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Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you for every stepLearn how to crochet
Learn more about reading a pattern. Explore
Want to learn about a yarn? Look at the skein band or ball band on it! Keep reading this blog to learn how to read a skein band.
Follow along as we read a skein band! We're using Super Saver in our example. To start, position your yarn so the Red Heart logo is facing you.
The big red heart on the skein band tells you this is Red Heart Yarn! Underneath the Red Heart name the logo tells you that this particular skein is our Super Saver yarn.
Above the logo a line says that the yarn is worsted weight, or a 4 weight in the Craft Yarn Council yarn classification system that we use.
Underneath the heart you can see the small American flag in the left hand corner indicating that the yarn is Made in the USA. On the right-hand corner is the fact that Super Saver does not have dye lots in solid colors. You can see this written in English, French, and Spanish. To meet regulations the copy on the ball band must be in multiple languages.
Turn the skein slightly away from you so you can see the picture of the free pattern. Your picture may be different than the one in our example. One type of yarn may have the same pattern on all of the skein bands or it may have different patterns on different skein bands. Which pattern is on any particular skein of yarn is just due to chance.
At the top of the skein band in this shot you can see a red line where it gives the net weight and the yardage for this skein. In the US yarn is sold by weight, so this skein is 7 ounces or 198 grams. The yardage given is an estimate and is the least amount of yarn you will encounter in the skein; the actual amount may be more. Since yarn is sold by weight and not by yardage no two skeins of yarn will have the exact same yardage.
The picture shows the free pattern available on the inside of the ball band. This particular free pattern is for the Double-Sole Slippers; the picture has the pattern number superimposed on top of it. The white box to the left of the pattern picture has a crochet hook, so you can tell this is a crochet pattern. Other skein bands may have an image of crossed knitting needles to tell you that the free pattern is knit. The numbers printed in the white box indicate the size of the crochet hook (or knitting needles, for other patterns) used in the free pattern. This particular free pattern uses a 5.5mm [US I-9] crochet hook. Below the white box the number of skeins needed for the picture and the color shown in the picture are listed. This pattern uses 1 skein of 319 Cherry Red.
Social media logos are listed below the pattern information. If you go to YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter, you will be able to find Red Heart Yarns accounts.
Below the pattern picture is our website, then you get to the technical information: the manufacturing details of the yarn, our address, manufacturing and recycling information for the paper, and the importing information for our business in Mexico.
If you continue turning the skein you'll see a white sticker holding the ends of the skein band together. The sticker gives the name of the yarn color above the article number and the color number. For this skein the color is Cherry Red, the article number is E300, and the color is 0319. The other numbers show when it was manufactured. Super Saver does not have any dye lots in solid colors, but yarns that do have dye lots have the dye lot information also printed on the skein band. The bar code allows the skein to be identified and for you to buy it at the store.
If you turn it away from you again, underneath the "No Dye Lot" notice are the yarn information, gauge, and washing instructions.
The general laundry instructions and the fiber content of the yarn (100% acrylic) are listed next.
The next set of pictures shows you that this yarn is a skein, and that you can pull it from the center. For more details on this, please see our blog on the difference between balls and skeins of yarn. Now you're back at the beginning!
To look at the inside of the band, slide the band off of the skein. At the white sticker carefully pull so the band opens flat without ripping. The inside of the band has a written pattern for the image on the outside of the band. The pattern is given in French and English. You can also find the pattern on our website by searching the number that is shown on the picture.
What other questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!
Everyone talks about yarn weight — what does it mean? When we refer to yarn weight, we're not talking about the weight of the ball or skein. Instead, we're talking about how thick or thin yarn is.
Yarnspirations follows the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) Standard Yarn Weight System. In this system, yarn is divided into weights 0 to 7. The thinner the yarn, the smaller the number. For example, Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet Thread Size 10 would count as a size 0 (Lace). Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound and Bernat Super Value are all size 4 (Medium), and Bernat Plush Big is a size 7 (Jumbo).
Just because yarn is the same weight doesn't mean it is identical: Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound, and Red Heart Soft all have a weight of 4, but they are slightly different sizes and have slightly different gauges. Each weight of yarn has a range of similar gauges.
Each of our yarns has the symbol for their weight on the ball band. You can search our yarn by weight on the website: click on "Yarn" in the top navigation bar, and then select the weight you need under the "Weight" column.
