I agree that these are good points to level up beginners. However, in my opinion following these places you firmly as an intermediate knitter. To advance, you need to have the confidence to substitute yarns and needles, to use the pattern as a jumping off point, in order to create something that uniquely suits what you want. In order to be able to experiment, you need to have the basics down, but don't be afraid to do your own thing.
And no one starts in the middle. Eventually, everyone who learns these things, marches on, but if they don’t recognize what is keeping them back they won’t progress.
I like to print out my patterns and put them into a page protector so I can use a dry erase marker to mark my place and to add notes etc. Thanks for these great tips!
I’m definitely a new knitter and so found a lot of these helpful … and also thought, “wait, what? I don’t have to knot the yarn?!” I’m currently knitting my first project that’s going to use two colours interchangeably. I’ll now go check out your other videos to see if that’s something you’ve covered for beginners.
I agree with almost all. But I am a tight knitter and I more often than not have to use a different (larger) needle size than recommended in the recipe, after I have made a swatch and measuret the gauge.
While I always do one, I have found I am in a minority. If you are lucky enough that everything always comes the right size, then you don't need to feel guilty about not knitting a gauge.
Clover makes locking stitch markers with a little clip that you can slip a note into that really help. Somehow I can manage to lose post-its, but these have prevented that: www.clover-usa.com/en/knitting-and-crochet/114-locking-stitch-markers-with-clip.html
For all patterns that have multi-row repeats, I use an app on my phone to keep track of where I'm at. That way, I won't lose my counter, and I know how many repeats I need, how much of the project I've completed, etc. I use K&C Counter on iPhone/iPad.
You must have been the little mouse in my pocket when I began knitting. You spoke volumes in this video. Yes every one of you recommendations expert knitters do that benniners should do, I learned the hard way. Thank you so much for this important informative video. I loved this video.
I am definitely a beginner knitter and I find projects on UA-cam. I always try to find the exact brand of yarn and whatever needles were used. Most of the times it’s in the description 🥰 Thank you for the vid!!
I use Knit Companion for my tablet. It let's me keep up with my pattern and when I come back to it it is in the same place I left it. As an semi experienced knitter, I'd do sometimes change yarn weights. Say from a 4 to a 3. It involves swatching and a bit of math so you will get the right fit.
I also use Post-It notes when I am using pattern from a book. I include the date, row count, and garment section. Otherwise, I use a notebook to keep track of what I am doing. I sometimes used an Excel spreadsheet if I am working on a project in which there are repeat rows in the pattern. I attach the spreadsheet to the pattern instructions. Another thing,which has helped me, is using stitch ring markers. The markers are quite helpful when you are working on a lacy pattern, where there are yarn over and k2tog, and other stitch combinations. It helps to make sure that you maintain the proper stitch count. I hope this helps some one.
For shawls, I always go up yarn weight and needle size to make it larger and it always comes out just as beautiful. If I need to make a sweater larger without changing stitch counts, I'll also go up needle and yarn sizes.
Thank you! I am attempting an Irish Aran sweater. It is challenging for me for sure but I have kept all those tips in mind before I started. Hopefully I am successful!
Oh boy!, I am a beginner knitter and with my projects being only scarves and shawls. I did start a sweater quite some time ago for my daughter, and a friend from church finished for me. I want to knit a shawl you have on video, with yarn I already purchased sometime ago. Guess I better look at the skein label!. Thank you so much for all of your videos.
Hi Marilyn, I'm thrilled to hear you are going to knit a shawl! A sweater is a big undertaking for a new knitter - just move on and enjoy your next project. You can do it - I believe in you! 😀
The number five is a great lesson to learn and do. I have messed up so many times forgetting where I'am when trying to make something and have had to start all over again to make sure I make the project right like the chevron pattern, I either forget to add a stitch or skip a stitch, then I have to may stitches or not enough so now I write down exactly where I'm at and what stitch is next.
I always print out my knitting pattern, and then make notes on it to show where I make changes, or where I leave off. When I have to do row repeats, I write out the row numbers in a list format, and then cross off each row as I finish. I do this on the back blank pages of the pattern print out, or in a notebook. I use a small notebook that doesn't have any wire binding so I can throw it in my project bag, and not worry about the yarn catching on the wire.
