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i have read and watched a lot of knitting tips, and they almost all have the same tips. your tips are best. BTW, super agree with having an emery board! thanks! :)
Thanks for the valuable tips! I’ve been knitting for 70 years and still learned many valuable tips. These will save me time and frustration, plus will help to improve my garments’ final results. I’m grateful for the useful and valuable information. Thanks again, Jane Skeeter
Norman I’ve been knitting for 60 years and I wish I had your 10 tips 60 years ago. You are a knitting master and excellent knitting teacher….so glad I found your UA-cam channel. I can see more satisfaction in my future when it comes to my knitting projects! Thank you.
I love the point you make at the beginning about knitting for better quality rather than for speed. I see too many knitters who are all about knitting and finishing projects as quickly as possible without Any concern about quality, and it should be the exact opposite: Master the quality of your basic stitches and techniques before concerning yourself with speed.
Thirty is just beginner ! LOL. I actually responded How long have I been knitting. I started late at 18 and was self taught I wanted a mohair sweater and could not afford it so I learned to knit. It was swinging 60’s. Fifty seven years and still loving it. Norman I love your practical knitting tips. I got caught up in cake craze .. neater but did have trouble with them . You clarified why I had troubles. Each tip seemed better than one before ., Thank you glad you tube put you on my radar. Thanks
@@whcis You've got me beat by a bit, and I started younger. Well, sort of. It's one of my favorite stories about perseverance. I tell people that I learned to knit at five (for a Girl Scout play). Then again at six. And yet again at eight, nine, and ten (thankfully, my mother was quite patient with me). And so on. It finally "stuck" at about 12, when I didn't have to keep starting from scratch, and I've been knitting on and off ever since. So... somewhere between 41(when it stayed) and 48 (when I started) years? And there is still always more to learn.
I agree wholeheartedly! I was fascinated with the twisted stitches and the yarn twisting from a center pull cake…had no idea and I am a half century old. Thank you Norman, from a new subscriber
I wish I had seen this last week when I was knitting a leaf pattern with a ssk. The ssk trick is amazing. That’s why I love knitting so much - with over 50 years of knitting experience, there is always something new to learn. Thank you. Just subscribed!
You can even use the snout as a yarn guide. And if you don't have a teapot, you can also use a big measuring cup or one of these bigger coffee to go cups. When I was on vacation, they had a big ash-tray on the balcony of my hotel room. It worked quite well as well!
As I look over at my never used ceramic teapot (my husband a ceramic artist, made this for me before we were involved). Thanks for the tips. It’s 93 degrees today, but thinking about get those needles out.
Those are excellent tips. I have knitted for 70 years and I will use many of your tips. I don’t know how many times I have over knitted or had to redo a large mistake because I didn’t stop, look at my work and get up and move! Someone should have told me that years ago! Thank you.
Oh my.... ! Norman - you just became my favorite on UA-cam. I've been knitting for 40+ years and you made me feel like a beginner! I am totally hooked! THANK YOU!
I like to cast on on straight needles then transfer to circulars (makes it easier to count). And I knit into the back of a knit stitch doing rib, it gives the stitch a nicer look and gives the rib elasticity. Loving your vlogs, very down to earth and helpful 👍
I’m an advanced crocheter but a newer knitter. I love your videos Norman, not only are you enthusiastic about passing on your skills, but you are so easy to follow. I just look forward to your videos and even rewatch the older ones. Thank you so much for sharing and teaching.
very happy to hear that Kim. Welcome to my channel :) And feel free to watch my older videos..not like they get "stale" as I don't really do any podcast kind of things :)
I was racking my brain trying to figure out his accent. Was it German? No, not quite. Austrian? And then I checked his website and I was right - Austrian!
You know, I opened this video thinking "I've been knitting for a long time but maybe one or two things will be new to me," and then the very first one was something that I never knew how to fix, and then the next one, and the one after that one. Really great tips, thank you!
I'm a beginner knitter now thanks to your videos teaching me, and I've definitely bookmarked this for future reference! I'm so impressed at your skills!! It takes a level of expertise in order to intentionally do a task wrong like you did with your examples. But the visual examples are so helpful and they made this video even more useful for me! :D Thank you so much!!
I like your English. Your expressions are so precise and logical! You obviously have an engineering mind. You are good in so many things in addition to knitting.
THANK YOU for the tip on putting yarn cakes onto spikes (I tried my lazy kate) to prevent the twist in the yarn as it comes off the cake. HUGELY helpful ! I get so frustrated when the yarn twists as I knit, especially when I am holding the yarn doubled. It is a simple solution, but I had not thought of doing it until I saw your video. Plus, your other suggestions are so helpful. You are generous to share your experience, Thanks again !
God blessed us when he created you!!! Love your passion and teaching others you have a great gift. I am left handed and my knitting is right and left handed I finally found a way to cast on stitches that looks right for once. Thank you so much and God bless. You are an excellent teacher I am 74 years young and can still knit and crochet and tat and can learn new tricks of the trade ❤🎉😊
Wow, so happy to see this! I have been knitting for about 14 years and will definitely incorporate these helps. If I may share two things I do: First, when casting on, i don't snug each stitch up to its neighbor, but leave around a yarn width between them. The part of the cast on that is below the needle is the actual edge, not the loops on the needle. Leaving a small gap helps get an edge close to the same gauge as the work. Second, I count by twos, and after I get to twenty, it goes like this: 20, 2, 4, 6, 8; 30, 2, 4, 6, 8; 40, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. I lose count easily, and this is fast so I don't have time to forget where I am! Usually! Knit happy!
thx for sharing these tips. for an even better (though much complicated) version, you can also cast on around 2 separate needles like this: ua-cam.com/video/rAd16HjsH3Y/v-deo.html ANd love how u said..it's so fast you can't forget where you are x3
I do exactly the same counting. In japan we play games of counting to 100 as fast as possible in childhood, so it comes quite natural. Counting every other number is also in the game. Other knitting tricks are all new to me! thanks for sharing!
