Amazing! Knitting is so much less stressful now, before I was having to really push the needle and wriggle it into a new stitch! These videos are a godsend if you don't know anyone who can knit. They're so soothing too! Thank you!
Hi J, I’m so glad you’re finding these hopeful as you get going - knitting is a great stress reliever so the last thing we want is to add more when you pick up the needles. Happy knitting 🧶
I was ready to give up knitting because after the second or third row my work was too tight but it was because I was holing it too near the tip! You're the first person to have suggested that in a video so thank you!
Been having a very rough time in my life right now, and I decided to turn to knitting to calm myself and just...turn off the world for a bit. Thank you for all your videos, and thank you for sharing your passion with us! :)
I've definitely been holding my yarn too tightly. This and your video about how to hold needles have been so helpful, thank you! I also heard that using metal needles might make beginners more likely to make tight stitches to compensate for the lack of friction - switching to wood has also helped me.
You are so welcome, Tess! yes, good point about the friction of different needles, wooden or bamboo are better for beginners. And we all need ot find what works for us. Happy knitting!
Trying to teach myself to knit an afghan and had trouble with a pattern stitch that used slipped stitches and had a hard time slipping them off! The things you mentioned really helped! Thank you!!
Thanks! It's the first time I've heard someone mention the distance on the needle it takes to get to 10mm and I now see my issue was that I was doing it too close to the tip.
I love her!!!. I'm just starting but I've started 17 times now!! Hanna clearly solved the errors I was making.. tiny errors that led to big problems! Now if I can just learn to purl!
Hi Terri! So glad you found this helpful. Get some practice in with the knit stitch, you can knit so much with it. You'll find a purl stitch tutorial here too when you're ready: ua-cam.com/video/vQmYAnbxz44/v-deo.html Happy knitting 🧶
Just wanted to say thank you for making this video. I was getting frustrated when I couldn't get past the third row because it all got way too tight to continue. I figured out that I was doing every single wrong thing you mentioned in this video! Anyway, I used your advice, and I was able to finish a practice square. Thanks so much!
Thank you omg! I was so frustrated today that I almost gave up! I did try to start knitting to destress myself after all. This video has helped me so much. Thank you thank you thank you❤
Such a great video about how to fix tension in my knitting..you have a great relaxed manner in your presentation which helps beginners feel less frustrated with their progress. Thanks Hannah
Thanks for your video(s). This is the second one I have watched where your instructions and demonstrations helped me understand why something I was doing - in this case, knitting too tightly - was not working out as I hoped. You are really good at explaining and breaking down what's going on. More importantly, you provide directions about how to learn from my mistakes and move forward with fewer frustrations.
I think i cast on too tightly, which forces me to work at the tip. and that just keeps it tight. plus being at the tip and tight it tries to fall off so i hold the stitch tight. they all just work together to make an incredible tight and difficult piece.
Thanks for the tips. I’m new to knitting as a crocheter, and I found that my tension was far too tight because I was using the opposite hand that I am used to holding the yarn with in English knitting. So I actually switched to continental knitting so that way it’s the same hand I use for crochet and my tension was fixed. 😂
Hi Hannah, thank you so so much for your informative and lovely videos! I recently got into learning both crochet and knitting and for knitting your channel has become my go-to! I don't know if you would see this since the video was posted many years ago, but I wonder if I could ask you a question. I don't know what kind of knitter I am, (well beginner and not very good at it) 1. When you move your stitch from left to right, how do you move it? do you use your right hand needle? Left hand to physically drop the stitch? If your stitches on your left needle is not moving as you work on next row, does It mean it is too tight? I don't seem to understand how to drop the stitch once I pulled through the loop with the yarn. And I feel like there is so stretched fabric between two needles in the midst of making a new row (hope this description isn't too confusing) 2. do you have to move stitches on your left side with your left hand physically as you knit or if you have correct tension would it move it upward automatically? I guess I seem to struggle with how to drop/move the stitches once it is through the loop and advancing the remaining stitches on the left side p.s. I was about to comment how amazed I am you are not using UK terminology (as I presume you are based in UK), not US terminology, but I just realized it only applies to crochet, not knit! oops!
