About twisting your cast on stitches, I have found two solutions: 1) knit flat for one or two rows and THEN join in the round. Makes it very easy to confirm that all your stitches are correctly oriented on the needles. This does require a little bit of mending to close the resulting teeny, tiny gap, but takes far less time than starting all over. 2) cast on and lay the tip with the working yarn under a heavy object on a firm surface, bumps facing inwards. Twirl the cast on stitches around and around until all the bumps are also facing inwards, holding onto that final, correctly oriented stitch like grim death. Grab the working-yarn tip from under the heavy object in the other hand keeping the bump of the first stitch facing inwards and knit a few stitches. Then breathe a sigh of relief. :-)
I swear, you’d have made a phenomenal classroom teacher! Coming from an education administrator who ended up teaching by accident and sucks at it 😂 I could listen to you talk about wool for hours! I always end up learning something new, or understanding something better.
Not twisting stitches Tips: every few inches of cast on pin a bulb type stitch marker on the gap between one stitch abd the next and make sure each clip head is facing the same way. That makes it easier to settle the row by tugging gently on the markers and the slight weight stops the row flipping over. It also helps with counting if you place them every 10 or 20 stitches.
I find that I get extremely thirsty whenever I am doing something that I feel is in alignment with my life's purpose. You are an inspiration to many, which may indeed be your purpose, your "calling", your unique contribution to the whole.
Same story for me with the combination knitting. I learned English style when I was young. Then I taught myself Continental style because I wanted to knit faster (and do colourwork two-handed), then in 2019 when I got into knitting seriously, I realized that I had been purling “wrong” for nearly a decade! I taught myself the correct way to purl, but then instead of twisted stitches, now I was rowing out for the first time. Now that I’ve come around to a wiser way of thinking, instead of right or wrong, I do whatever technique suits my fancy that day or will most easily give me the result I’m aiming for-whether it’s combination knitting, changing my tools, switching to English style, or even just making an additional wrap around a finger when I tension my yarn. The thing that brings me so much joy about knitting is that there is more than one way to get to an end goal and I get to learn new techniques all the time. I’m so grateful to good teachers, like our beloved Mrs. Mowry, who instead of teaching only one technique as the right way, emphasize that there is more than one way to reach our goal.
It's probably just the talking that parches you - I used to teach a zoom class and I'd have to have my 20 oz hot tea on my mug warmer before I started. I'm SO glad someone else mentioned getting a projector for patterns! I HATE printing/taping/cutting, and I haven't gotten around to ordering large patterns but then I saw something about projectors and I'm asking for one for my birthday! For under $100 I can have a projector and just put it on a tension rod or boom mic stand for a portable projector to project your pattern anywhere (just meaning any room).
Thank you for the tip about Swedish tracing paper. I struggled with cutting pattern pieces from the heavy paper rolls-and lost some in storage! I found Pellon tracing paper by the yard at my fabric store, and it is terrific. The original pattern rolls up neatly and can be stored in the mailing tube and the tracing paper can be pinned and cut easily. Great tip!
I'm in a summit right now and it had a good tip for twisted stitches. Use removable markers and put them on the cast-on stitches every 20 or so stitches and then when you go to join in the round make sure they are all hanging down. The beaver the marker the better. The designer that gave this tipisJessie Rayot.
I second the use of the "bulb" type stitch markers, or even safety pins. I hang them every twenty stitches off the bottom of cast on stitch. Helps with counting, and sometimes even the tiny weight of the marker helps the stitches hang correctly.
I have knit a lot of flat stockinette with combination knitting. I have found that it is a way to avoid rowing out BUT you might find that the right and wrong side rows still look different. This is because the stitches can get a different look depending on whether you wrap the yarn in the same direction or the opposite direction to the direction the yarn is plied/spun. Said another way: Every time you wrap the yarn around the needle you twist it a little bit and depending on which direction the yarn is spun and which direction the yarn is wrapped around the needle you might slightly untwist or overtwist the yarn. This can make the right and wrong side rows look different to each other. Sorry for the long and messy comment. Engelsh is my second language ❤️
For sewing patterns, I also like to order large scale prints online rather than printing at home. The exception is for smaller items like bags or accessories...if it's less than 12 sheets of printer paper, I'll usually print myself and tape the pages together. Swedish tracing paper (pretty much the same as Pellon tracing paper, I think) is fantastic!