Lieber Norman, Danke! Deine Videos sind ein reines Vergnügen und machen das Stricken noch freudvoller. Ganz besonders Deine entzückende You-Can-Do-It-Attitude! Dankeschön! Linda
Thank you!! I’ve been knitting for 50 years, since I was 7. I learned so much from this video when I thought I already knew all I needed to know!! I guess this shows we continue to learn our whole life. I’ll incorporate much of what you taught me into my daily knitting…thanks again!
Hi, Norman!🤗 I am new. I was watching, Debbie. From, Canadian Crocheter. She was speaking very highly of you that I had to see who, Norman was. Well, she was right. Norman, outstanding video. Amazing information. I've been knitting for a long time and I didn't know half of what you just showed. I am so happy, Debbie was talking about you. I am here to stay. I will now have my tablet and take notes. Loved the last two tips. I will rewatch this video again and take notes now that i am prepared. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For sharing your knowledge. It's greatly appreciated 👍❤️👏🤗
Yeah, I saw how she recommended me and I felt so humbled! She has such a lovely energy and It's an honor to be featured on her channel! and great to hear I was able to help you Nikki!
I am a knitting beginner and you have solved with your video exactly the problems I have already stumbled over and no one could help me so far with the real solution! Simply brilliant, thank you very much! 🙏
Norman, I want everything I see on your videos. LOL! I love your needles, your tShirt, your scissors, etc. However, I really love your knitting instructions…and your philosophical advise. You brighten up my day for sure. 🤗💕
Awesome tips. I taught myself to knit about 26 years ago after a lifetime of crocheting, sewing, and embroidery. That curling of the yarn also happens in cross stitch - in embroidery, you drop the needle & let the thread spin the twists out (it's created by friction). I've been doing that with my yarn, too, because of the spin, even when I use it from outside a cake or if I've spun the yarn into a ball. I never have trouble with my cast on size because I cast on with a crochet hook. It's not as fast as how most knitters cast on, especially the long-tail cast on, however, my cast on edge is uniform, it looks neat because it is essentially crocheted, and it will match my bind off, because I also bind off with my crochet hook. To make sure those stitches will not cause any pucker at the top or bottom of the piece, I use a hook that's at least .5mm larger than my knitting needle size. For instance, if I will be knitting with US size 8, 5mm needles, I will cast on with an I-5.5mm crochet hook, as well as bind off with the same hook (for bind off, I literally knit with a crochet hook - it's actually not difficult for me, I've crocheted for 51 years, I'm very comfortable with a crochet hook). I also use markers on my cast on - last night I was casting on 180 stitches in the round, but it went by so quickly 20 stitches at a time. If I'm doing a pattern that requires a lot of counting or precision - the one I started last night has a seed stitch border - I keep those PMs in to help me keep the pattern straight.
thanks for sharing all these tips with us! and yeah, you can let things spin out if it's a smaller project. that'S always a nice think to do. and interesting to hear you crochet your cast ons!
I feel like I should have started with this video, then learn all of it by heart. I swear, calling your channel and content a treasure trove is a terrible understatement..
you are a gem! i've been knitting for 20 years and still didn't know some of these tips. i love the enthusiasm you bring to your videos! so much positivity
How to pick up a dropped stitch *without* a crochet hook? Norman, you blew my mind! 🤯 Thank you so much for REAL knitting tips! Each one is sooooo useful.
@@NimbleNeedles No! I just never knew this trick before! I was “gobsmacked” to learn it. Indeed, my brain is exploding with all the new info. I am brand new to your site, and have so many videos of yours to binge on. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I really loved this video. I've been thinking about how to neaten up my knitting and just never came across a video that explained so many ways that are really easy but will make a huge difference to the final garment- thanks so much!!
As a crocheter, I'm used to using locking stitch markers on the rows below... and I actually find being able to slip the stitch marker in knitting to be *less* annoying, because you don't have to unlock and re-lock it when you move it. But hey, everyone is different.
That twisted ssk has been driving me nuts for years...especially when I am working small scale work. You kindly offer lots of other clearly described issues I can incorporate in my own knitting and others I am helping. Just discovered this channel and will be recommending it to all in my wider knitting group at our local yarn shop.
Glad I was able to help you there Robin. You can also knit into k2tog left as an alternative..but that's much more difficult. And thank you for spreading the word and supporting my work. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate it when people do that because it's far from normal or what you can ever expect! :)
That ssk has been driving me crazy, too. I have reverted back to k1 s1 psso. It looks neat and doesn't boggle my brain. There may be instances when that won't work but I haven't hit upon it yet.
I learned to do the SSK by knitting through the back loops while making the decrease instead of on the next row. It works the same, I think, because my SSK decreases are the perfect mirror image of the k2tog and lay flat very nicely.
@@deneicejarrett4777 so I'm getting ready to do my sock toe decrease every row, (no knit row in-between) so you do a regular ss(knitwise) & knit in the back of both sts?
OMG! I’m two tips in and my mind is already blown. I hate that weird end stitch at the bind off. I always thought I was doing something wrong. Saving these! Thank you so very much!
Wow, great tips, I love the bind off ear. And no slip now for cast on, I’m not sure if you know this tip, but when I start my next row I do not knit the first stitch, I just slip it on, it keeps my edge nice and tight no big loop, especially if I’m doing stocking knit stitch
Great tip! I knew that already, but still, appreciate the share! Always nice if people add their view because knitting is all about personal choices and not following doctrine!
Wonderful tips! Have been knitting almost 55 yrs and didn't know most of your tips. Love knitting because the learning is endless! I have wound center pull balls forever but never pulled from the center because the hollow donut of yarn always tangles. By pulling from the outside, I can avoid spending time untangling. I have also found that if I place the cake a bit lower than my needles, I can pull up when more yarn's needed. Often that means the cake doesn't spin or wobble. Love your work!