I’ll send you to a couple of videos that look much more closely at the individual stitches. Hopefully they will help. The knit stitch: ua-cam.com/video/0BqR_Xj2Z2g/v-deo.html Knitting stitches for beginners: ua-cam.com/video/vQmYAnbxz44/v-deo.html Do I knit or do I purl now: ua-cam.com/video/Uo6clNpxOLY/v-deo.html Happy knitting 🧶
Hi, thank you so very much for making this very helpful video. I'm a male newbie knitter, my better half, who is inspirational and very patient i must add; has observed me stretching the stitch from left to right or receiving needle, my stitches grabbing on with a vice grip lol. Worse situation on larger diameter needles than DK on 4.5 mm, on chunky 6.5 or 7 dependent obviously on nature of wool. I'm getting past fear of slipping off needle tips. So chunky knitting is more of a problem, currently working Chenile chunky for baby blanket. I can't seem to get out of the habit of stretching the wool as the stitches progress. Could you please suggest how I might improve. I am really enjoying the sense of achievement I get completing projects, only scarfs a hat and a few blankets to date. Enjoyed your clear way of explaining techniques, could it be the quality of the needles they are alloy with an anodised finish and a bit grabby, would stainless be better as I am losing the fear of falling off the needles as I did initially when starting out. Kind regards Woolly
I would imagine this might be about how you’re holding the yarn as you knit each stitch. Take a look at that along the row - is it even, are there points when it’s wound around your fingers, or points when you’re running out of needle space? Do you bunch the stitches up without spreading them out, so the yarn isn’t even between the stitches as well as on the needle?
Great video as usual! The stretch/give tip at the end is fantastic 👍🏻 At about the 3:20 mark, you’re holding the yarn so tight you even pull the needle right out of your hand! 😂
Knitted a sock that feels more like a slipper cos I do 3 of these wrongs 😔 granted...the sock is the one and only item I have ever knitted. So pretty chuffed that I followed the pattern but yes...I believe the sock is too small for my daughter's foot 🙈. Thanks for the tips! Beginners nerves and ignorance...I thought it would be holey if I didn't pull tight but holy moly are my fingertips bruised 🤣
Not that new to knitting but the smaller my needles and the smaller my yarn the closer I get to the tip of my needles.. Didn't realise till Hannah pointed it out as potential problem 🙈
So... this would be my third time of trying to pick up knitting, and I just can't seem to stay with it, lol. My latest experience brought on the problem of tight stitches, and they behave exactly how you describe: tight to the needle, with no flexibility. The instructional DVD I've been learning from (by Susan B. Anderson, for those curious) cautions you against a tight cast-on, but she never mentions a thing about tight stitches, so thank you for the info, I greatly appreciate it. Quick question: I seem to be stitching at the tips (per Ms. Anderson's suggestion), but you suggest on the needle, how do I do that, exactly?
It's just a case of probably taking a bit more time to move each stitch as you make it onto the part of the needle that's widest. Then you'll have a row of stitches that are all the same size. The rhythm will set in place once you've put the habit in place. Happy knitting! 🧶
Wow, I did 2-4 😂 I made the first fingerless mitten and I could barely fit it. I really had to force my hand in and I could feel the tight tension. I’m starting a new mitten and this time it feels just right.
I think that was helpful! Need to explore a bit more (as I'm only getting started). It may be the first, I"m knitting too close to the point, or the 3rd one (I think it's when I drop the "loop" in my knit stitch, I'm holding yarn too tight ?) :/ Keep unraveling my little bookmark. LOL
Hi Cathy, Yes, knitting too close to the point is very often the single reason that this happens. If I were you I'd keep knitting the same item. You'll see the improvement as you go and can start again once you've finished. Happy knitting!
Aaahhh.. I'm knitting too close to the tip! Another reason it gets tighter as I'm trying to get the stitch I I noticed that I land up pulling the thread tighter while struggling to get the stitch on... Thanks!