Loved this video today! Thanks Andrea 🩷 Quick tip for joining in the round and twisted stitches… depending on the pattern, I knit 3 or 4 rows back and forth flat BEFORE I join to knit in the round. Then at the end seam the little bit together.
For the last question on twisting your cast on stitches... I sometimes work the first row after the cast on edge flat, then join in the round after that first row. It helps to have a more stitches/fabric to see if things are twisted and be able to straighten everything out on your needle and cord. When I weave in the end from my cast on, I sew up the tiny gap that I created in that first round.
I always take a sip of my water whenever you do - I didn’t even think about it til now but it’s actually a great reminder while I’m knitting along ☺️ I also looove fizzy water!
Twisted cast ons. I work the first row flat and use markers as well. If you work one row and place the markers in the actual stitches rather than between them as you go along, they hang better. Theres always a solution! Hugs!
Lots of people have said this already, but to avoid twisting the stitches with a cast on, I knit one row. I find that just one row is sufficient to aid in the twisting of the stitches. AND an added benefit to this technique is when you do join in the round, you are joining tow full rows to two full rows VS when you join in the round directly after the cast on row (because you are knitting in a spiral) you are joining one row to two rows THUS you do not have a jog on the cast on edge. I especially like this on a neck edge for a top down sweater.
Along with Andreas great tips - with tubular caston in particular, one thing is that Ive found it doesnt matter if your cast on stitches twirl and spin all over the place on the cable after youve made them. As long as theyve been created correctly and the stitch you work is in the right position you can correct during setup rows and they will settle permanently into the right position during your remaining setup rows. Just a note in case thats whats happening rather than the yarn actually twisting completely bc I used to drive myself mad during tubular cast on thinking they all had to stay straight the whole time in the cast on row. Thats impossible and not necessary. Just make sure each stitch is sitting correctly during the following setup row and it works out beautifully.
For a large number of stitches that you are going to knit in the round, I was taught to knit the first few rows flat. This keeps the stitches from flipping and gives a great visual when joining in the round. Leaving a bit of a longer end on the cast on gives you yarn to close up the bit that was knit flat.
For twisting cast on stitches, I usually do a "fake join" to test it out (similar to how I join in the round for hats). I take the first stitch I cast on and slip it to my LHN and peek around the edge to see if there is any twist. Usually, this is making sure all of my "bumps" from the CO are along the inside of the cord. If I feel that all is straight, I start knitting (taking care to remember to knit the stitch I slipped as my first stitch still). Once I finish my first round, I will typically now if they're twisted and you can undo the twist since there is only one strand of yarn to work around. Not sure how to explain this trick in text, but I believe there are tuturials on UA-cam for it.
Ok, two things. 1st is the nice thing about Swedish tracing paper too is you can actually sew it up (water soluble thread) as you would muslin to see how a pattern fits. 2nd since your hesitant about using silk try an ounce of tussah and pull out staple lengths at a time and blend with fiber on the carder. It’s so much easier to use than mulberry.
Funnily, I'm a Continental knitter, I knit tight, but I knit my purls just a bit tighter than my knits when I'm knitting stockinette flat, so I don't get rowing out very much since the tighter purl makes up for the extra yarn. But, when I'm knitting ribbing or cables I absolutely get that loose leg, so I'm going to try the combination knitting you taught. I'm also going to see if Norwegian purling fixes the loose ribhing stitch (I've never really checked when I've used it).
For rowing out, I fixed my issue by accident. I learned knitting doing “parlor” method which is English style but holding my right needle like a pencil. However, when doing colorwork, I taught myself continental as I found it easier to do colorwork. This opened up a while new world of speedier knitting so I changed to Continental style. This started my rowing out issue. So, I was able to correct by continental on knit row and English “parlor” for purl row. No more rowing out!
For preventing twisted stitches in a sweater cast on - one way is to knit a row or two flat and join in the round after the fabric is just slightly more established. Afterwards, use the tail from the cast on to seam the gap of those couple of rows.