If you want to substitute yarn in a pattern, weight is one component. It is easiest to substitute between yarns of the same weight, such as using Red Heart Super Saver or Caron One Pound in a pattern. You will still need to check the pattern gauge, however, to make sure that the project you are making will turn out the correct size.
Lace weight yarn also known as fingering yarn and 10 count crochet thread is very thin yarn used for lacy projects such as doilies and lace shawls.
Super fine yarn may also work for lace projects since it is great for creating delicate garments. Super fine yarn is commonly used to make socks, shawls and baby items. Shop super fine yarns.
Fine yarn often referred to as Sport Weight yarn is also great for creating lightweight and delicate projects. It works well for making socks, heirloom garments and lightweight blanket.Shop sport fine yarns.
Light yarn is slightly thicker than a #2 Fine yarn, it is considered a lighter worsted weight yarn that’s great for making heavier, fine garments and baby items. Shop light (DK) yarns.
Medium weight yarns are often referred to as Aran or Worsted Weight yarn. Worsted weight yarn is the most frequently used yarn since it is easy to work with. It’s a great yarn for beginners and for those looking to make a variety of projects. Shop Medium weight or worsted weight yarns.
Bulky yarn or chunky yarn is almost twice as thick as worsted weight yarn and is great for making scarves, hats, sweaters, and blankets. Due to its thickness this yarn works up quickly when using large hooks or needles. Looking to make a project with a bulky yarn? Shop bulky yarns.
Super Bulky yarn or Roving yarn is thicker and works up quick! This kind of yarn is great for making warm and cozy sweaters, hats, and cowls. Shop super bulky yarns.
The thickest of yarns classified in the Yarn Weight Standards by the Craft Yarn Council. This yarn category was created to classify the trending super thick yarns which started to appear in the yarn world. These jumbo yarns are great for quickly making sturdy and large projects. Start stitching with jumbo yarns!
Every pattern either dictates the yarn you need to use to make the project or the yarn weight. This means that you have the option of making a project in the yarn you want by simply switching to a different yarn with the same weight originally called in the pattern. An important thing to note if you choose to switch out one yarn for another when working on a project is to make sure you create a gauge swatch. While most yarns within a yarn weight category are interchangeable not all yarns are identical that’s why it’s helpful to create a gauge swatch, so you can get a sense of the tension you’ll need to maintain in order to achieve the right amount of stitches per inch.
Yarnspirations follows the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) Standard Yarn Weight System. In this system, yarn is divided into weights 0 to 7. The thinner the yarn, the smaller the number. For example, Aunt Lydia's Classic Crochet Thread Size 10 would count as a size 0 (Lace). Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound and Bernat Super Value are all size 4 (Medium), and Red Heart Grande and Bernat Mega Bulky is a size 7 (Jumbo).
When starting to knit, the act of knitting and using knitting needles feels quite new and at this stage you won’t have developed a strong opinion yet on which type of knitting needles you prefer to work with. With all the choices available we understand that it can be overwhelming to figure out which knitting needles to choose from, so we’ve created a helpful guide. Below you’ll find all the information you need to pick the knitting needles you think will work best for you.
Wooden Knitting Needles
Knitting needles made from wood are smooth and have just the right amount of texture to them so the yarn does not slip off the needles as easily. Allowing you to develop an even knitting speed and forming your stitches in a precise manner. A common type of knitting needle used is bamboo, it has similar qualities to wooden knitting needles but at a lower price point. Making it a great choice for beginners over wooden knitting needles like birch. They are durable and lightweight, a favorite among many knitters.
Find wooden knitting needles here.
Metal Knitting Needles
Knitting needles made of metal are commonly made of aluminum while some are nickel plated or made of steel. These knitting needles provide the smoothest surface for knitters, increasing the speed of stitching, which is why metal knitting needles are more suitable for more advanced knitters who are comfortable with their tension. Metal knitting needles also create that classic ‘click’ sound while knitting!
Find metal knitting needles here.
Plastic Knitting Needles
Plastic knitting needles are the least expensive option for knitting needles. They’re a great first set of knitting needles for someone who is interested in trying out knitting for the first time. They are also great for beginners as they are the most lightweight and have a smoothness comparable to wooden knitting needles.
Find plastic knitting needles here.
Straight Knitting Needles
Straight knitting needles are the more traditional style of knitting needles. These knitting needles come as a pair, are straight and come in lengths of 7’ and up. They are still used today however;many knitters reserve these knitting needles for smaller projects where you won’t find much bulk sitting onthe needles as you work. They are great for working on scarves, baby blankets and projects worked up in separate pieces like mitered squares.