I do those things correctly. I find it helpful you are telling others. I’ve been knitting for 3 yrs. I made my first sweater. I knit brioche and short rows. I knit continental but started English. I advance quickly. I’m knitting major designers patterns.
I've been knitting for 38 years, and designing my own knits for 36. After a while, you develop a good feel for the characteristics of yarn and fiber and know when you need to follow these rules and when you can break them. Gauge swatches are often a good way to get to know a yarn, but once you've knit a dozen sweaters in the same yarn, you pretty much know how the yarn is going to behave. I don't need to keep track of where I am in a pattern because I've learned how to read knitting, and I can usually see at a glance where I am, even if it's been months since I picked up that project. If I'm going to change the yarn weight, fiber type, or stitch pattern, I know what I need to adjust to get the results I want. Also, I'm not afraid of the frog pond. If I want to try something new or different, I try it. If it doesn't work, I rip back and try something different. Yarn can be persnickety, and it's okay if you try something and it doesn't work. Rip it out, wind the yarn back up, and you can try something different when the inspiration strikes. Knitting is probably the most forgiving craft there is. It's very easy to undo mistakes and try again.
Great tips! My only problem is that I do write down where I left off and then can’t find the paper! That’s why the phone is an excellent suggestion! I’ve taken to doing that! Thanks for sharing!
It gets really intetesting when you have 2 row counters on the go; 1 for the row you're on and a 2nd for keeping track of increases (such as sleeves). You don't want to put cwrtain projects away for too long...
I am still learning How to swatch gauge. Finding it hard. Guilty of knots. Use post it notes and a note book to keep me on track. Always buy extra yarn in general.
I always make notes too, and copy the pattern and mark off as I go. However, I am guilty of NOT always making a swatch, silly me I should know better. Thanks for sharing your TIPS 😊
Hi Linda, LOL not making a swatch is something we are all guilty of! I think it takes screwing up the project and learning the hard way before we actually making them. 😀
I wonder if you would give us some tips on “reading your yarn”. I think if I could do that better I would be able to find my place in a row or pattern.
I agree...I had to do this just the other day. It's a very simple 8-row lace repeat but I stopped in the middle and it took me a good 15-20 minutes to figure out where I was. Being able to read stitches and pattern is a great way to level up as a knitter.
You can reuse swatch yarn. You can even leave it attached to the ball to prevent extra ends. I reuse swatch yarn all the time, I save that ball for later in the project when it is clear my gauge is ok and go from the other end or just unravel it first. I also tend to overbuy but use the swatch ball instead of starting another fresh one.
Maybe I'm just lucky but my gauge is always right-on, so I never make a gauge swatch. I guess if I was changing yarn weight, which is sometimes desirable, I would. But otherwise I do not swatch, it's just a waste of my time.
Im a new knitter and i learnt to make a bunny rabbit toy and use my notebook and wrote my own pattern. Came out amazing. Im a natural haha and i do most of the tips and im a beginer. Im rocking this new hobby
Not to be humorless but I think some of these tips are reductive. We are fiber ARTISTS! Make a bulky weight t shirt if you want to. There's no rules to making projects.
Hi Rachel, I completely agree...however, many new knitters don't understand the basics so they get discouraged when things don't turn out as expected. It's important to know the basic rules before you can break them. 😉
@@nobleknits I had no idea there were “rules “ to knitting. There may be suggestions or methods that make knitting easier and help with sizing but since knitting is a creative art form that reflects each knitters interpretation of the project they are working on, “ rules” are constrictive and make knitting a task that has to be done in a certain way, which is the complete opposite of what knitting represents to me. Suggestions can be helpful but definitely not “ rules”. Knitting is my outlet for creativity and would be hampered if I worried about rules and how I should or shouldn’t be doing the project.🙂
Hi Carol, I agree. It's not universal but more common here in the US. You can use my yarn weights chart to help if the yarn doesn't have a CYC number: blog.nobleknits.com/yarn-weights-comparison-chart
I don't think I agree with #4. I use different yarn and needles than the pattern suggests all the time. There is really no reason not to as long as you are comfortable adjusting the pattern accordingly and you have some feel for how different fabrics will behave. It won't come out the same as the original pattern (obviously) but that doesn't mean that your results will be worse. A pattern is a polite suggestion.
Love your calm voice , great tips , patience and expertise .
