You know I am a huge fan of the magic loop and this video will have you moving from the leg to the heel flap in a snap. Sometimes this transition causes a bit of a brain cramp trying to remember which way to turn those slick needles. Now just stay tuned to the video and you will be on your way to creating some sock magic of your own!
Author: Knit Purl
pfb (Purl Increase)
A purl increase is made by purling into the front and back of a stitch. Use of this stitch allows the knitter to increase while maintaining the established pattern. Try this increase the next time you are faced with increasing into a purl stitch and give your knitting a professional touch!
Two Handed Two Color Knitting
Have you tried knitting with two colors (i.e. stranding, fair isle) and found it frustrating? I would have agreed with you before I tried two colors in two hands. The technique featured in this video has your right hand knitting Western style (throwing the yarn) and the left hand knitting Continental style. As a life long yarn thrower, this was groundbreaking stuff! It starts out a bit awkward, but in no time you gain confidence and speed. This slick method will have you working with colors in record speed!
Short Row Heel – Part 1
Short row heels are a great choice for socks. They most closely resemble a purchased sock and have the bonus of being quick to knit with less yarn used. Follow along with my new videos to create a professional looking heel. The use of a counter makes this method simple enough for a novice to master.
Central Double Increase
A central double increase creates three stitches from one knit stitch. This beautiful stitch is often found in lace knitting. It is also an excellent choice for raglan seams in top down sweater knitting.
Rescuing Twisted Stitches
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!
Heel Workshop
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