Oh my gosh! You just answered a question I have had since early childhood. You helped me with memories of watching g my foster mother knit. ❤❤❤❤ Thank you so very much! I had never realized I lived in a very dominate German neighborhood. 😅
I learned to knit when I was 10 years old, I learned to count stitches by 2s especially when using more than 50 stitches. Thank you for all of your knitting techniques, great work on fixing problems. I could have used these when I was younger. But they only had books back then, just drawings of the yarn and needles. No YT or cell phones back then. I used to take my work and let it unwind by holding the yarn in the air and letting the project untwist. Will definitely use the outside of the ball or skein from now on.
That is a possibility as well. Doesn't work for big projects, but just as valid. Do remember, however, that the important part is that the yarn cake/skein/ball can rotate. If it doesn'T you will add a twist even if you pull from outside. And consider switching between turning the work around clockwise and counter-clockwise after each row as this can add further twist.
I learnt to knit when I was four. I have a very vivid memory of my father saying if I came in early for my bath I could do some knitting with my mum. I was in like a shot
These tips were wonderful! I always wondered why some people’s projects looked so well put together and other’s not so much. Thank goodness for people like you willing to share your deep knowledge of knitting!
Thanks so much, I have been knitting (self taught) for almost 60 years and you are never too old to learn some new tricks! I'm American so I knit in the "throwing" or English way, but it is easy enough to relate to the German way you use.
I know how to crochet and am just picking up the knitting needles. My grandma just passed away and left me a bunch of yarn and knitting needles because she knew that I have made blankets and scarfs. I have subscribed to your channel because you explain it so nice and easy to understand. Thank you for your help and patience with the process of teaching. Love 😘 from California United States
Thank you, Norman, for explaining the extra twist being put in yarn when winding it on a ball winder. Now I understand why my yarn was twisting on itself when pulling it from the center! From now on I will be knitting my yarn from the outside of my yarn cake.😊
Hey Liliane, very happy to hear I was able to help you there. But I hope you saw that pulling from the outside alone makes no difference. The important part is that the yarn cake can rotate around itself. And here's one more thing. A lot of people always turn around their work clockwise after they finished a row. This is adding twist as well.
I pull from the outside. As an inexperienced knitter, I found that if I pulled from the inside, when I got to the outside bits, they were less pristine than when I began. So I use the outside bits first….and a yarn bowl. (Still pretty inexperienced, but always learning.)
It doesn't help when you are knitting from both ends of the yarn simultaneously. But turning, or spinning, your work around does untwist the yarn. And why would one use both ends of yarn at the same time? Answer: when using leftover yarn for socks or mittens and you want to change of yarn happen in the same place on both socks/mittens.😉
Oh My Word.......where were you all my knitting life.........I cannot wait to go home to quietly sit and watch your videos (in peace).... I feel the universe has guided me to you ;-)
I'm a newbie, and just wanted to say , you'r videos are so incredibly helpful. Thankyou for teaching in a way that's understandable, clear and concise ! )0(
@@NimbleNeedles Norman I commented after only watching your very first “ tip” but as I continued watching each and every tip after was a game changer. I’m going to have to watch this video over and over again until I too teach myself these new techniques ❤️
What a great video! I only knew one of the tips, I especially like the in the round tension tips. the counting thing is so true- I’ve always counted (3,2)5(3,2)10 and so on, even before I started knitting. It’s so much faster
OMG, I am 62 years old and you have just explained why I have problems with twisting yarn. Thanks for explaining it so well. My knitting will improve now and I will be more relaxed thanks to you Norman🥰
Thanks tons, Norman, for these tips. I’ve only been knitting for 3 years and have struggled/experienced most of them. Tip #9 is especially helpful since I’ve been practicing continental knitting and end up with wonky tension issues periodically. Your videos are VERY helpful and appreciated. Happy knitting 🧶!
I had a friend make me a beautiful yarn box out of various woods native to Vancouver Island, Canada. It has the swirl like a yarn bowl, has smooth edges, and is also large enough to hold a small project and accessories and has a lid for when I am not knitting. It keeps my project safe from my cats! I love it!
Love your tips! I like to slip the 1st stitch of each row when i have a garment that needs to be sewn. It provides a smoother seam to me. Also when knitting on the edge of garments. Thank you for your tips again.
Great video. I especially agree with your tip to take time to read your knitting so that you can catch mistakes early. The one tip that I would add is that ensure that you have good lighting for knitting.
You are just about as delightful as possible! Although I have been knitting for a while, I found your tips very helpful. I will watch this video again because I'm typing at the same time and I really want to pay closer attention. You now have a new subscriber and I look forward to learning more from you and checking out your patterns. People who help others are my favorite type of people. I look forward to spending lots of time with you
Thank you for these wonderful tips!!I especially like your technique for getting rid of the "ear" at the last bind-off stitch, and your tip for dealing with twisted stitches! Well actually, the ssk tip was great too! Thank you for all of the tips!!
I wished I discovered your videos earlier before I started knitting. I just started this April and I'm addicted. Your techniques are very helpful! I can't wait to watch more videos from you. ☺️
How fun, I count: 3, 3, 3 and 1, 10, 3, 3, 3 and 1, 20, 3, 3, 3 and 1, 30 and so on. Also the left leaning ssk was a wonderful tip and knitting the stocking stitch on completely different needle sizes, how creative!
I've only been knitting for a few years but these are phenomenally helpful in helping me to build efficient habits. Thank you so so much, Norman, for this singularly unique tips video 💚
Your videos are so very helpful. It took me 2 years to learn to knit, I have been crocheting for 50 years. Holding 2 needles was very clumsy and annoying, but I didn't give up. So far, I have made a beanie, a cowl, and a scarf. Still learning.