I agree that these are good points to level up beginners. However, in my opinion following these places you firmly as an intermediate knitter. To advance, you need to have the confidence to substitute yarns and needles, to use the pattern as a jumping off point, in order to create something that uniquely suits what you want. In order to be able to experiment, you need to have the basics down, but don't be afraid to do your own thing.
Great advice, Roxanne! 😀
And no one starts in the middle. Eventually, everyone who learns these things, marches on, but if they don’t recognize what is keeping them back they won’t progress.
The importance of a gauge swatch varies. For a blanket, not so important; for a form fitting item of clothing, essential.
You are absolutely right, Mary! 😀
I like to print out my patterns and put them into a page protector so I can use a dry erase marker to mark my place and to add notes etc. Thanks for these great tips!
excellent idea!
That's a genius idea! Thanks for sharing! 😀
What a great idea!
I've done this in the past I've also used sticky notes to mark my place and keep notes.
I keep my patterns in my “Books” app on my IPad. I works great. I then can check off my rows and write notes in the margins, etc.
I’m definitely a new knitter and so found a lot of these helpful … and also thought, “wait, what? I don’t have to knot the yarn?!”
I’m currently knitting my first project that’s going to use two colours interchangeably. I’ll now go check out your other videos to see if that’s something you’ve covered for beginners.
I agree with almost all. But I am a tight knitter and I more often than not have to use a different (larger) needle size than recommended in the recipe, after I have made a swatch and measuret the gauge.
I am a loose knitter & do after over 50 tears of knitting I automatically know what to switch to- but I STILL make a swatch!!
I am so guilty of not knitting a gauge. I promise I'll start doing that. I'm sure I'll be rewarded with great projects.
xo~linda
Hi Linda, You will be rewarded with great projects when you create a gauge swatch! 😀
While I always do one, I have found I am in a minority. If you are lucky enough that everything always comes the right size, then you don't need to feel guilty about not knitting a gauge.
I use post it notes, to remind me where I am in the project. I also use them to remind myself of the stitch and row count
I use post it notes too. I always have a set with my knitting projects.
Clover makes locking stitch markers with a little clip that you can slip a note into that really help. Somehow I can manage to lose post-its, but these have prevented that: www.clover-usa.com/en/knitting-and-crochet/114-locking-stitch-markers-with-clip.html
@@larkmacgregor3143 thanks for the recommendation!
For all patterns that have multi-row repeats, I use an app on my phone to keep track of where I'm at. That way, I won't lose my counter, and I know how many repeats I need, how much of the project I've completed, etc. I use K&C Counter on iPhone/iPad.
I agree with all of your points. I use post-it notes to tick off each row, and I use highlighter tape to mark what row I am on as well.
Great tips on the Post It Notes and the highlighter tape! 😀
You must have been the little mouse in my pocket when I began knitting. You spoke volumes in this video. Yes every one of you recommendations expert knitters do that benniners should do, I learned the hard way. Thank you so much for this important informative video. I loved this video.
I am definitely a beginner knitter and I find projects on UA-cam. I always try to find the exact brand of yarn and whatever needles were used. Most of the times it’s in the description 🥰 Thank you for the vid!!
I use Knit Companion for my tablet. It let's me keep up with my pattern and when I come back to it it is in the same place I left it. As an semi experienced knitter, I'd do sometimes change yarn weights. Say from a 4 to a 3. It involves swatching and a bit of math so you will get the right fit.
Hi Judy, Thanks for the great tip! 😀Here's a link to the app in case others are interested: www.knitcompanion.com/
I also use Post-It notes when I am using pattern from a book. I include the date, row count, and garment section. Otherwise, I use a notebook to keep track of what I am doing. I sometimes used an Excel spreadsheet if I am working on a project in which there are repeat rows in the pattern. I attach the spreadsheet to the pattern instructions. Another thing,which has helped me, is using stitch ring markers. The markers are quite helpful when you are working on a lacy pattern, where there are yarn over and k2tog, and other stitch combinations. It helps to make sure that you maintain the proper stitch count. I hope this helps some one.
Those are great tips, Diane. Thanks for sharing! 😀
For shawls, I always go up yarn weight and needle size to make it larger and it always comes out just as beautiful. If I need to make a sweater larger without changing stitch counts, I'll also go up needle and yarn sizes.
