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Maybe you have been knitting for 10 years or 10 days- either way, there is opportunity for everyone to take their knitting to the next level. Every knitter has sticking points that could be improved.
Whether you want to increase your knitting speed or even out your stitches, going back to basics and remembering a few important tips can help you get there.
You put hours of your time and love into each knitted garment you create. When you invest in high quality yarn, you ensure that your garment will remain beautiful for years to come. While it may be tempting to purchase some yarn from the local discount store, it is impossible to knit your way around cheap yarn. Buy the best you can within your budget and you will notice a big difference in your finished knits.
Related: How to Choose the Best Yarn For My Knitting Project
There are so many needle sizes. Does it really matter what size needle you use for a project? YES! If you use a needle that is too small, your garment will be stiffer. If your needle is too big for a project, your garment will be loose and a bit unstructured. Your yarn band provides helpful information you can use to choose the right size needle.
Related: Beginner's Guide to Understanding Knitting Needle Size
When knitting a garment that must be a specific size, always knit is swatch. Check your swatch against the pattern's recommended gauge and then make adjustments as needed. Everyone's tension varies and this tip will ensure that your finished product is the perfect size.
Related: 3 Reasons Why Knitters of Every Level Should Swatch
If you are working towards knitting smooth, clean stitches, practice tensioning. When stitches result in a bumpy, uneven mess, it is typically because your yarn is not being held at the same tension for each stitch. There is no right or wrong way to tension yarn. Pick the way that feels right for you and practice. Soon, your stitches will be smooth and even.
New projects are exciting and you may be tempted to jump right in without reading the complete pattern. Before you cast on, take a few minutes to read the pattern. Make sure you understand every instruction and can knit each step. Visualize how the garment is constructed as you read through the pattern. Once you learn how to decipher every nuance of your patterns, you will be able to make customizations and adjustments.
Related: How to Read Knitting Patterns for Beginner Knitters
We dream of a place where our knitting is never interrupted. Until we find that place, the baby cries, the phone rings, a package is delivered and a million other disruptions occur. Whenever possible, finish the row you are knitting before putting down your project. Our tension is different from day to day and that difference is visible in the middle of a row.
Start by looking away for one stitch, and then three, and then a whole row. Knitting by feel helps you to become more familiar with the size and feel of your stitches and will help you to develop into a better knitter. You will soon be able to knit while having conversations, watching TV, and reading a book.
Related: Guide to Multitasking While Knitting
"Good things take time, as they should. We shouldn't expect good things to happen overnight. Actually, getting something too easily or too soon can cheapen the outcome."
-John Wooden
Knitting is a process and, with practice, you are guaranteed to improve a bit with every project.
