Knit Tips & Tricks

[RuthieinMaryland]

I found it, I found it, I found it!

I've been looking for this site for awhile now since it's such a great article about blocking using waste yarn, particularly for lace projects (which I haven't really attempted yet, but it's on the burner!). And while organizing my bookmarks, which have multiplied like rabbits since I've been on this site, there it was!

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archiv...the_block.html

It's a SUPER article with very good pictures which will set lace knitters up for easily blocking unusual pieces.

Have fun!
Ruthie

[Debkcs]

What a great thread!

My hint: surround yourself with wonderful people who knit. Family members, those good folks at your LYS, and most importantly, here at Knitting Help. Look how many splendid tips we got from this one thread! You have a question, problem or heartbreak? We can help.

You are all wonderful!

[Slim]

[quote=margz3;1132180]If I find a pattern that I know I will use over and over, I write each row on an index card, punch a hole in the top left corner and attach the cards with a binder ring. You can then flip through as you continue each row. On the last card (well, the card before any finishing instructions) I note how many repeats of the pattern to make (actually, I do all this on the computer and laminate the cards - that way I can tick off any repeats with-in the rows, or if there are sections of the pattern that are straight repeats (ie. knit 8 rows...) ) I will also usually start the cards with a pic of the finished product, then any special instructions, then onto the pattern rows.quote]

Exactly! I print them on the computer too, and laminate them with clear contact paper. Here's a pic:

[Crycket]

I found it, I found it, I found it!

I've been looking for this site for awhile now since it's such a great article about blocking using waste yarn, particularly for lace projects (which I haven't really attempted yet, but it's on the burner!). And while organizing my bookmarks, which have multiplied like rabbits since I've been on this site, there it was!

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archiv...the_block.html

It's a SUPER article with very good pictures which will set lace knitters up for easily blocking unusual pieces.

Have fun!
Ruthie

I think the best advice in that lies in someones comment...

"I love the string idea its great! I used to block on the bed as well until I discovered that the baby foam blocks that the alphabets come on that interlock and the babies crawl on as a mat works just as great. Better I think as you can have your bed at night! OH and the best part about the blocks is that they are able to be staning upright to save precious space!!

Libby"

My next purchase is going to be those blocks!

[rachael72knitter]

I haven't been knitting for too long, but here are some of my tips anyway-
a lot of those gadgets they sell you don't necessarily need esp. the st holders and the markers, yarn and safety pins work great as well as those tiny hairbands or rubber bands

I keep all my straights in a wine carafe and this way they don't get lost or bend

if you have to unravel a row, get familiar with the correct way to reinsert your needle into the sts so that they don't twist

always leave a long tail

if you are running low on your yarn and wondering if you have enough to do just that one more, check to see that your yarn is four times the row plus about 6 inches for a tail

I have found that lots of row counters/st counters are not a waste of money, it's nice to have more than one for several WIPs

when you want to substitute the yarn, look at the needle size for the pattern and look for that same gauge on the label of the yarn

when you have to make a portion of the pattern twice, like sleeves, and you are not knitting two at the same time, count the rows and mark it so that you can be sure they are the same length when you go to sew up

Mattress stitch for just about everything

def. get some darning needles

matching embroidery thread is excellent for sewing on buttons- regular thread is too thin and yarn is too bulky

go by the measurements in a pattern and not the size

buy a large size bulletin board and lots of non-rust T-pins for blocking

always do the gauge, esp. when you are just starting out

read the pattern all the way through before you start knitting it so that you don't find out about something you should have done until it is already too late

also, if you don't want a bunch of loose ends that you will have to weave in, you can knit the first four or three stitches with the tail and then cut it off once you are done blocking the project you are working on

Hope these tips are helpful from a knitter who is just now learning all the tips herself

[RuthieinMaryland]

I think the best advice in that lies in someones comment...

"I love the string idea its great! I used to block on the bed as well until I discovered that the baby foam blocks that the alphabets come on that interlock and the babies crawl on as a mat works just as great. Better I think as you can have your bed at night! OH and the best part about the blocks is that they are able to be staning upright to save precious space!!

Libby"

My next purchase is going to be those blocks!

Too true, Libby - I wrote earlier about getting stainless steel "tig rods" from a welding supply shop for under $16 (to use as blocking wire - 25-30 3' pieces ) and I got those blocks the same day at
Lowe's for just $16.88.

Happy shopping!

Ruthie

[RuthieinMaryland]

Wow, Rachel! What a great contribution to the thread!

Isn't it amazing how much you learn when you're first starting out and are still trying to figure out the questions, let alone answers! But you've got some really good tips here and are very generous in sharing so much!

Here's to 'ya Keep knitting and keep those tips coming!

Ruthie

[rachael72knitter]

Wow, Rachel! What a great contribution to the thread!

Isn't it amazing how much you learn when you're first starting out and are still trying to figure out the questions, let alone answers! But you've got some really good tips here and are very generous in sharing so much!

Here's to 'ya Keep knitting and keep those tips coming!

Ruthie

Oh my gosh. Thanks.

[Ronda]

I love these tips!

Learning to tink has been extremely helpful to me. I seem to do it a lot! I have a lot of trouble getting stitches back on the needles when I frog, so tinking has saved me from a lot of frustration! http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/FEATwin03TT.html

[momwolf]

I just told someone about this when making toys.
Use pantyhose to line the pieces of the toy and the stuffing won't show through