Love all of your tips, but especially the row markers! I just hated keeping track of my rows with paper and pencils, or row counters, so easy to forget to mark them. Thank you
30 years of knitting and you teach me new tricks. Love it. Also, being an avid knitter AND a practising green witch, the "slip three stitches under a full moon" had me rolling on the floor. Accurate.
learned how to knit from my Oma 54 years ago, but now I finally know how to get rid of ladders, thank you so much 😊 and I also never have used stitch markers, need to get some
Thanks so much! These tips will make my knitting so much more presentable. I solve the "purl problem" by knitting Portuguese style. When doing garter pattern, I purl rather than knitting each row. I have some arthritis in my thumb, and this style is painless. Portuguese style rocks!
I count stitches in multiples of 3. So 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and so on. And I divide my stitches with markers in groups of 30 or 60 stitches when counting larger numbers. It makes it so much quicker to count and revise them.
I don’t know how I came across your channel, but I’m so glad I did! Such simple tips that make a big difference. Thank you! Now I’m off to watch more of your videos...
I think I said it to someone else the other day already. Knitting and crochet have soo many lovely synergies - it will be worth your while. And do feel free to contact me anytime in case you need any help. Then again, looking at all your fabulous crochet projects, I doubt you will need much! :P
@@NimbleNeedles So kind and appreciated, thank you! I just might take you up on that sometime!! 💕 I first learned to knit as a young child from my grandmother and then at age 13 I learned to crochet. All I've done since until last year, slowly dipping my toes back into the knitting pond!
@@cabinfevercrochet my journey is exactly the other way round. started with crochet and then turned to knitting. Sometimes I wish I would have the time for a bit of crochet here and there. But the day only has so many hours ;/
@@NimbleNeedles Funny how that works out! Oh and I know just what you mean... so many hours as it is! And why I've only made two knit projects since last year! Mostly just practicing stitches and learning. 🌻
@@cabinfevercrochet I don't want to mention it it..but i have the most luscious yarn in lovely muted colors and I started a beautiful granny square blanket 10 years ago...and it's still no finished. haha. It's still sitting there and I want to finish it..but i should probably just give it away :P
Although I am not a newcomer in knitting - I found some of these tips really helpful . Ty very much Norman - so glad I found your channel . Please , stay safe 🌷🌷🌷
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i have read and watched a lot of knitting tips, and they almost all have the same tips. your tips are best. BTW, super agree with having an emery board! thanks! :)
,,,,,,,,,,,ĺpĺ
Thanks for the valuable tips! I’ve been knitting for 70 years and still learned many valuable tips. These will save me time and frustration, plus will help to improve my garments’ final results.
I’m grateful for the useful and valuable information. Thanks again, Jane Skeeter
Norman - I love the way you show WHY things work the way they do. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge.
Norman I’ve been knitting for 60 years and I wish I had your 10 tips 60 years ago. You are a knitting master and excellent knitting teacher….so glad I found your UA-cam channel. I can see more satisfaction in my future when it comes to my knitting projects! Thank you.
"Like slip three times at full moon and add some fairy dust" - you made my day Norman ❤
I’ve been knitting for 50 years and at least four of these technics are new thank you!
Happy to help!
I love the point you make at the beginning about knitting for better quality rather than for speed. I see too many knitters who are all about knitting and finishing projects as quickly as possible without Any concern about quality, and it should be the exact opposite: Master the quality of your basic stitches and techniques before concerning yourself with speed.
Wow Norman. I've been knitting for thirty years and didn't know half of these hacks! You are a blessing to the knitting world! Thank you!😀💝
I have to thank all of you for supporting my work and you know..for just being there cuz during this pandemic things really got lonely at times :P
Thirty is just beginner ! LOL. I actually responded How long have I been knitting. I started late at 18 and was self taught I wanted a mohair sweater and could not afford it so I learned to knit. It was swinging 60’s. Fifty seven years and still loving it. Norman I love your practical knitting tips. I got caught up in cake craze .. neater but did have trouble with them . You clarified why I had troubles. Each tip seemed better than one before ., Thank you glad you tube put you on my radar. Thanks
@@whcis That mohair sweater sounds stunning, lol. I always see these old pictures and go like: oh i want that! And welcome to my channel
@@whcis You've got me beat by a bit, and I started younger. Well, sort of.
It's one of my favorite stories about perseverance. I tell people that I learned to knit at five (for a Girl Scout play). Then again at six. And yet again at eight, nine, and ten (thankfully, my mother was quite patient with me). And so on. It finally "stuck" at about 12, when I didn't have to keep starting from scratch, and I've been knitting on and off ever since. So... somewhere between 41(when it stayed) and 48 (when I started) years?
And there is still always more to learn.
I agree wholeheartedly! I was fascinated with the twisted stitches and the yarn twisting from a center pull cake…had no idea and I am a half century old. Thank you Norman, from a new subscriber
the angels sang when you joined the youtube knitting community .. real, non-fairy dust approach to better knitting .. love you!
thank you avril for your kind words *blush*
Concur, Avril!! 💕🧶
yes!!!! I completely agree. LOVE LOVE Nimble Needles!
I wish I had seen this last week when I was knitting a leaf pattern with a ssk. The ssk trick is amazing. That’s why I love knitting so much - with over 50 years of knitting experience, there is always something new to learn. Thank you. Just subscribed!
Heh. Same here. Love learning new things. And thx for subbing 😊❤
@@NimbleNeedles Just had to restart that baby blanket for the step- great granddaughter 👩👩👧because of your skk trick! Thanks, Carol.
I've been using a loop instead of a slip knot for years, thanks for the validation that it's ok to do it that way.
I didn’t know about the tea pot😂. I immediately went to my cupboard as I have a beautiful teapot that never gets used.