H Twinky, Thanks for sharing your sizing tips! 😀
Thank you! I am attempting an Irish Aran sweater. It is challenging for me for sure but I have kept all those tips in mind before I started. Hopefully I am successful!
Awesome! Good luck with your project, Donna! 😀
Oh boy!, I am a beginner knitter and with my projects being only scarves and shawls. I did start a sweater quite some time ago for my daughter, and a friend from church finished for me. I want to knit a shawl you have on video, with yarn I already purchased sometime ago. Guess I better look at the skein label!. Thank you so much for all of your videos.
Hi Marilyn, I'm thrilled to hear you are going to knit a shawl! A sweater is a big undertaking for a new knitter - just move on and enjoy your next project. You can do it - I believe in you! 😀
The rebel in me refuses to do a swatch. LOL yes I should but do I do it…😂😂😂😂😂
I copy the pattern and check off as I go. If I have to pull out I note that so I will get back on track. Toss the copy when finished.
That's a great idea! 😀
@@nobleknits Thanks, trial and error!
The number five is a great lesson to learn and do. I have messed up so many times forgetting where I'am when trying to make something and have had to start all over again to make sure I make the project right like the chevron pattern, I either forget to add a stitch or skip a stitch, then I have to may stitches or not enough so now I write down exactly where I'm at and what stitch is next.
Yay me! I do all these! I'm getting there!
Thank you Nany. You are ALWAYS a blessing. Appreciate you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Cecilia! 🥰
I always print out my knitting pattern, and then make notes on it to show where I make changes, or where I leave off. When I have to do row repeats, I write out the row numbers in a list format, and then cross off each row as I finish. I do this on the back blank pages of the pattern print out, or in a notebook. I use a small notebook that doesn't have any wire binding so I can throw it in my project bag, and not worry about the yarn catching on the wire.
i love your videos you have such a calming voice
Loved your tips!
Thank you so much, Nancy! 😀
Very helpful and very true. hank you.
You're welcome, Trudy. I'm so glad you found it helpful! 😀
I do those things correctly. I find it helpful you are telling others. I’ve been knitting for 3 yrs. I made my first sweater. I knit brioche and short rows. I knit continental but started English. I advance quickly. I’m knitting major designers patterns.
Great tips...thank you so much..
You are beyond awesome and excellent and right on. Thanks for your videos
I do an excel spreadsheet for each patter that I use with a check off on the side so that I know exactly where I am and how far I still have to go
Hi Kathi, That's a great idea! I have some friends who are Excel spreadsheet fanatics and would hop all over that tip! 😀
I've been knitting for 38 years, and designing my own knits for 36.
After a while, you develop a good feel for the characteristics of yarn and fiber and know when you need to follow these rules and when you can break them. Gauge swatches are often a good way to get to know a yarn, but once you've knit a dozen sweaters in the same yarn, you pretty much know how the yarn is going to behave. I don't need to keep track of where I am in a pattern because I've learned how to read knitting, and I can usually see at a glance where I am, even if it's been months since I picked up that project. If I'm going to change the yarn weight, fiber type, or stitch pattern, I know what I need to adjust to get the results I want.
Also, I'm not afraid of the frog pond. If I want to try something new or different, I try it. If it doesn't work, I rip back and try something different. Yarn can be persnickety, and it's okay if you try something and it doesn't work. Rip it out, wind the yarn back up, and you can try something different when the inspiration strikes.
Knitting is probably the most forgiving craft there is. It's very easy to undo mistakes and try again.
Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your knitting wisdom! 😀
Awesome tips! Being a new knitter, I am guilty of all those things
I'm glad you enjoyed them - they are mistakes we've all made at some point! 😀
I’m an experienced and I kinda tend to bend the gauge rule thing too...😝😜😛
Great tips!
Thanks, Ellie! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 😀
also i live your hair plus thanks for the nail tip video
Great tips! My only problem is that I do write down where I left off and then can’t find the paper! That’s why the phone is an excellent suggestion! I’ve taken to doing that! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Thea, I'm so glad you enjoyed the tips and that the phone tips works for you! 😀
They definitely do! And my first book is coming! Yay!🤗🤗
It gets really intetesting when you have 2 row counters on the go; 1 for the row you're on and a 2nd for keeping track of increases (such as sleeves). You don't want to put cwrtain projects away for too long...