I do not cut my paper patterns either! I trace the pieces on thin pelon interfacing which I buy yards of when it is on sale. About the twisted "in the round" cast on... I lay my needles flat on the table and make sure it is not twisted before joining. And to join I add an extra cast on stitch then check for twisting then transfer the last stitch on the right hand needle to the left and knit the first two stitches together per the pattern instructions. Sorry to ramble
As for printing your sewing patterns, you can also check with local print shops and see if they do it. I do that and get mine printed locally and usually they're ready for pick up within a day or so.
I love combination knitting and use it all the time. I've also gotten used to knitting backwards, left to right, when doing the purl rows in flat knitting, which is immensily helpful and efficient.
Hooray I am so excited for sewing content again! You mentioned Sew Liberated a long time ago and now I LOVE their patterns, so that you for that! I hope to hear more about your sewing adventures in the future as bonus content (although I could also listen to you talk about spinning all day long :)
Another fab episode. Love hearing about all the projects and tips and tricks! I'm assembling a fabric collage (not my favourite thing) for a hand sewing class project and having you chat while I worked helped me finally get some shape on it. Thank you!
Cast-on twisting. I agree with Sandy. I use the alternating cable cast-on for ribbing, so knitting the first row flat then joining in the round makes it easier to see if twisted. I learned this from Drowning in Yarn, who sadly is no longer posting on UA-cam.
To solve my larger purl stitches than knits, I work my knit stitches on the main part of the needle and my purl stitches on the needle tips. OR if knitting flat with interchangeables I use the idea Andrea mentioned of the smaller needle tip on the one end forming the purl stitches.
In casting on and avoiding twisted stitches, I've gone so far as reorganizing stitches and taping them down to a table with a lint roller tape. It works like a charm. I hope this helps. Have fun knitting❤❤❤ Thanks so much for your combination knitting advice and tutorials! You're the best!
I just finished a flat knit *cotton* top and combination knitting (just learned that's what it's called via this video-thank you!) absolutely saved my hands and I'm rowing out-free!! I feel like rowing out is worse and more noticeable with cotton yarn, so this was a major win!
I add progress markers or crochet stitch markers when casting on. It helps me keep count and also act as a counter weight. It may be a bit fiddly in the beginning but everything is on the same side. Any gaps are super easy to handle in the next round/row
When I get to the joining, I don’t join ,I turn and knit or purl back towards that first stitch. That first row of knitting has straighten out the row so when you get back to the beginning it is easier to see ,and join. You just have a small weaving in to do.
This is the first time I take the time to watch this type of video on your channel and I have to thank you because it is very interesting! I have learned a lot and it's a pleasure to hear you talk about knitting! I just finished the Craspedia and the Traveler hoodie (great great techniques in this one, love it!), I started the Pink Pizz 10 days ago and I'm about to start the Daymdreamer! Love to challenge myself with your patterns, thank you :) Have a great day :) Elodie from France
Regarding stitches twisting after casting on, I Knit One Round / Row Flat after the cast on, then join in the round on the 2nd Round/Row and start the pattern, this way the stitches will be Flat. When I start the 2nd row I’ll pick up the loop from the row below and knit with the 1st stitch to bring the row together. ❤
I am a continental knitter, sort of. I carry my yarn in my left hand, but my leading legs are all on the back side of my needle because of the way I wrap my yarn. I always hated purling, it seemed like such a bother to move the yarn to the front then back then front. I discovered Norwegian purling where you put your working (right hand) needle behind your yarn and then purl the stitch. It made leading leg lie on the back of the needle. Having some stitches oriented one way and other stitches oriented the other was a bit of a nuisance, so I just started wrapping my yarn under then over, thus orienting all my stitches with the leading leg to the back. I found it solved a lot of gauge problems for me and also helped to keep me from rowing out. I hope this makes some sort of sense to y'all. It is kind of hard to describe. I learned that decreasing was different, for me an ssk is a knit 2 together and a knit 2 together is an ssk. It is all in how the stitches are oriented. This is long, sorry.
On the bulky v sport question - I find myself in between two sizes a lot of the time. If this is the case, instead of going to the next size, I would drop back to the previous size to deal with what the bulky yarn took up. Maybe?
If you have trouble with twisting your cast on edge when knitting in the round, you can always do a few rounds flat (so rows) instead and then join in the round once you have some material hanging down and gravity will keep it all going the same way.
When casting on stitches in the round I usually knit one row flat before joining in the round. The resulting little jog/gap is easily fixed when I weave in my ends. It's been ages since I've twisted my cast on and had to rip it out.