Yes, I remember that, holding it tighter so it's not falling of the needles. The material of your needles can play a part in this - bamboo or un-polished wood are better. Happy knitting 🧶
Doubt you'll find this comment, but I am struggling with tension and Norwegian purling. How big is too big when I am purling off that loop? I have heard others say "don't make it too big but what is "just right"?
Hi Judi, the stitch will be stretched more if you’re manoeuvring it a bit more as you do in this method. So I’d say it’s looking at the row of stitches in comparison to your knit rows. Do they stand out as stretched? Can you pull some of the slack by holding the yarn a little looser as you purl, so the subsequent knit rows will also have a bit more give? Whatever happens using this method might alter your gauge slightly, if you’ve not knitted/purled in this way before maybe test it across a couple of smaller projects like a bookmark or a headband. To give you an idea of how it appears once finished. This might give the option of adjusting this way or that, so the practice could even it out. Happy knitting 🧶
@@KnitWithHannah each row I knit seems slightly better than the last. Just a case of practic practice practice, isn’t it? Thankyou for sharing your tips
Amazing! Knitting is so much less stressful now, before I was having to really push the needle and wriggle it into a new stitch! These videos are a godsend if you don't know anyone who can knit. They're so soothing too! Thank you!
Hi J, I’m so glad you’re finding these hopeful as you get going - knitting is a great stress reliever so the last thing we want is to add more when you pick up the needles. Happy knitting 🧶
I was ready to give up knitting because after the second or third row my work was too tight but it was because I was holing it too near the tip! You're the first person to have suggested that in a video so thank you!
That’s good news, Carly. So glad this was helpful! Happy knitting 🧶
Been having a very rough time in my life right now, and I decided to turn to knitting to calm myself and just...turn off the world for a bit. Thank you for all your videos, and thank you for sharing your passion with us! :)
Yes, knitting has so many benefits, best wishes and Happy knitting 🧶
I've definitely been holding my yarn too tightly. This and your video about how to hold needles have been so helpful, thank you! I also heard that using metal needles might make beginners more likely to make tight stitches to compensate for the lack of friction - switching to wood has also helped me.
You are so welcome, Tess! yes, good point about the friction of different needles, wooden or bamboo are better for beginners. And we all need ot find what works for us. Happy knitting!
Trying to teach myself to knit an afghan and had trouble with a pattern stitch that used slipped stitches and had a hard time slipping them off! The things you mentioned really helped! Thank you!!
Great! So glad this was helpful. Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you - m knitting at the tips and holding my yarn to tight! Found you completely by accident - so grateful
@@SarahSpencer-p3n hi Sarah, so glad you found the video when you needed it! Happy knitting 🧶
Thanks! It's the first time I've heard someone mention the distance on the needle it takes to get to 10mm and I now see my issue was that I was doing it too close to the tip.
I'm so thrilled that this video resonated with you, Nina, The larger the needle the longer it might take. Happy knitting!
I love her!!!. I'm just starting but I've started 17 times now!! Hanna clearly solved the errors I was making.. tiny errors that led to big problems!
Now if I can just learn to purl!
Hi Terri! So glad you found this helpful. Get some practice in with the knit stitch, you can knit so much with it. You'll find a purl stitch tutorial here too when you're ready: ua-cam.com/video/vQmYAnbxz44/v-deo.html Happy knitting 🧶
I knitted for my first time last night. I am so excited to learn this new skill.
Yes! Welcome to the club! Happy knitting 🧶
Just wanted to say thank you for making this video. I was getting frustrated when I couldn't get past the third row because it all got way too tight to continue. I figured out that I was doing every single wrong thing you mentioned in this video! Anyway, I used your advice, and I was able to finish a practice square. Thanks so much!
Glad it helped! happy knitting 🧶
Thank you for a simple explanation!!! Teaching myself to knit and I didn’t realize I was using the ends.
