Author: Knit Purl

Charts

Posted on by Knit Purl

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

Posted on by Knit Purl

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

Posted on by Knit Purl

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

Posted on by Knit Purl

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)

Posted on by Knit Purl

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

Posted on by Knit Purl

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!

Gauge

Posted on by Knit Purl

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.

Right Twist

Posted on by Knit Purl

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!