Circular Knitting Needles
Circular knitting needles are made of two short pointed ends connected by varying lengths of cord that is usually made of plastic. For some, these knitting needles are the most comfortable to work with as they provide a more even distribution of your stitches. For this reason, they are an excellent choice for those working on larger projects. They are also ideal for working in the round on larger circumferences. However, circular knitting needles are also great for knitting smaller projects making them a versatile style of knitting needles to own. Circular needles can also be used for projects such as afghan that require more sts than what a straight needle will hold.
Double-Pointed Knitting Needles
Double-pointed knitting needles are shorter needles with two points at the end. These knitting needles referred as DPN’s and are designed for knitting in the round. This means knitting without a seam, which includes some hats, baby hats, socks and some garment sleeves. Double-pointed knitting needles are also great for making i-cords and can be substituted for a cable needle in a pinch!
Interchangeable Knitting Needles
This style of knitting needles are circular knitting needles with an interchangeable cord. An interchangeable knitting needle set is great for a dedicated knitter since usually these sets come with knitting needles and cords in plenty of sizes, so you can change the length of the cord on your circular knitting needles depending on what your project calls for.
Your knitting needle size is dependant on what yarn you are using. The thicker the yarn you’re using the bigger the knitting needles you will need. This is so that you can obtain proper gauge. Gauge is the amount of stitches per inch you knit with a specific yarn. You can easily find out what size knitting needles and gauge you will need to achieve with a specific yarn by looking at the product details on a yarn page or by simply looking on the label of a skein of yarn. The knitting symbols below are what you are looking for:
While there are many different types of knitting needles there are two different styles of knitting; English knitting and continental knitting. For all knitters, the following way to hold your knitting needles is the same whether you knit English or continental.
You hold one needle in each hand with your fingers lightly curled over the top of the knitting needles and your arms slightly bent.
English Knitting
English Knitting is when you use your working hand to also wrap your yarn around your working needle.
Continental Knitting
Continental Knitting is when you use your other hand to wrap the yarn around your working needle, meaning you do not let go of your work while knitting.
Prepare your stitching for success. Explore
The right needle is held as if holding a knife. The left needle is held lightly in the same position, with the needle tips pointing toward each other.
There are various methods of winding the yarn around the fingers to control the tension and produce even stitches. Use whichever method feels comfortable to you and allows you to keep an even tension on the yarn.
Holding the yarn in your right hand is called English style, or "throwing". Many beginner knitters find this way the easiest.
Holding the yarn in your left hand is called continental style, or "picking". This method is faster, and many beginner knitters who already know how to crochet and are used to holding the yarn in their left hands find this method easiest.
The relationship of the yarn and the needles to each other, as you work a stitch, is the same whether you are knitting English style or continental style.
Below is one method of holding the yarn and needles to knit English style. This method works well once you are comfortable making stitches.
Holding the yarn in your right hand, pass it between the third finger and the pinky. Wind the yarn over the third finger, under the second finger, and over the index finger. Winding the yarn around your fingers creates the tension that is necessary for producing even knitting.
A slip knot is the starting point for just about everything you'll do in knitting. It is also the basis for all casting on methods.
Make a circle with yarn or thread.
Pull a loop through the circle.
Insert the needle into the loop.
Pull the loop gently and evenly to tighten and slide the knot up to the needle.
Broken down in very simple terms, knitting is just a matter of transferring loops from one needle to another. To get started, you'll need to put loops on one needle, and that process of creating loops is called casting on.
There are several methods of casting on. Each has a unique purpose and produces a different edge. Try different methods to find the one most comfortable and suitable for your project. Two common cast-on methods are the long-tail cast on and the backwards loop cast on.
Unless otherwise noted, the initial slip knot you use to start casting on counts as a stitch in the pattern. So if the pattern requires you to cast on 100 stitches, the slip knot would be stitch 1 and then you would cast on an additional 99 stitches.
When casting on, do not pull the yarn too tightly against the needle. When you start knitting you will be inserting one needle into the stitch you cast onto the other needle. If the cast-on stitches are too tight this process can become difficult and frustrating.
The long-tail cast on, also called the thumb method or the slingshot method, produces a very elastic edge. It is particularly useful when followed by garter stitch or stocking stitch.