Great! So glad you found an answer. Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you omg! I was so frustrated today that I almost gave up! I did try to start knitting to destress myself after all. This video has helped me so much. Thank you thank you thank you❤
So glad you e found some calm after figuring out the problem. Happy knitting 🧶
I was knitting too close to the tips of the needles. Thank you Hannah for your help.
You are so welcome! Happy knitting 🧶
Such a great video about how to fix tension in my knitting..you have a great relaxed manner in your presentation which helps beginners feel less frustrated with their progress. Thanks Hannah
Glad it was helpful! Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you i was struggling with a combination of the first two in this demonstration.
Great! Glad you found some answers. Happy knitting 🧶
This is just unbelievably helpful, thank you so much for making this .. 😺
You're so welcome, Gabrielle, so happy you found it helpful. Happy knitting 🧶
Thanks for your video(s). This is the second one I have watched where your instructions and demonstrations helped me understand why something I was doing - in this case, knitting too tightly - was not working out as I hoped. You are really good at explaining and breaking down what's going on. More importantly, you provide directions about how to learn from my mistakes and move forward with fewer frustrations.
Thanks Kevin, for your feedback. It's so lovely to hear that these videos are helping you in so many ways. happy knitting 🧶
Thank you this really helped me stop holding my needles too close to the tips and less tightly! my hands have stopped hurting now!
Hi Anna, That's great news! So good to know this video helped. Happy knitting!
I do all of these things!😂 I’m just going to start over. Thank you for the tips!! ❤
You got this! Happy knitting 🧶
I think i cast on too tightly, which forces me to work at the tip. and that just keeps it tight. plus being at the tip and tight it tries to fall off so i hold the stitch tight. they all just work together to make an incredible tight and difficult piece.
So helpful! It’s so much more fun now that I am not struggling with tight stitches! Thank you ☺️
You are so welcome! I'm so glad this helped to even the stitches out for you. happy knitting!
Thanks Hannah, that was so helpful! It turns out I knit too close to the tips of the needle!
I'm so pleased you found it helpful. Happy knitting 🧶
Thanks for the tips. I’m new to knitting as a crocheter, and I found that my tension was far too tight because I was using the opposite hand that I am used to holding the yarn with in English knitting. So I actually switched to continental knitting so that way it’s the same hand I use for crochet and my tension was fixed. 😂
Perfect! that's a great plan going forward. Happy knitting 🧶
I went insane and broke the tip of my needle. This video was really helpful. Thank you
Oh no! Unlikely to happen again now you’ve figured out what caused it. Happy knitting 🧶
Hi Hannah, thank you so so much for your informative and lovely videos! I recently got into learning both crochet and knitting and for knitting your channel has become my go-to! I don't know if you would see this since the video was posted many years ago, but I wonder if I could ask you a question. I don't know what kind of knitter I am, (well beginner and not very good at it)
1. When you move your stitch from left to right, how do you move it? do you use your right hand needle? Left hand to physically drop the stitch? If your stitches on your left needle is not moving as you work on next row, does It mean it is too tight? I don't seem to understand how to drop the stitch once I pulled through the loop with the yarn. And I feel like there is so stretched fabric between two needles in the midst of making a new row (hope this description isn't too confusing)
2. do you have to move stitches on your left side with your left hand physically as you knit or if you have correct tension would it move it upward automatically?
I guess I seem to struggle with how to drop/move the stitches once it is through the loop and advancing the remaining stitches on the left side
p.s. I was about to comment how amazed I am you are not using UK terminology (as I presume you are based in UK), not US terminology, but I just realized it only applies to crochet, not knit! oops!
I’ll send you to a couple of videos that look much more closely at the individual stitches. Hopefully they will help.
The knit stitch: ua-cam.com/video/0BqR_Xj2Z2g/v-deo.html
Knitting stitches for beginners: ua-cam.com/video/vQmYAnbxz44/v-deo.html
Do I knit or do I purl now:
ua-cam.com/video/Uo6clNpxOLY/v-deo.html
Happy knitting 🧶
This one on tight stitches might help too, as you mentioned that:
ua-cam.com/video/Y2E2xxVZaOw/v-deo.html
Hi, thank you so very much for making this very helpful video.
