Tracking you Knitting progress?Q. How do you keep track of your rows when knitting?
A. Many answers to this question and depends on what you will use or is convenient to you.
- A. Plastic Notebook Sheet Protectors
- 1) make a copy of your pattern
- ( note: keep copyright information and where you obtained the cooy for future reference )
- 2) Put your copy in a clear note book sleeve and use a dry erase marker to help you keep track of your rows by marking them out as you finish a row. Then when you have completed the pattern you just wipe the sleeve clean with a cloth.
- 3. Put sheet in a notebook and keep for future reference.
- B. Purchased Commercial Row Counter
- Found in knitting and craft stores, plastic with dial to turn to keep track of rows. Some have a loop to hang from knitting, others slide onto needles. Others like Clover's kacha-kacha are great to use and its fun to hear the click! I have several. One has a beaded "keychain" that attatches to my magnetic board I use to keep patterns on and another has a beaded lanyard to wear around my neck. Check our Resource page under Knitting Jewelry.
- C. Row Counter bracelet
- A row counter bracelet is a piece of knitting jewelry that is similar to an abacus, moving beads back n forth to keep track of individual and sets of rows. The bracelet pictured- I have knitted 12 rows. Check our Resource page under Knitting Jewelry. http://StuffKnittersWantandGottaHave.blogspot.com
- I personally wear one as a bracelet even when not knitting.
- D. Sticky Notes on Copy
- Sticky notes on a copy of your pattern, helps to keep you wary of changes on the pattern you want to make, keeps track of the rows and you can make note what the next row or stitch is if called away from knitting.
Are charts easier to read than written pattern?
Q. I see many great lace and cable patterns in chart form what is easier to knit from?
A. I think visually charts are easier to understand than written directions, once you learn the chart language. Make sticky notes of the symbol meanings and in no time you will not need the notes. You can always translate the charts into written form, until you are used to knitting via charts.
Trouble with SSK
Q. I split yarn and have a hard time doing ssk?
A. This is a common problem.
- One solution is your needles. If you use a blunt point needle it is tougher to get in between stitches. I personally use sharp points when knitting lace and cables, allowing me to slide between the needle and yarn easier.
- Some find it easier to knit the first stitch and purl the second, this can make a difference in your pattern though. SSK is a left angle reduction of stitches, meaning it slants to the left. K2tog is a right angle reduction of stitches, slanting to the right.
- Tension is the other common problem, too tight tension, makes it tough to do some stitches.
I thought there were only one type of knitting needles?
Q. I am a new knitter, confused as to what needles I should use. I purchase my needles at a local craft store is this bad?? Help!
A. Needles are a personal preference and sometimes people use the same type of needle with all their knitting styles.
- In the next issue we will focus on needles, types, best used for types of knitting, points good, bad and ugly, giving you the information you need to choose your needles wisely. Needles are a costly tool, that can make knitting a chore or a joy by choosing the right pair.
- Wood, casein, metal, plastic ....with lights.....square or round, in sets or as a pair. Needless to say we have a plethora to choose from and more added to our selection each year.
- Those with wrist or hand ailments, there are new needles and different types to help relieve the stress on your body.
Trouble with yarn winder and thin yarn ?Q. I tried to use my yarn winder on fine silk yarn now all i have is a knotted mess.Help!
A. Winders are great in general. With thin yarns sometimes you need a little extra help.
- Save tissue or paper towel tubes, cut to fit your winder.
- Cut two slits to match your winders slits for yarn.
- Slip over the winder center, put yarn into the paper slits and wind.
- Keep the yarn on the cone and use.
- Hint: Using a plastic bag or yarn bra does help.
Q. Great whats a yarn bra? Sorry to sound so naive!
A. Opps! Yarn bras are a stretchy mess cylinder that stretches over your yarn or thread to keep it from unraveling and making a mess. Great for knitting several colors at a time, yarn doesn't tangle as much.
- Check our resource page for stores carrying good stuff!
- Coming soon: www.StuffKnittersWantandGottaHave.com in Yarn Bras: Red, Purple and Bright Blue sold individually or as a set of 6 ( 2 of each color ).