I feel like I can guess what the cardigan is that you're working on. If so, ohhhhh I can't wait (and of course hope it works out). 🤞Perhaps this is how you're planning on answering a question I submitted a while back?!?! Lol Good luck!
re: twisting the CO edge--some video i saw rec'd hanging a paper clip [or locking marker] from every 20th or whatever stitch, then making sure the clips are all hanging down when you join--work might still be twisted, but it would be more obvious. one time i joined the CO edge to work in the round, then after a round saw it was twisted [for the 2nd or 3rd time 😞], so i did another round and treated the twisted round like a steek--cut and somehow sewn together. it worked, but i don't recommend! 🙂 for a multi-row CO, sometimes i use a big fat straight needle bc it's easier to see the sts, and i might knit the 1st 2 'rounds' flat, then sew them up after joining. thank goodness the knitting gets easier after the CO, eh? 🙂
I will put a stitchmarker on my cast on every so often and when it's time to join its a little easier to see that the are all in alignment. I was an Austin native and rode my bike everywhere. Discovered perrier and yes it does quench. I live in KCMO and adore the weather and still love fizzy water. 😂
This is a great tip. I always knit my sleeves flat but usually include the cuff in the flat knitting. Seaming the sleeve first and then knitting the cuff in the round makes the cuff look neater. I will give it a try although I don't like knitting small circumferences. No socks for me!
I am learning so much from you and your videos about the technical side of knitting, and I'm really enjoying it. thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
Very interesting questions this week! When casting on a lot of stitches for knitting in the round, I like to cast on on a straight needle. Then I knit a couple rows flat before joining in the round. At the end, you just have to stitch the first couple rows together with the yarn tail et voilà!
Yiu could try placing a progress stitch marker at first and last cast on stitch. I think this would weigh the stitch down keeping it in the right direction.
I love combination knitting. It goes faster and I'm able to do it continental inside of English. I tend to have a spastic left forefinger and combination knitting solved that problem!
I had a really long cast on I messed up, when I had to redo it I used a piece of scotch tape to hold the end in place while I worked my way around to straighten the stitches and then start knitting.
A comment about how I prevent twisting my cast on. After casting on I work rows 1 and 2 flat, then when I join in the round there is a bit of substance to my knitting. On row 3 I finally join in the round. Before weaving in my tail I make a very small seam to join those first two rows. Of course you need to be comfortable with knitting to be able to work a wrong side row if your directions are all circular, but generally these first rows are garter or rib, so very easy to do.
Re question 4 - I just finished watching a UA-cam video by Roxanne Richardson called ‘Tubular CO Hacks’. I have not tried it yet but it may help avoid twisting. Hope this helps.
I just came across your video and watched the tutorial. I recently taught myself to knit continental style and do the purl stitch norwegian style without bringing the yarn to the front. Does this style if purling create the problem you have solved with combination knitting?
To the person who asked about a tip for managing a lot of stitches and avoid twisting them: you could knit flat a few rows before joining in the round then you use the tail to close the gap (grafting). 😊
About twisting your cast on stitches, I have found two solutions: 1) knit flat for one or two rows and THEN join in the round. Makes it very easy to confirm that all your stitches are correctly oriented on the needles. This does require a little bit of mending to close the resulting teeny, tiny gap, but takes far less time than starting all over. 2) cast on and lay the tip with the working yarn under a heavy object on a firm surface, bumps facing inwards. Twirl the cast on stitches around and around until all the bumps are also facing inwards, holding onto that final, correctly oriented stitch like grim death. Grab the working-yarn tip from under the heavy object in the other hand keeping the bump of the first stitch facing inwards and knit a few stitches. Then breathe a sigh of relief. :-)
I swear, you’d have made a phenomenal classroom teacher! Coming from an education administrator who ended up teaching by accident and sucks at it 😂 I could listen to you talk about wool for hours! I always end up learning something new, or understanding something better.
Not twisting stitches Tips: every few inches of cast on pin a bulb type stitch marker on the gap between one stitch abd the next and make sure each clip head is facing the same way. That makes it easier to settle the row by tugging gently on the markers and the slight weight stops the row flipping over. It also helps with counting if you place them every 10 or 20 stitches.