You can even use the snout as a yarn guide. And if you don't have a teapot, you can also use a big measuring cup or one of these bigger coffee to go cups. When I was on vacation, they had a big ash-tray on the balcony of my hotel room. It worked quite well as well!
As I look over at my never used ceramic teapot (my husband a ceramic artist, made this for me before we were involved). Thanks for the tips. It’s 93 degrees today, but thinking about get those needles out.
Finally, I understand why my yarn twists so much! Thank you!
Thank you for telling me to take a break and take out the garbage. You reminded me that it was trash day! These are all really great hints.
haha. A pleasure :P
Those are excellent tips. I have knitted for 70 years and I will use many of your tips. I don’t know how many times I have over knitted or had to redo a large mistake because I didn’t stop, look at my work and get up and move! Someone should have told me that years ago! Thank you.
Oh my.... ! Norman - you just became my favorite on UA-cam. I've been knitting for 40+ years and you made me feel like a beginner! I am totally hooked! THANK YOU!
well..i too feel like a beginner sometimes. there is always new stuff to learn :)
You have the VERY best tutorial knitting channel I have ever come across. I have just become a big fan. Thank you!!!❤🧶
I like to cast on on straight needles then transfer to circulars (makes it easier to count). And I knit into the back of a knit stitch doing rib, it gives the stitch a nicer look and gives the rib elasticity.
Loving your vlogs, very down to earth and helpful 👍
I’m an advanced crocheter but a newer knitter. I love your videos Norman, not only are you enthusiastic about passing on your skills, but you are so easy to follow. I just look forward to your videos and even rewatch the older ones. Thank you so much for sharing and teaching.
very happy to hear that Kim. Welcome to my channel :) And feel free to watch my older videos..not like they get "stale" as I don't really do any podcast kind of things :)
This guy is a genius!
Also, I love his voice, could listen to him all day 🤣
I was racking my brain trying to figure out his accent. Was it German? No, not quite. Austrian? And then I checked his website and I was right - Austrian!
Incredibly crisp clear camera work!
Happy to hear that. It's so difficult to shoot these dynamic macro shots and I'm still learning so many new things 🙈
I've been knitting for a couple of years and never realized how much better my work could look! Thanks for explaining so clearly :)
Heh. But you know, that's what I love so much about this hobby. There are always new things to learn - no matter how many years you have been at it!
You know, I opened this video thinking "I've been knitting for a long time but maybe one or two things will be new to me," and then the very first one was something that I never knew how to fix, and then the next one, and the one after that one. Really great tips, thank you!
Heh. glad I could be of help Zuzanna.
Knitting for 60 years and I love your tips! Your explanations are fabulous, looking forward to my knitting looking better!
I'm a beginner knitter now thanks to your videos teaching me, and I've definitely bookmarked this for future reference! I'm so impressed at your skills!! It takes a level of expertise in order to intentionally do a task wrong like you did with your examples. But the visual examples are so helpful and they made this video even more useful for me! :D Thank you so much!!
Heh. you are very welcome.
I like your English. Your expressions are so precise and logical!
You obviously have an engineering mind. You are good in so many things in addition to knitting.
THANK YOU for the tip on putting yarn cakes onto spikes (I tried my lazy kate) to prevent the twist in the yarn as it comes off the cake. HUGELY helpful ! I get so frustrated when the yarn twists as I knit, especially when I am holding the yarn doubled. It is a simple solution, but I had not thought of doing it until I saw your video. Plus, your other suggestions are so helpful. You are generous to share your experience, Thanks again !
The irony is that everyone else always says "pull from the centre"!
God blessed us when he created you!!! Love your passion and teaching others you have a great gift. I am left handed and my knitting is right and left handed I finally found a way to cast on stitches that looks right for once. Thank you so much and God bless. You are an excellent teacher I am 74 years young and can still knit and crochet and tat and can learn new tricks of the trade ❤🎉😊
Wow, so happy to see this! I have been knitting for about 14 years and will definitely incorporate these helps. If I may share two things I do: First, when casting on, i don't snug each stitch up to its neighbor, but leave around a yarn width between them. The part of the cast on that is below the needle is the actual edge, not the loops on the needle. Leaving a small gap helps get an edge close to the same gauge as the work. Second, I count by twos, and after I get to twenty, it goes like this: 20, 2, 4, 6, 8; 30, 2, 4, 6, 8; 40, 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. I lose count easily, and this is fast so I don't have time to forget where I am! Usually! Knit happy!
thx for sharing these tips. for an even better (though much complicated) version, you can also cast on around 2 separate needles like this: ua-cam.com/video/rAd16HjsH3Y/v-deo.html
ANd love how u said..it's so fast you can't forget where you are x3
I do exactly the same counting. In japan we play games of counting to 100 as fast as possible in childhood, so it comes quite natural. Counting every other number is also in the game. Other knitting tricks are all new to me! thanks for sharing!
Lieber Norman, Danke! Deine Videos sind ein reines Vergnügen und machen das Stricken noch freudvoller. Ganz besonders Deine entzückende You-Can-Do-It-Attitude! Dankeschön! Linda
das freut mich aber zu hören. Gruß aus Wien.
@@NimbleNeedles 😊
Thank you!! I’ve been knitting for 50 years, since I was 7. I learned so much from this video when I thought I already knew all I needed to know!! I guess this shows we continue to learn our whole life. I’ll incorporate much of what you taught me into my daily knitting…thanks again!
Hi, Norman!🤗 I am new. I was watching, Debbie. From, Canadian Crocheter. She was speaking very highly of you that I had to see who, Norman was. Well, she was right. Norman, outstanding video. Amazing information. I've been knitting for a long time and I didn't know half of what you just showed. I am so happy, Debbie was talking about you. I am here to stay. I will now have my tablet and take notes. Loved the last two tips. I will rewatch this video again and take notes now that i am prepared. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For sharing your knowledge. It's greatly appreciated 👍❤️👏🤗
Yeah, I saw how she recommended me and I felt so humbled! She has such a lovely energy and It's an honor to be featured on her channel! and great to hear I was able to help you Nikki!