Check the number of stitches the pattern requires to be cast on. For size 4 (worsted/medium) weight yarn, measure approximately 1" of yarn for each stitch and make a slip knot at this point. For thicker yarn, allow more yarn for each stitch. For example, if the pattern calls for you to cast on 100 stitches, pull out approximately 100" of yarn. For this method of casting on, it is always better to err on the side of pulling out too much yarn rather than too little.
Hold the needle with the slip knot in your right hand, and hold the ball end of the yarn parallel to the needle. * Wind the loose end of the yarn around your left thumb from front to back.
Insert the needle through the yarn on your thumb.
With your right index finger, wrap the ball end of the yarn over the needle point.
Pull a loop through to form the first stitch.
Remove your left thumb from the yarn and pull the loose end to tighten the stitch against the needle. Don't make the stitch extremely tight, as you will need to put your needle through the stitch when you start knitting.
Repeat from * until the required number of stitches has been cast on.
Check out more stitches and tutorials. Explore
With the yarn at the front of the work, insert the tip of the right needle from right to left through the front of the first stitch on the left needle.
Wrap the yarn from the right to left under the tip of the right needle.
Pull the yarn back through the stitch, forming a loop on the right needle.
Slide the stitch off the left needle.
To purl the entire row, repeat Steps 1-4 until all of the stitches are transferred to the right needle.
Turn the work and place the needle with the stitches on it in the left hand to start the next row.
Purling every row is also considered garter stitch and makes ridges on both sides of the knitted fabric. Purling is most often used with knit stitches.
In stocking stitch, the knit rows are the right side of the work and each stitch resembles a "V". In reverse stocking stitch, the purl rows are the right side of the work.
The edges of a piece of knitting made in stocking stitch roll under if they are not sewn together or do not have a border in a different stitch around the edges. For example, a scarf made in stocking stitch may have a border on all four edges made in garter stitch (knit every row) or in seed stitch.
Ribbing forms a stretchy band and is usually found at the bottoms of sweaters, sleeves, neckbands, hat brims and mitten cuffs, and at the tops of socks. When worked as an edging, ribbing is generally worked with smaller needles than the main body of the garment to keep the edges firm and elastic.
Ribbing can be worked as K1, P1 ribbing; K2, P2 ribbing; or any combination of stitches that will be specified in the pattern.
With ribbing, you are lining up the stitches so the knit stitches always look like they are on top of knit stitches and the purl stitches always look like they are on top of purl stitches.
Knit a stitch. Bring the yarn forward to the front of the work between the left and right needle.
Purl the next stitch.
Return the yarn to the back of the work between the needles.
Knit the next stitch.
Alternate Knit and Purl stitches until the row is finished (or for however many stitches the pattern specifies).
At the end of the row:
If you have an even number of stitches in the row, start the pattern again with a knit stitch.
If you have an odd number of stitches in the row, start the pattern again with a purl stitch.
It is often necessary to slip (sl) a stitch from one needle to the other without actually knitting or purling it. This method is often used in shaping or within a stitch pattern.
The pattern will usually specify whether to slip the stitch knitwise (as if to knit) or purlwise (as if to purl). If it does not say, slip the stitch purlwise. The working yarn should be held behind the work in both cases unless the pattern specifies otherwise.
Slipping the stitch purlwise is where the right needle is inserted into the next stitch on the left needle as if to purl, but with the yarn still in back of the work. Instead of purling it, transfer the stitch to the right-hand needle. This method is used when the stitch is worked on the following row.
Slipping the stitch knitwise is done by inserting the needle as if to knit and then transferring it from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle without knitting it. This method causes the stitch to be twisted, which can become a feature of a stitch pattern.
Slip, slip, knit (ssk) is a common form of decreasing in knitting. It leans to the left, while the knit 2 together (k2tog) decrease leans to the right. Designers will specify which decrease to use since the different directions can be design elements in the pattern.
Slip the next stitch knitwise to the right needle.
Slip the next stitch knitwise to the right needle. You now have two unworked stitches on your right needle.
Insert the point of the left needle through the front of both unworked stitches.
Knit these two stitches together through the back loop.
The simplest method of decreasing is to simply knit or purl two stitches together as one. This is known as a knit two together (k2tog) or purl two together (p2tog). A k2tog will lean to the right, while the slip, slip, knit (ssk), a similar decrease, will lean to the left. Designers will specify which decrease to use, since the different directions can be design elements in the pattern.
Knit two together (k2tog): On a knit row, insert the tip of the right needle from left to right through two stitches instead of one stitch, then knit them together as one stitch.