I find that I get extremely thirsty whenever I am doing something that I feel is in alignment with my life's purpose. You are an inspiration to many, which may indeed be your purpose, your "calling", your unique contribution to the whole.
Same story for me with the combination knitting. I learned English style when I was young. Then I taught myself Continental style because I wanted to knit faster (and do colourwork two-handed), then in 2019 when I got into knitting seriously, I realized that I had been purling “wrong” for nearly a decade! I taught myself the correct way to purl, but then instead of twisted stitches, now I was rowing out for the first time. Now that I’ve come around to a wiser way of thinking, instead of right or wrong, I do whatever technique suits my fancy that day or will most easily give me the result I’m aiming for-whether it’s combination knitting, changing my tools, switching to English style, or even just making an additional wrap around a finger when I tension my yarn. The thing that brings me so much joy about knitting is that there is more than one way to get to an end goal and I get to learn new techniques all the time. I’m so grateful to good teachers, like our beloved Mrs. Mowry, who instead of teaching only one technique as the right way, emphasize that there is more than one way to reach our goal.
I use wonder clips to help keep my cast on stitches to not twist when joining in the round
😊
It's probably just the talking that parches you - I used to teach a zoom class and I'd have to have my 20 oz hot tea on my mug warmer before I started. I'm SO glad someone else mentioned getting a projector for patterns! I HATE printing/taping/cutting, and I haven't gotten around to ordering large patterns but then I saw something about projectors and I'm asking for one for my birthday! For under $100 I can have a projector and just put it on a tension rod or boom mic stand for a portable projector to project your pattern anywhere (just meaning any room).
After casting on before joining put your knitting flat on a stable surface to check for twisting stitches. Always works for me.
lily Chin suggest using wooden clothespins to secure your stitches to keep them from twisting
Thank you for the tip about Swedish tracing paper. I struggled with cutting pattern pieces from the heavy paper rolls-and lost some in storage! I found Pellon tracing paper by the yard at my fabric store, and it is terrific. The original pattern rolls up neatly and can be stored in the mailing tube and the tracing paper can be pinned and cut easily. Great tip!
I'm in a summit right now and it had a good tip for twisted stitches. Use removable markers and put them on the cast-on stitches every 20 or so stitches and then when you go to join in the round make sure they are all hanging down. The beaver the marker the better. The designer that gave this tipisJessie Rayot.
I second the use of the "bulb" type stitch markers, or even safety pins. I hang them every twenty stitches off the bottom of cast on stitch. Helps with counting, and sometimes even the tiny weight of the marker helps the stitches hang correctly.
I have knit a lot of flat stockinette with combination knitting.
I have found that it is a way to avoid rowing out BUT you might find that the right and wrong side rows still look different.
This is because the stitches can get a different look depending on whether you wrap the yarn in the same direction or the opposite direction to the direction the yarn is plied/spun.
Said another way:
Every time you wrap the yarn around the needle you twist it a little bit and depending on which direction the yarn is spun and which direction the yarn is wrapped around the needle you might slightly untwist or overtwist the yarn. This can make the right and wrong side rows look different to each other.
Sorry for the long and messy comment. Engelsh is my second language ❤️
I agree with knitting a couple rows then joining in the round. Leave enough tail to sew up those two rows. It has worked for me now for 20 years!😊
For sewing patterns, I also like to order large scale prints online rather than printing at home. The exception is for smaller items like bags or accessories...if it's less than 12 sheets of printer paper, I'll usually print myself and tape the pages together. Swedish tracing paper (pretty much the same as Pellon tracing paper, I think) is fantastic!
Loved this video today! Thanks Andrea 🩷 Quick tip for joining in the round and twisted stitches… depending on the pattern, I knit 3 or 4 rows back and forth flat BEFORE I join to knit in the round. Then at the end seam the little bit together.
For the last question on twisting your cast on stitches... I sometimes work the first row after the cast on edge flat, then join in the round after that first row. It helps to have a more stitches/fabric to see if things are twisted and be able to straighten everything out on your needle and cord. When I weave in the end from my cast on, I sew up the tiny gap that I created in that first round.
I always take a sip of my water whenever you do - I didn’t even think about it til now but it’s actually a great reminder while I’m knitting along ☺️ I also looove fizzy water!
Twisted cast ons.
I work the first row flat and use markers as well.