I am a knitting beginner and you have solved with your video exactly the problems I have already stumbled over and no one could help me so far with the real solution! Simply brilliant, thank you very much! 🙏
Norman, I want everything I see on your videos. LOL! I love your needles, your tShirt, your scissors, etc. However, I really love your knitting instructions…and your philosophical advise. You brighten up my day for sure. 🤗💕
Glad you like them! (and be careful...it's easy to buy too much stuff one actually doesn't need :p)
Awesome tips. I taught myself to knit about 26 years ago after a lifetime of crocheting, sewing, and embroidery. That curling of the yarn also happens in cross stitch - in embroidery, you drop the needle & let the thread spin the twists out (it's created by friction). I've been doing that with my yarn, too, because of the spin, even when I use it from outside a cake or if I've spun the yarn into a ball. I never have trouble with my cast on size because I cast on with a crochet hook. It's not as fast as how most knitters cast on, especially the long-tail cast on, however, my cast on edge is uniform, it looks neat because it is essentially crocheted, and it will match my bind off, because I also bind off with my crochet hook. To make sure those stitches will not cause any pucker at the top or bottom of the piece, I use a hook that's at least .5mm larger than my knitting needle size. For instance, if I will be knitting with US size 8, 5mm needles, I will cast on with an I-5.5mm crochet hook, as well as bind off with the same hook (for bind off, I literally knit with a crochet hook - it's actually not difficult for me, I've crocheted for 51 years, I'm very comfortable with a crochet hook). I also use markers on my cast on - last night I was casting on 180 stitches in the round, but it went by so quickly 20 stitches at a time. If I'm doing a pattern that requires a lot of counting or precision - the one I started last night has a seed stitch border - I keep those PMs in to help me keep the pattern straight.
thanks for sharing all these tips with us!
and yeah, you can let things spin out if it's a smaller project. that'S always a nice think to do. and interesting to hear you crochet your cast ons!
I feel like I should have started with this video, then learn all of it by heart. I swear, calling your channel and content a treasure trove is a terrible understatement..
you are a gem! i've been knitting for 20 years and still didn't know some of these tips. i love the enthusiasm you bring to your videos! so much positivity
You are so welcome!
How to pick up a dropped stitch *without* a crochet hook? Norman, you blew my mind! 🤯 Thank you so much for REAL knitting tips! Each one is sooooo useful.
You are more than welcome. I'm currently not at home..was the crochet hook thing a question? 🙈
@@NimbleNeedles No! I just never knew this trick before! I was “gobsmacked” to learn it. Indeed, my brain is exploding with all the new info. I am brand new to your site, and have so many videos of yours to binge on. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
BTW, thanks especially for the bind off tip for that final wonky stitch 😊
For some reason Norman you are so clear in the way you teach and I can follow along.
Thank you❤
Beverly -- USA
Southern California
I really loved this video. I've been thinking about how to neaten up my knitting and just never came across a video that explained so many ways that are really easy but will make a huge difference to the final garment- thanks so much!!
That was the plan! Glad to hear I succeeded
You "don't need to slip the stitch marker because that is sort of annoying," makes you my knitting hero! ❤️
ha! happy to be of help!
As a crocheter, I'm used to using locking stitch markers on the rows below... and I actually find being able to slip the stitch marker in knitting to be *less* annoying, because you don't have to unlock and re-lock it when you move it. But hey, everyone is different.
Thanks for the narration and the fairy dust! Gracias.
Just subscribed. I've been knitting for almost 20 years and these are a game changer.
happy to have you here Amanda!
That twisted ssk has been driving me nuts for years...especially when I am working small scale work. You kindly offer lots of other clearly described issues I can incorporate in my own knitting and others I am helping. Just discovered this channel and will be recommending it to all in my wider knitting group at our local yarn shop.
Glad I was able to help you there Robin. You can also knit into k2tog left as an alternative..but that's much more difficult.
And thank you for spreading the word and supporting my work. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate it when people do that because it's far from normal or what you can ever expect! :)
That ssk has been driving me crazy, too. I have reverted back to k1 s1 psso. It looks neat and doesn't boggle my brain. There may be instances when that won't work but I haven't hit upon it yet.
I learned to do the SSK by knitting through the back loops while making the decrease instead of on the next row. It works the same, I think, because my SSK decreases are the perfect mirror image of the k2tog and lay flat very nicely.
@@deneicejarrett4777 so I'm getting ready to do my sock toe decrease every row, (no knit row in-between) so you do a regular ss(knitwise) & knit in the back of both sts?
OMG! I’m two tips in and my mind is already blown. I hate that weird end stitch at the bind off. I always thought I was doing something wrong. Saving these! Thank you so very much!
Wow, great tips, I love the bind off ear. And no slip now for cast on, I’m not sure if you know this tip, but when I start my next row I do not knit the first stitch, I just slip it on, it keeps my edge nice and tight no big loop, especially if I’m doing stocking knit stitch
Great tip! I knew that already, but still, appreciate the share! Always nice if people add their view because knitting is all about personal choices and not following doctrine!
Every morning I have my coffee with your company and knitting. Thank you for all your videos. !
These tips are simply amazing. The SSK ....OMG
Wonderful tips! Have been knitting almost 55 yrs and didn't know most of your tips. Love knitting because the learning is endless! I have wound center pull balls forever but never pulled from the center because the hollow donut of yarn always tangles. By pulling from the outside, I can avoid spending time untangling. I have also found that if I place the cake a bit lower than my needles, I can pull up when more yarn's needed. Often that means the cake doesn't spin or wobble. Love your work!