I'm a male newbie knitter, my better half, who is inspirational and very patient i must add; has observed me stretching the stitch from left to right or receiving needle, my stitches grabbing on with a vice grip lol.
Worse situation on larger diameter needles than DK on 4.5 mm, on chunky 6.5 or 7 dependent obviously on nature of wool.
I'm getting past fear of slipping off needle tips.
So chunky knitting is more of a problem, currently working Chenile chunky for baby blanket.
I can't seem to get out of the habit of stretching the wool as the stitches progress.
Could you please suggest how I might improve.
I am really enjoying the sense of achievement I get completing projects, only scarfs a hat and a few blankets to date.
Enjoyed your clear way of explaining techniques, could it be the quality of the needles they are alloy with an anodised finish and a bit grabby, would stainless be better as I am losing the fear of falling off the needles as I did initially when starting out.
Kind regards
Woolly
I would imagine this might be about how you’re holding the yarn as you knit each stitch. Take a look at that along the row - is it even, are there points when it’s wound around your fingers, or points when you’re running out of needle space? Do you bunch the stitches up without spreading them out, so the yarn isn’t even between the stitches as well as on the needle?
This was SO helpful! Thank you, Hannah!
Glad it was helpful! happy knitting 🧶
Great video as usual! The stretch/give tip at the end is fantastic 👍🏻
At about the 3:20 mark, you’re holding the yarn so tight you even pull the needle right out of your hand! 😂
That was a funny bit when i edited the video. 😂 happy knitting!
@@KnitWithHannah 😂
I've actually been making three out of the four mistakes. lol. Thank you.
Happy to help! Happy knitting 🧶
Sooooo helpful!!
You've fixed it for me! Thank you!!
Yay! So glad that sorted for you! 🥳 happy knitting 🧶
Another video I love. Thanks Hannah. Love your simplified and practical content a
Thank you for your kind words. Glad you found it useful. Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you! 💕
You are so welcome! Happy knitting 🧶
Knitted a sock that feels more like a slipper cos I do 3 of these wrongs 😔 granted...the sock is the one and only item I have ever knitted. So pretty chuffed that I followed the pattern but yes...I believe the sock is too small for my daughter's foot 🙈. Thanks for the tips! Beginners nerves and ignorance...I thought it would be holey if I didn't pull tight but holy moly are my fingertips bruised 🤣
Oh, dear. Yes, if the fingers are feeling pain, then it’s too tight. So glad this has helped. Happy knitting 🧶
Not that new to knitting but the smaller my needles and the smaller my yarn the closer I get to the tip of my needles.. Didn't realise till Hannah pointed it out as potential problem 🙈
Great! So glad it helped. 🧶
So... this would be my third time of trying to pick up knitting, and I just can't seem to stay with it, lol. My latest experience brought on the problem of tight stitches, and they behave exactly how you describe: tight to the needle, with no flexibility.
The instructional DVD I've been learning from (by Susan B. Anderson, for those curious) cautions you against a tight cast-on, but she never mentions a thing about tight stitches, so thank you for the info, I greatly appreciate it.
Quick question: I seem to be stitching at the tips (per Ms. Anderson's suggestion), but you suggest on the needle, how do I do that, exactly?
It's just a case of probably taking a bit more time to move each stitch as you make it onto the part of the needle that's widest. Then you'll have a row of stitches that are all the same size. The rhythm will set in place once you've put the habit in place. Happy knitting! 🧶
Wow, I did 2-4 😂 I made the first fingerless mitten and I could barely fit it. I really had to force my hand in and I could feel the tight tension. I’m starting a new mitten and this time it feels just right.
That's so great that you're already seeing an improvement in tension. Happy knitting 🧶
Great video...knitting to near the tip sounds like my problem....thank you.
You're welcome, Janet. So glad this video has helped. happy knitting!