If you work one row and place the markers in the actual stitches rather than between them as you go along, they hang better.
Theres always a solution! Hugs!
It pays not to sleep in 😂😂 I get to watch the video as soon as it drops ❤❤
Lots of people have said this already, but to avoid twisting the stitches with a cast on, I knit one row. I find that just one row is sufficient to aid in the twisting of the stitches. AND an added benefit to this technique is when you do join in the round, you are joining tow full rows to two full rows VS when you join in the round directly after the cast on row (because you are knitting in a spiral) you are joining one row to two rows THUS you do not have a jog on the cast on edge. I especially like this on a neck edge for a top down sweater.
Along with Andreas great tips - with tubular caston in particular, one thing is that Ive found it doesnt matter if your cast on stitches twirl and spin all over the place on the cable after youve made them. As long as theyve been created correctly and the stitch you work is in the right position you can correct during setup rows and they will settle permanently into the right position during your remaining setup rows. Just a note in case thats whats happening rather than the yarn actually twisting completely bc I used to drive myself mad during tubular cast on thinking they all had to stay straight the whole time in the cast on row. Thats impossible and not necessary. Just make sure each stitch is sitting correctly during the following setup row and it works out beautifully.
Sparkling water is truly the champagne of daytime! Cheers 🥂
For a large number of stitches that you are going to knit in the round, I was taught to knit the first few rows flat. This keeps the stitches from flipping and gives a great visual when joining in the round. Leaving a bit of a longer end on the cast on gives you yarn to close up the bit that was knit flat.
Re bulky & thinner yarn garment. Measure the inside of the bulky garment rather than outside to get the truer size.
Cheers! And thanks for all the grwat videos ❤
For twisting cast on stitches, I usually do a "fake join" to test it out (similar to how I join in the round for hats). I take the first stitch I cast on and slip it to my LHN and peek around the edge to see if there is any twist. Usually, this is making sure all of my "bumps" from the CO are along the inside of the cord. If I feel that all is straight, I start knitting (taking care to remember to knit the stitch I slipped as my first stitch still).
Once I finish my first round, I will typically now if they're twisted and you can undo the twist since there is only one strand of yarn to work around. Not sure how to explain this trick in text, but I believe there are tuturials on UA-cam for it.
Ok, two things. 1st is the nice thing about Swedish tracing paper too is you can actually sew it up (water soluble thread) as you would muslin to see how a pattern fits. 2nd since your hesitant about using silk try an ounce of tussah and pull out staple lengths at a time and blend with fiber on the carder. It’s so much easier to use than mulberry.
Cheers 😂! I love starting my week end nerding out on knitting technique with you while spinning on my support spindle ❤
Funnily, I'm a Continental knitter, I knit tight, but I knit my purls just a bit tighter than my knits when I'm knitting stockinette flat, so I don't get rowing out very much since the tighter purl makes up for the extra yarn. But, when I'm knitting ribbing or cables I absolutely get that loose leg, so I'm going to try the combination knitting you taught. I'm also going to see if Norwegian purling fixes the loose ribhing stitch (I've never really checked when I've used it).
For rowing out, I fixed my issue by accident. I learned knitting doing “parlor” method which is English style but holding my right needle like a pencil. However, when doing colorwork, I taught myself continental as I found it easier to do colorwork. This opened up a while new world of speedier knitting so I changed to Continental style. This started my rowing out issue. So, I was able to correct by continental on knit row and English “parlor” for purl row. No more rowing out!
For preventing twisted stitches in a sweater cast on - one way is to knit a row or two flat and join in the round after the fabric is just slightly more established. Afterwards, use the tail from the cast on to seam the gap of those couple of rows.
Great podcast thank you
I do not cut my paper patterns either! I trace the pieces on thin pelon interfacing which I buy yards of when it is on sale.
About the twisted "in the round" cast on... I lay my needles flat on the table and make sure it is not twisted before joining. And to join I add an extra cast on stitch then check for twisting then transfer the last stitch on the right hand needle to the left and knit the first two stitches together per the pattern instructions.
Sorry to ramble
So many great tips!!!! I love learning from you!
As for printing your sewing patterns, you can also check with local print shops and see if they do it. I do that and get mine printed locally and usually they're ready for pick up within a day or so.
