A gauge is the measurement of the number of stitches per inch. The gauge given in a pattern is simply the number of stitches the designer achieved per inch. In order for your knitting to match the dimensions of the pattern, you need to knit with the same number of stitches per inch as the designer. A test swatch is knit in the required stitch pattern and suggested needle size. The swatch is then measured to determine if it matches the same number of stitches per inch as the pattern. Because each knitter has their own unique tension, it is not unusual to try several needle sizes before achieving the required gauge. This dreaded bit of experimentation is crucial to proper sizing.
Every knitter wants to jump right into their new project and skip the swatch/gauge step. Avoid this temptation and spend the valuable time calculating your gauge. You will be much happier wearing a perfectly sized garment. This advice comes from the knitter who made a sweater without a gauge for herself and instead it fit her husband. (Unfortunately, I couldn’t get him to wear the pink cable sweater!)
Check out this video and learn to correcting calculate your gauge for your next project.
Twisted stitches create the look of cable stitches without the use of a cable needle. Right twists are simple to execute and are often used to complement cable patterns. I used this stitch in my Laughing Matter socks and, of course, incorporated it into the Building Blocks series. After watching the video tutorial, try this beauty of a stitch in your next project!
Many patterns call for the use of a kfb (knit front and back). This abbreviation is used for a knitting increase made by knitting into the front and back of a stitch. It is an easy and quick increase that turns one stitch into two. The resulting new stitch leaves a bump similar to a purl bump. Try your hand at this elementary increase demonstrated in my newest video.
Once you have mastered the knit stitch, it is time to learn the purl stitch. The knit and purl stitches are the foundation of all knitting and it is the million manipulations of these two stitches that create the wonderful designs that dazzle us!
Cables are the best bang for your buck in knitting! Cable designs look difficult, but are so simple to execute. Start with these easy cables and work your way up to more complicated versions. All levels of cables follow the same principles and you will be very impressed by the professional look achieved with such minimal effort. We don’t have to let all those non-knitters in on our little secret!
Continental style knitting refers to the method of knitting with the working yarn held in the left hand. Many knitters find this method far quicker than English (American) style knitting where the working yarn is held in the right hand and wrapped, or “thrown”, around the needles. If continental knitting is new to you, view my latest video lessons and see what all the fuss is about!
Every knitter will need to decrease stitches at some point. The simplest decrease is made by knitting two stitches together which results in one new stitch where there had once been two. A knit two together (k2tog) results in a stitch that is right leaning. In shaping or lace knitting a left leaning decrease may be required. The simplest left leaning decrease is made by knitting two stitches together through the back loop (k2tog tbl). Watch these two quick videos and make your stitches disappear!
The left twist is a bit trickier to execute than its counterpart the right twist, but these two stitches open the door to many design possibilities. There are several ways to create that finicky left twist, but I demonstrate the simplest in this video. Give it a whirl and enjoy all the new stitch opportunities!
This top down sock was a delight to knit due to the yummy softness of Shibui’s newest yarn, Staccato. The cuff began with the optional rib cast on using the Long Tail/Purl Cast On (see Purl Cast On Video) and was followed by the simple dancing squares. Pattern debuted as Mystery Sock #24 in May 2010.
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