Purl two together (p2tog): On a purl row, insert the tip of the right needle from right to left through two stitches instead of one stitch, then purl them together as one stitch.
Knitting into the front and back of a stitch is one of the easiest and most common knit increases.
On a knit row, work into the front and back of the next stitch: knit into the stitch and before slipping it off the left needle, twist the right needle behind the left and knit the same stitch again through the back loop. Slide the original stitch off the left needle — there are now 2 stitches on the right needle made from the original one.
On a purl row, the method of increasing is similar. Purl into the front of the next stitch, then purl into the back of it before sliding it off of the left needle.
Learn different finishing techniques. Explore
Casting off for right handers (also known as binding off) is the process of putting a finishing edge on a piece to prevent it from raveling. It can occur at the end of a straight piece where all stitches are cast off, or at the beginning of a row where a specific number of stitches are cast off, or within a row when making buttonholes or shaping a neck. It is important to work cast off stitches loosely, so that the finished edge will have as much give as the knitted piece.
Loosely knit the first two stitches onto the right needle. Insert the point of the left needle into the first stitch.
Pass this first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle. One stitch remains on the right needle.
Knit the next stitch and repeat Step 2; repeat across all stitches.
Cast off all of the 15 stitches until 1 stitch remains on the right needle and the left needle is empty. Cut the yarn and draw the end through the remaining stitch.
This lesson is for casting off in knit for right handers. (You can find the lesson for casting off for left-handers here.) In most instances, however, you should cast off in the stitches that you have been working in. For example, if you have been purling, cast off by working each stitch in purl. If you have been working in ribbing, cast off by keeping the sequence of knit and purl.
Weave in ends securely before blocking pieces or sewing seams. Securely woven ends will not come loose with wear or washing. It's best to work in ends as invisibly as possible.
There are multiple options for yarn needles to use to weave in your ends: straight steel, straight plastic, and bent-tip steel. Use whichever one you prefer.
A good method of weaving in ends is to run the end under several stitches, then reverse the direction and weave it back under several more stitches. Trim the end close to the work. Changing the directions keeps the yarn more secure.
Leave at least 6" on the end to weave in securely. If you only weave the end under a couple of stitches it will not be secure. If your yarn is quite thick, you may want to leave extra length.
If you are working with multiple colors, for example in a striped pattern, keep the ends in the same color as you weave them in. Keeping them in their own color makes them more difficult to see.
If you are not sure if the end will be visible on your fabric when you weave it in, use a yarn needle that is a different color from your fabric. Thread the yarn needle through the stitches, but then check the opposite side before you pull the yarn through. If the yarn needle is extremely exposed, your tail will be as well.
If your tail is too short to weave in with a regular needle or too thick to fit into the eye, use a Susan Bates Finishing Needle. Finishing Needles have the eye all the way along the length of the needle, so it's easier to weave in short or extra thick tails.
Mattress stitch is worked with the right-side up and becomes invisible from the right side when finished.
When joining garter stitch, work into the center of the first stitch of the row instead of between the first and second stitches. When the seam is pulled closed, the garter stitch ridges will line up correctly.
Watch our how-to video to learn how to make an invisible seam using the mattress stitch. This video shows how to work the mattress seam on a stocking stitch by working through the center of the edge stitch—another option for vertical seams. Plus, get garter stitch seam tips.
When joining two ribbed sections, work into the center of the first stitch of the row instead of between the first and second stitches. When the seam is pulled closed, one complete knit stitch will be formed and the seam will be nearly invisible.
When seaming knits made with thicker yarns, such as super-bulky Bernat Blanket yarn, you may use a thinner yarn in a similar color as your work to join the pieces. That will prevent the seam from getting too bulky. Watch our how-to video above/below for tips.
With the right sides facing you, lay the pieces to be sewn flat with edges next to each other, lining up rows and stripes as much as possible. Insert the needle between the first and second stitches on the first row. Slide the needle under two rows, then bring it back to the front between the first and second stitch of the row.
Return to the opposite side and, working under two rows throughout, repeat this zig-zag process, always taking the needle under the strands that correspond exactly to the other side and going into the hole that the last stitch on that side came of,being careful not to miss any rows.
The secret to the Mattress Stitch is to keep the seam elastic without allowing it to stretch too much. The best way to do this is to work very loosely for a few inches, and then pull the sewing yarn so that the stitches pull together. Give the seam a little tug from the top and bottom to add a bit of stretch back in.