I love combination knitting and use it all the time. I've also gotten used to knitting backwards, left to right, when doing the purl rows in flat knitting, which is immensily helpful and efficient.
Love your glasses! Can you tell us where they are from?
Hooray I am so excited for sewing content again! You mentioned Sew Liberated a long time ago and now I LOVE their patterns, so that you for that! I hope to hear more about your sewing adventures in the future as bonus content (although I could also listen to you talk about spinning all day long :)
Another fab episode. Love hearing about all the projects and tips and tricks! I'm assembling a fabric collage (not my favourite thing) for a hand sewing class project and having you chat while I worked helped me finally get some shape on it. Thank you!
As far as the sewing; I HIGHLY recommend getting a projector!
Cast-on twisting. I agree with Sandy. I use the alternating cable cast-on for ribbing, so knitting the first row flat then joining in the round makes it easier to see if twisted. I learned this from Drowning in Yarn, who sadly is no longer posting on UA-cam.
To solve my larger purl stitches than knits, I work my knit stitches on the main part of the needle and my purl stitches on the needle tips. OR if knitting flat with interchangeables I use the idea Andrea mentioned of the smaller needle tip on the one end forming the purl stitches.
Thank you so much for these questions and tips. Lovely to spend time with you! Happy Friday!
In casting on and avoiding twisted stitches, I've gone so far as reorganizing stitches and taping them down to a table with a lint roller tape. It works like a charm. I hope this helps. Have fun knitting❤❤❤ Thanks so much for your combination knitting advice and tutorials! You're the best!
Print out pattern at home, then trace out the right size on the Swedish tracing paper!! Exactly!! Then keep and use that one!!
I just finished a flat knit *cotton* top and combination knitting (just learned that's what it's called via this video-thank you!) absolutely saved my hands and I'm rowing out-free!! I feel like rowing out is worse and more noticeable with cotton yarn, so this was a major win!
For cast on you could knit the first two rows back and forth, then join. The little gap can be closed when sewing in the end.
I add progress markers or crochet stitch markers when casting on. It helps me keep count and also act as a counter weight. It may be a bit fiddly in the beginning but everything is on the same side. Any gaps are super easy to handle in the next round/row
When I get to the joining, I don’t join ,I turn and knit or purl back towards that first stitch. That first row of knitting has straighten out the row so when you get back to the beginning it is easier to see ,and join. You just have a small weaving in to do.
This is the first time I take the time to watch this type of video on your channel and I have to thank you because it is very interesting! I have learned a lot and it's a pleasure to hear you talk about knitting! I just finished the Craspedia and the Traveler hoodie (great great techniques in this one, love it!), I started the Pink Pizz 10 days ago and I'm about to start the Daymdreamer! Love to challenge myself with your patterns, thank you :)
Have a great day :)
Elodie from France
Regarding stitches twisting after casting on, I Knit One Round / Row Flat after the cast on, then join in the round on the 2nd Round/Row and start the pattern, this way the stitches will be Flat. When I start the 2nd row I’ll pick up the loop from the row below and knit with the 1st stitch to bring the row together. ❤
I am a continental knitter, sort of. I carry my yarn in my left hand, but my leading legs are all on the back side of my needle because of the way I wrap my yarn. I always hated purling, it seemed like such a bother to move the yarn to the front then back then front. I discovered Norwegian purling where you put your working (right hand) needle behind your yarn and then purl the stitch. It made leading leg lie on the back of the needle. Having some stitches oriented one way and other stitches oriented the other was a bit of a nuisance, so I just started wrapping my yarn under then over, thus orienting all my stitches with the leading leg to the back. I found it solved a lot of gauge problems for me and also helped to keep me from rowing out. I hope this makes some sort of sense to y'all. It is kind of hard to describe. I learned that decreasing was different, for me an ssk is a knit 2 together and a knit 2 together is an ssk. It is all in how the stitches are oriented. This is long, sorry.
Enjoyed having a drink with you and gaining some useful knowledge!
On the bulky v sport question - I find myself in between two sizes a lot of the time. If this is the case, instead of going to the next size, I would drop back to the previous size to deal with what the bulky yarn took up. Maybe?
If you have trouble with twisting your cast on edge when knitting in the round, you can always do a few rounds flat (so rows) instead and then join in the round once you have some material hanging down and gravity will keep it all going the same way.