I'm Guilty of the first 3 only. Thank God I know never to pick a needle without checking the size🤣🤣
Thank you for explaining 🙂🙂🙂
You're welcome! Happy knitting 🧶
Oh my goodness thank you so much
So glad this helped! Happy knitting 🧶
Yes! Thank you 🙏🏽
so glad it was helpful! 🧶
I knit too close to the tips & pull on the yarn when I make a stitch. Thank you!
You are so welcome! the tips issue seems to be the one that comes up most regularly - you're not alone!
happy knitting 🧶
I think that was helpful! Need to explore a bit more (as I'm only getting started). It may be the first, I"m knitting too close to the point, or the 3rd one (I think it's when I drop the "loop" in my knit stitch, I'm holding yarn too tight ?) :/ Keep unraveling my little bookmark. LOL
Hi Cathy, Yes, knitting too close to the point is very often the single reason that this happens. If I were you I'd keep knitting the same item. You'll see the improvement as you go and can start again once you've finished.
Happy knitting!
Thank you. My problem seems to be knitting too close to the tip of the needle.
Hi! So glad this could help solve the tightness for you. 🧶
New beginner here, u got me in the first reason 😂😂😂
Great! So glad you found the solution so quickly! Happy knitting 🧶
Aaahhh.. I'm knitting too close to the tip! Another reason it gets tighter as I'm trying to get the stitch I I noticed that I land up pulling the thread tighter while struggling to get the stitch on... Thanks!
Yes, I remember that, holding it tighter so it's not falling of the needles. The material of your needles can play a part in this - bamboo or un-polished wood are better.
Happy knitting 🧶
I am holding the yarn too tightly. Thanks for the tips.
So glad you found an answer! Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you!! Tight knitting made my scarf look so weird especially with thicker yarn, the problem was that I was knitting too close to the tip
Ahh, that's good you've been able to spot that. Happy knitting 🧶
Thank you ❤
You're welcome 😊 happy knitting 🧶
Tightness fixed ❤
Fabulous! So glad this helped. Happy knitting 🧶
Doubt you'll find this comment, but I am struggling with tension and Norwegian purling. How big is too big when I am purling off that loop? I have heard others say "don't make it too big but what is "just right"?
Hi Judi, the stitch will be stretched more if you’re manoeuvring it a bit more as you do in this method.
So I’d say it’s looking at the row of stitches in comparison to your knit rows. Do they stand out as stretched? Can you pull some of the slack by holding the yarn a little looser as you purl, so the subsequent knit rows will also have a bit more give?
Whatever happens using this method might alter your gauge slightly, if you’ve not knitted/purled in this way before maybe test it across a couple of smaller projects like a bookmark or a headband. To give you an idea of how it appears once finished. This might give the option of adjusting this way or that, so the practice could even it out.
Happy knitting 🧶
Mine comes out tight if I knit angry 🤭
Yikes! yes, "if you interrupt me when I'm counting stitches I'm just going to count more loudly!" LOL
It turned out I was knitting incorrectly. I was combining knitting and perling and basically just making knots. oops.
Ahh, that would make it tight. So glad you got it figured out - you're right on your way now!
I struggle with tight knitting, I’m a beginner and it’s becoming very discouraging
I do hope this has helped you smooth out the tension a bit. you can do it! happy knitting 🧶
Thanks. Knitting too close to the tips.
You’re welcome 😊 so glad the solution was right there! Happy knitting 🧶
Definitly reason 1 and reason 3 for me
I'm so glad this made sense for you and you found some solutions. happy knitting!
@@KnitWithHannah each row I knit seems slightly better than the last. Just a case of practic practice practice, isn’t it? Thankyou for sharing your tips
omg thank you
You’re so welcome. Happy knitting 🧶
I'm guilty of the first two.
oh no! i hope this video has helped shift the tension for you. happy knitting! 😍
@@KnitWithHannah for sure it helped me. Thanks Hannah x
Wow that tight knitting looks like mine 😂
LOL, no problem, you'll sort it out in no time. :D Happy knitting 🧶