right hand side of the chart. An added bonus to using charts in circular knitting is that the symbols don’t need to be reversed since the work is never turned.

Confused? Let me walk you through chart reading step by step in this video. Reading both flat and circular knitting charts are demonstrated.

p2tog

Decreases aren’t only made in knit stitches! Sometimes it is necessary (and discriminating) to decrease a stitch and remain in pattern. For example, when faced with a decrease on the wrong side of a stockinette garment it is wise to use a p2tog. A p2tog is also found in many lace patterns to create those dazzling designs. Refer to the “p2tog” video to work this elementary stitch and your knitting will graduate to a new level!

PSSO

PSSO is the abbreviation for “pass slip stitch over”. It is a common decrease and can be found in many lace patterns. Using the left needle tip, simply lift a slip stitch on the right hand needle over the following stitch(es) and remove it from the needle. A decrease and a lovely design element have been created!
Watch the following video to see several variations of the psso demonstrated.

Slip Stitch

SLIP STITCH RULE: Unless otherwise stated, a stitch is slipped as if to purl with yarn in back. This action allows the slipped stitch to sit untwisted on the right hand needle with the working yarn hidden on the wrong side. Sometimes a designer will spell this rule out for you in their pattern. If there are no specific directions on how to slip a stitch, follow the above rule. Of course there are many other ways to slip a stitch – as if to knit, with yarn if front, etc. – and these are the “otherwise stated” exceptions. The following video demonstrates the basic slip stitch and several variations.

Bind Off (Standard)

Congratulations on finishing your knitting project! Now it is time to bind off your stitches and admire your handiwork. I recommend this standard bind off for beginners. It is quick and easy and works well in most situations. Many lifelong knitters use this bind off exclusively. Of course, check out my other video lessons to explore more binding off options.

Knitted Cast On

I love the knitted cast on for several reasons. First of all, it is how my grandmother taught me to cast on when I was a young girl and I can still see her steady hands guiding me through the process. I’m sure she chose this method because it is an easy cast on for beginners since it mimics the knit stitch. Secondly, unlike the long tail cast on, it requires no calculation of the tail length making it perfect for projects requiring many stitches. It is a loose cast making it suitable for afghans or scarves. I also use it when making a hemmed picot edge because the loopy edge makes for easy hemming.
Give this cast on a try and maybe you can pass along your love of knitting to the next generation!

Confessions of a Knitaholic