I so appreciate the way you explain things! Thank you!
When casting on stitches in the round I usually knit one row flat before joining in the round. The resulting little jog/gap is easily fixed when I weave in my ends. It's been ages since I've twisted my cast on and had to rip it out.
I feel like I can guess what the cardigan is that you're working on. If so, ohhhhh I can't wait (and of course hope it works out). 🤞Perhaps this is how you're planning on answering a question I submitted a while back?!?! Lol Good luck!
re: twisting the CO edge--some video i saw rec'd hanging a paper clip [or locking marker] from every 20th or whatever stitch, then making sure the clips are all hanging down when you join--work might still be twisted, but it would be more obvious. one time i joined the CO edge to work in the round, then after a round saw it was twisted [for the 2nd or 3rd time 😞], so i did another round and treated the twisted round like a steek--cut and somehow sewn together. it worked, but i don't recommend! 🙂 for a multi-row CO, sometimes i use a big fat straight needle bc it's easier to see the sts, and i might knit the 1st 2 'rounds' flat, then sew them up after joining. thank goodness the knitting gets easier after the CO, eh? 🙂
I will put a stitchmarker on my cast on every so often and when it's time to join its a little easier to see that the are all in alignment. I was an Austin native and rode my bike everywhere. Discovered perrier and yes it does quench. I live in KCMO and adore the weather and still love fizzy water. 😂
Ok now I want some lemonade 😂
This is a great tip. I always knit my sleeves flat but usually include the cuff in the flat knitting. Seaming the sleeve first and then knitting the cuff in the round makes the cuff look neater. I will give it a try although I don't like knitting small circumferences. No socks for me!
What shoes are you wearing in the traveler shell and shawl pattern photos? They look so comfy and cute!
I am learning so much from you and your videos about the technical side of knitting, and I'm really enjoying it. thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
Very interesting questions this week! When casting on a lot of stitches for knitting in the round, I like to cast on on a straight needle. Then I knit a couple rows flat before joining in the round. At the end, you just have to stitch the first couple rows together with the yarn tail et voilà!
Yiu could try placing a progress stitch marker at first and last cast on stitch. I think this would weigh the stitch down keeping it in the right direction.
I love combination knitting. It goes faster and I'm able to do it continental inside of English. I tend to have a spastic left forefinger and combination knitting solved that problem!
I had a really long cast on I messed up, when I had to redo it I used a piece of scotch tape to hold the end in place while I worked my way around to straighten the stitches and then start knitting.
Spinning wheel question. What wheel is your favorite ?
I recently discovered combination knitting and it's so awesome!
A comment about how I prevent twisting my cast on. After casting on I work rows 1 and 2 flat, then when I join in the round there is a bit of substance to my knitting. On row 3 I finally join in the round. Before weaving in my tail I make a very small seam to join those first two rows. Of course you need to be comfortable with knitting to be able to work a wrong side row if your directions are all circular, but generally these first rows are garter or rib, so very easy to do.
Re question 4 - I just finished watching a UA-cam video by Roxanne Richardson called ‘Tubular CO Hacks’. I have not tried it yet but it may help avoid twisting. Hope this helps.
Can you makea video if you do the loom
Link to your supported spindles and pop block?
I just came across your video and watched the tutorial. I recently taught myself to knit continental style and do the purl stitch norwegian style without bringing the yarn to the front. Does this style if purling create the problem you have solved with combination knitting?
I really wish you gave the name of th3 fizzy water that you like. I am trying to find a good one because I don’t drink enough water.
If I decide to change my needle size for the purl row, do I purl the stitches ONTO the smaller needle? Or the other way around?
Talking causes evaporation 😅. Cheers with bubbly!!!
💝
To the person who asked about a tip for managing a lot of stitches and avoid twisting them: you could knit flat a few rows before joining in the round then you use the tail to close the gap (grafting). 😊
Swedish tracing paper !
I was your 100th like button!
Just so you know, you are not a noisy drinker ❤
🥂
🌷❤️
I don’t know that I ever noticed “rowing out” I will have to look at it the next time I have to purl
Public speaking makes me thirsty. Water so good. Soda stream! Love fizzy water.
I take my pdf sewing pattern files to Fedex to have them printed on large paper. It's faster and cheaper for me to do that.
Either your dehydration or room is very dry