Knitting Needle Soup – Our Favorite Knitting Tips
The exchange of knitting knowledge and advice is what the Daily Knitter is all about. We all become better knitters as a result. This article is the first in a series discussing the Daily Knitter’s favorite knitting tips. We hope these suggestions benefit you in your knitting. And make sure to pass these tips on to your friends with the link at the top of the page.
It is virtually impossible to try on a knitting project before it is complete. We’ve all attempted to slip on a sweater in progress, only to lose stitches from the needles. You can solve this problem with inexpensive craft ribbon functioning as a stitch holder. Simply thread the ribbon through your stitches and remove the needle. (Make sure you knot the ribbon to prevent stitches from falling off.) Now you can model the project without stress and simply slide the stitches back onto the needle when you are done.
Working with several colors of yarn simultaneously can yield a tangled knot that any mischievous cat would be proud of. Solve this problem by punching holes in the top of a shoe box. By threading each yarn color through a separate hole in the box top, you can keep the yarns separate as you work. Tape the box closed and you are ready to go.
Threading beads on to yarn can be a frustrating and time consuming process. As the yarn frays with use, it becomes increasingly difficult. Try applying clear nail polish to the end of the yarn. This will hold the end together and provide an easy tip for bead threading.
Counting stitches has never been the fun part of knitting. We’ve all glanced at the beginning of an afghan pattern and seen the instructions, “cast on 320 stitches.” The thought of counting that many stitches will make even the most experienced knitter cringe. By using stitch markers during the cast on process, you can eliminate the counting headache. For example, place a stitch marker on your needle every 20 stitches. It is much easier to count 16 stitch holders than 320 stitches.
Do your longer circular needles look more like the track of Space Mountain than a simple circle? End the wrestling match by dropping them in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. The needles will immediately relax; and so will you when working with them.
About the Author
The Daily Knitter is an on-line knitting magazine offering over 1,500 free knitting patterns, knitting book reviews, a yarn shop directory, knitting instruction, and the famous Free Knitting Pattern of the Day. Visit us at http://www.DailyKnitter.com.
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