Your tip for neatening the ssk is exactly what I needed for my current project. I'm so glad I found your channel! Thank you.
You are very welcome Misty
This tip is brilliant!
Oh my gosh! You just answered a question I have had since early childhood. You helped me with memories of watching g my foster mother knit. ❤❤❤❤ Thank you so very much! I had never realized I lived in a very dominate German neighborhood. 😅
I learned to knit when I was 10 years old, I learned to count stitches by 2s especially when using more than 50 stitches. Thank you for all of your knitting techniques, great work on fixing problems. I could have used these when I was younger. But they only had books back then, just drawings of the yarn and needles. No YT or cell phones back then. I used to take my work and let it unwind by holding the yarn in the air and letting the project untwist. Will definitely use the outside of the ball or skein from now on.
That is a possibility as well. Doesn't work for big projects, but just as valid. Do remember, however, that the important part is that the yarn cake/skein/ball can rotate. If it doesn'T you will add a twist even if you pull from outside. And consider switching between turning the work around clockwise and counter-clockwise after each row as this can add further twist.
I learnt to knit when I was four. I have a very vivid memory of my father saying if I came in early for my bath I could do some knitting with my mum. I was in like a shot
🤯 I’ve been knitting 35 years and nearly every tip was mind blowing to me. Thank you!!
These tips were wonderful! I always wondered why some people’s projects looked so well put together and other’s not so much. Thank goodness for people like you willing to share your deep knowledge of knitting!
Thanks so much, I have been knitting (self taught) for almost 60 years and you are never too old to learn some new tricks! I'm American so I knit in the "throwing" or English way, but it is easy enough to relate to the German way you use.
Thank you, Norman, for taking the time to show us how to become better knitters! I appreciate your clear explanations and demonstrations.
You are very welcome ❤
I know how to crochet and am just picking up the knitting needles. My grandma just passed away and left me a bunch of yarn and knitting needles because she knew that I have made blankets and scarfs. I have subscribed to your channel because you explain it so nice and easy to understand. Thank you for your help and patience with the process of teaching. Love 😘 from California United States
welcome to my channel
Thank you, Norman, for explaining the extra twist being put in yarn when winding it on a ball winder. Now I understand why my yarn was twisting on itself when pulling it from the center! From now on I will be knitting my yarn from the outside of my yarn cake.😊
Hey Liliane, very happy to hear I was able to help you there.
But I hope you saw that pulling from the outside alone makes no difference. The important part is that the yarn cake can rotate around itself. And here's one more thing. A lot of people always turn around their work clockwise after they finished a row. This is adding twist as well.
The twisting has troubled me. Not any more👍🏼
FYI, I had someone who worked at my LYS that also said that pulling from the inside leaves a hollowed out mess when you are near the end.
I pull from the outside. As an inexperienced knitter, I found that if I pulled from the inside, when I got to the outside bits, they were less pristine than when I began. So I use the outside bits first….and a yarn bowl. (Still pretty inexperienced, but always learning.)
It doesn't help when you are knitting from both ends of the yarn simultaneously. But turning, or spinning, your work around does untwist the yarn. And why would one use both ends of yarn at the same time? Answer: when using leftover yarn for socks or mittens and you want to change of yarn happen in the same place on both socks/mittens.😉
Oh My Word.......where were you all my knitting life.........I cannot wait to go home to quietly sit and watch your videos (in peace).... I feel the universe has guided me to you ;-)
Aww...happy to hear that ❤
I'm a newbie, and just wanted to say , you'r videos are so incredibly helpful.
Thankyou for teaching in a way that's understandable, clear and concise ! )0(
The only video I have wanted to give two thumbs up!!!
it's the thought that counts and I'm very happy to hear you liked my video that much
Norman ! Thank you SO much for showing us this ! The very first tip is a GAME changer for sure!
You are very welcome! 😊😊❤
@@NimbleNeedles Norman I commented after only watching your very first “ tip” but as I continued watching each and every tip after was a game changer.
I’m going to have to watch this video over and over again until I too teach myself these new techniques ❤️
@@BudderBean ha! mission accomplished
I knit for 25 years or so and the twist-thing with the cakes... 🤯 Thank you!
What a great video! I only knew one of the tips, I especially like the in the round tension tips. the counting thing is so true- I’ve always counted (3,2)5(3,2)10 and so on, even before I started knitting. It’s so much faster
OMG, I am 62 years old and you have just explained why I have problems with twisting yarn. Thanks for explaining it so well. My knitting will improve now and I will be more relaxed thanks to you Norman🥰
Thanks tons, Norman, for these tips. I’ve only been knitting for 3 years and have struggled/experienced most of them. Tip #9 is especially helpful since I’ve been practicing continental knitting and end up with wonky tension issues periodically.
Your videos are VERY helpful and appreciated. Happy knitting 🧶!
I've been knitting for over 40 years & still learnt a couple of things. Loved your comment about the fairy dust😉
I am a new knitter and I am so pleased I came across your channel! I love that you talk about things that others have not😀❤️
I had a friend make me a beautiful yarn box out of various woods native to Vancouver Island, Canada. It has the swirl like a yarn bowl, has smooth edges, and is also large enough to hold a small project and accessories and has a lid for when I am not knitting. It keeps my project safe from my cats! I love it!
Oh wow that sounds really cool! I love these kind of crafted special items!
Love your tips! I like to slip the 1st stitch of each row when i have a garment that needs to be sewn. It provides a smoother seam to me. Also when knitting on the edge of garments. Thank you for your tips again.
Great video. I especially agree with your tip to take time to read your knitting so that you can catch mistakes early. The one tip that I would add is that ensure that you have good lighting for knitting.
definitely..that's always a good thing to have around.