OMG, you're so right! When all that is going on, I usually use pen and paper to keep it all straight. 😀
@@nobleknits I used to do that, but I now use a second row counter. Different sizes. I use a SMALLER one for the sleeves. Anyway it works for me..
I am still learning How to swatch gauge. Finding it hard. Guilty of knots. Use post it notes and a note book to keep me on track. Always buy extra yarn in general.
I’m sorta a beginner but I definitely use the recommended needle size
I always make notes too, and copy the pattern and mark off as I go. However, I am guilty of NOT always making a swatch, silly me I should know better. Thanks for sharing your TIPS 😊
Hi Linda, LOL not making a swatch is something we are all guilty of! I think it takes screwing up the project and learning the hard way before we actually making them. 😀
@@nobleknits have you received my squares yet, mind you they are coming from the UK 🇬🇧 lol 😆
@@lindafarebrother957 Hi Linda, I just got your package of knitted goodness! So many lovely knitted squares - thank you! 😀
@@nobleknits you’re very welcome hope to spot at least one in the finished cardigan 😉 lol Best wishes 🤗🇬🇧
@@lindafarebrother957 You will! 😀
Great tips! Thanks!
You’re welcome, Donna! 😀
I also record where in a pattern I have placed a life line;
Good points thanks
You're welcome, Habiba! I'm glad you enjoyed them 😀
Hi, love your tutorials. New sub from Germany.
Great thoughts….
Thanks, Maryjane! 😀
Hi. I have a pattern that don't work. I'm not sure if the problem is that I don't fully understand the pattern or there is a mistake in the it
I wonder if you would give us some tips on “reading your yarn”. I think if I could do that better I would be able to find my place in a row or pattern.
I agree...I had to do this just the other day. It's a very simple 8-row lace repeat but I stopped in the middle and it took me a good 15-20 minutes to figure out where I was. Being able to read stitches and pattern is a great way to level up as a knitter.
So are the instructions given?
Thought life line would be in the list.:
Hi R, yes! I've mentioned lifelines recently in a few other videos. They are definitely something experienced knitters do! 😀
I bought the correct yarn & amount on line for my project. Will I have enough yarn to knit a swatch. Is that how you do it each time. Beginner knitter
I don’t think a pattern includes swatch yardage. You can always ‘frog’ (undo) your swatch if you need that extra yardage to complete your project.
You can reuse swatch yarn. You can even leave it attached to the ball to prevent extra ends. I reuse swatch yarn all the time, I save that ball for later in the project when it is clear my gauge is ok and go from the other end or just unravel it first. I also tend to overbuy but use the swatch ball instead of starting another fresh one.
Maybe I'm just lucky but my gauge is always right-on, so I never make a gauge swatch. I guess if I was changing yarn weight, which is sometimes desirable, I would. But otherwise I do not swatch, it's just a waste of my time.
Im a new knitter and i learnt to make a bunny rabbit toy and use my notebook and wrote my own pattern. Came out amazing. Im a natural haha and i do most of the tips and im a beginer. Im rocking this new hobby
Not to be humorless but I think some of these tips are reductive. We are fiber ARTISTS! Make a bulky weight t shirt if you want to. There's no rules to making projects.
Hi Rachel, I completely agree...however, many new knitters don't understand the basics so they get discouraged when things don't turn out as expected. It's important to know the basic rules before you can break them. 😉
@@nobleknits
I had no idea there were “rules “ to knitting. There may be suggestions or methods that make knitting easier and help with sizing but since knitting is a creative art form that reflects each knitters interpretation of the project they are working on, “ rules” are constrictive and make knitting a task that has to be done in a certain way, which is the complete opposite of what knitting represents to me. Suggestions can be helpful but definitely not “ rules”. Knitting is my outlet for creativity and would be hampered if I worried about rules and how I should or shouldn’t be doing the project.🙂
Great advice but I don't think the labelling on yarn is universal.
Hi Carol, I agree. It's not universal but more common here in the US. You can use my yarn weights chart to help if the yarn doesn't have a CYC number: blog.nobleknits.com/yarn-weights-comparison-chart
Thank you.
I don't think I agree with #4. I use different yarn and needles than the pattern suggests all the time. There is really no reason not to as long as you are comfortable adjusting the pattern accordingly and you have some feel for how different fabrics will behave. It won't come out the same as the original pattern (obviously) but that doesn't mean that your results will be worse. A pattern is a polite suggestion.