You are just about as delightful as possible! Although I have been knitting for a while, I found your tips very helpful. I will watch this video again because I'm typing at the same time and I really want to pay closer attention. You now have a new subscriber and I look forward to learning more from you and checking out your patterns. People who help others are my favorite type of people. I look forward to spending lots of time with you
Thank you for your lovely feedback
@@NimbleNeedles 🥰
The last tip is the best!! Breaks are important. Thank you.
Thank you for these wonderful tips!!I especially like your technique for getting rid of the "ear" at the last bind-off stitch, and your tip for dealing with twisted stitches! Well actually, the ssk tip was great too! Thank you for all of the tips!!
You are very welcome leanna! And thank you for the nice feedback
Wow, I have knit for 50 years and I didn't know any of these fantastic tips. You're a genius thank you so much!
I wished I discovered your videos earlier before I started knitting. I just started this April and I'm addicted. Your techniques are very helpful! I can't wait to watch more videos from you. ☺️
Although I knit for more than 40 years, your tips are FABELOUS !! Thank you 😍
Great tips. I like your delievery. Especially the tention tip with the larger needle and smaller needle to get a more even stitch row. Thank you😃
Happy to be of help Cecilia
Genius tips! Your soothing speaking voice makes your videos easy to listen to and learn from.
Oh thank you, Marie
Well done! As someone who watches way too many knitting videos. I am so glad I found yours. A fan.
I'm glad to have you marie!
3,2,3,2 = 10! Love that tip for counting! So simple, I don't know why i always count in 2's! Thanks!
Thanks. I need very clear instructions you are the best I have seen I am going to research all your videos. Happy day happy knitting
heh! Happy to hear that. Feel free to comment any time in case you have any questions!
How fun, I count: 3, 3, 3 and 1, 10, 3, 3, 3 and 1, 20, 3, 3, 3 and 1, 30 and so on. Also the left leaning ssk was a wonderful tip and knitting the stocking stitch on completely different needle sizes, how creative!
Thank you thank you thank you !! The dont twist the yarn explanation and the showcase of how it works in a center pull was so helpful
it certainly was a revelation for me as well the first time. Now wait, what happens when you knit with a ribbon ^^
So helpful thank you! After just knitting 10 purl stitches where I should be knitting this has just saved my sanity! Thank you 😊
I've only been knitting for a few years but these are phenomenally helpful in helping me to build efficient habits. Thank you so so much, Norman, for this singularly unique tips video 💚
Your videos are so very helpful. It took me 2 years to learn to knit, I have been crocheting for 50 years. Holding 2 needles was very clumsy and annoying, but I didn't give up. So far, I have made a beanie, a cowl, and a scarf. Still learning.
Love all of your tips, but especially the row markers! I just hated keeping track of my rows with paper and pencils, or row counters, so easy to forget to mark them. Thank you
I feel the same way and it made me remember when my socks weren’t necessarily the same length because I miscounted.
30 years of knitting and you teach me new tricks. Love it. Also, being an avid knitter AND a practising green witch, the "slip three stitches under a full moon" had me rolling on the floor. Accurate.
SSK tip = Instant "Subscribe".
Welcome to my channel Jonathan! happy to hear that
Right? I've been knitting for 50 years and never realized that!
I am an advanced in crochet but a beginner knitting. I use stitch markers and count stitches the way you showed.
learned how to knit from my Oma 54 years ago, but now I finally know how to get rid of ladders, thank you so much 😊 and I also never have used stitch markers, need to get some
Happy to help!
Thank you, Norman, for all these fantastic tips!! 🌸
Thanks so much! These tips will make my knitting so much more presentable. I solve the "purl problem" by knitting Portuguese style. When doing garter pattern, I purl rather than knitting each row. I have some arthritis in my thumb, and this style is painless. Portuguese style rocks!
I count stitches in multiples of 3. So 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and so on. And I divide my stitches with markers in groups of 30 or 60 stitches when counting larger numbers. It makes it so much quicker to count and revise them.
I used to count in 3s as well. But now I'm 3+2. heh. It's really interesting to read how everyone else's brain works :)
Thank you. This is very helpful. Will share this with my knitting friends🧶
Thank you. A share is always much appreciated 😊❤
I don’t know how I came across your channel, but I’m so glad I did! Such simple tips that make a big difference. Thank you! Now I’m off to watch more of your videos...
aww thank you! And yeah, there are tons of videos here on my channel where I really tried to give my all! :)
So happy your vid popped up on my feed! I’m learning to knit again & really appreciate all the fantastic & super helpful tips! 👍🏼
I think I said it to someone else the other day already. Knitting and crochet have soo many lovely synergies - it will be worth your while. And do feel free to contact me anytime in case you need any help. Then again, looking at all your fabulous crochet projects, I doubt you will need much! :P
@@NimbleNeedles So kind and appreciated, thank you! I just might take you up on that sometime!! 💕 I first learned to knit as a young child from my grandmother and then at age 13 I learned to crochet. All I've done since until last year, slowly dipping my toes back into the knitting pond!
@@cabinfevercrochet my journey is exactly the other way round. started with crochet and then turned to knitting. Sometimes I wish I would have the time for a bit of crochet here and there. But the day only has so many hours ;/
@@NimbleNeedles Funny how that works out! Oh and I know just what you mean... so many hours as it is! And why I've only made two knit projects since last year! Mostly just practicing stitches and learning. 🌻
@@cabinfevercrochet I don't want to mention it it..but i have the most luscious yarn in lovely muted colors and I started a beautiful granny square blanket 10 years ago...and it's still no finished. haha. It's still sitting there and I want to finish it..but i should probably just give it away :P
Although I am not a newcomer in knitting - I found some of these tips really helpful . Ty very much Norman - so glad I found your channel . Please , stay safe 🌷🌷🌷
glad to have you here, Helen!
Amazing tips, so different !! Much appreciated xx
Thank you for telling me about the sharp needles, It makes weave in the ends so much easier .