If purl rows are on the right side, you may have an easier time working under one row rather than two.
Joining a new color of yarn (for example when knitting stripes) is the same method as joining a new ball or skein of an existing color when the first ball or skein has run out.
To prevent unsightly knots, join new yarn at the beginning of a row wherever possible. To make a perfect join at the end of a row, simply drop the old yarn and start the next row with the new yarn. If this is difficult to do, you may knot the new yarn and old yarn together temporarily while you knit.
Untie the knot and securely weave in the yarn ends at finishing. Leaving the yarn ends knotted leaves an unsightly bulge in your yarn and is not a secure way to leave the ends.
If it is impossible to avoid joining new yarn in the middle of a row, try one of these methods.
Drop the old yarn when at least 6" remain. Start work with the new yarn, leaving a 6" end. After a few more inches of knitting have been completed, individually thread the ends through a yarn needle and weave them back and forth for a few inches to secure.
Another method to join yarn is the splice method. When ast least 6" of the old yarn remains, untwist the plies of yarn. Untwist the plies of 4" of the new yarn and retwist them with the untwisted plies of the old yarn. Work with this doubled length until you are working entirely with the new yarn.
When working with thinner yarns, it may not be necessary to unply the yarns and retwist them. When at least 6" of the old yarn remains, simply pick up the new yarn and work with both yarns until the old yarn runs out. When working the next row, work these doubled stitches as one.
A dropped stitch is when a stitch slides off of the needle resulting in an irregular section of the fabric.
A dropped stitch need not be devastating — it's an easy problem to fix if you catch it within a few rows of the drop. If you don't see it until several inches have been worked, there will not be enough yarn around the dropped stitches to fix the problem, and the best solution is to unravel the knitting back to the dropped stitch and reknit these rows.
The easiest method to pick up a dropped stitch is to use a crochet hook or a Handi Tool. Work with the knit side facing you (turn the work over if you need to because of pattern stitches).
Insert the hook into the free stitch from the front. With the hook pointing up, catch the first strand of the ladder from above it (see illustration) and pull it through the stitch on the hook.
Continue in this manner until you've worked up through the rows and then replace the stitch on the left-hand needle, being careful not to twist it. If you've found more than one dropped stitch, secure the others with a locking stitch marker or safety pin until you are ready to pick them up.
Stitch markers are necessary to denote special stitch panels, to mark armholes when making drop-shoulder garments or to mark the beginning or end of a round in circular knitting. Plastic markers can be purchased or you can make your own using contrasting yarn.
Some stitch markers are small circles; this is also the type you create when you use a piece of contrasting yarn. Other stitch markers may have a small slot in them, called split-lock stitch markers. A third type looks like small safety pins without a coil, called locking stitch markers. All of these types of stitch markers may be used for knitting.
The split-lock markers and the locking stitch markers may be put onto a piece of knitting at a different place than where you are working, and removed later. For example, you may put a stitch marker on a piece of knitting as you work to indicate the right side of the work. Round stitch markers with no gap may only be removed when you get to that place in the row or round, and stay in place on the needle.
If you drop a stitch and cannot fix it immediately, a locking stitch marker can be placed on the loop of the dropped stitch so it doesn't unravel further.
Make a slip knot in a short piece of contrasting yarn to form a loop. Place marker on needle. On the following rows or rounds, slip the marker from needle to needle on every row.
For circular knitting, insert the marker between the first and last stitches before joining and move it up with each completed round
Picking up stitches is a technique used to add on new pieces of knit fabric to a project without a seam (and fantastic technique for those of us who prefer seamless knits). There are lots of applications for picking up stitches, from sweater cuffs to mitered blankets!
There are almost as many techniques used to pick up stitches as there are applications of those techniques; this blog post will focus on (what I consider to be) the most visually attractive and functional way to pick up stitches. This is slightly different from "pick up and knit." Once you master this technique you will likely find that, even if you experiment with other techniques, you usually revert back to this tried and true method. The method of picking up stitches by adding on a new ball of yarn can be done with stocking stitch and garter knit fabric. It can also be used to pick up stitches vertically or horizontally without much variation.
Here are a few free patterns from Yarnspirations.com which require you to pick up stitches.
Knowing how-to pick-up stitches can broaden your knitting repertoire. Patterns usually direct knitters to pick up stitches when the direction of the knitting changes. It can also be used when embellishing any number of projects (like blankets and shawls). Common places to pick up stitches are button bands, cuffs and collars of sweaters.
For any of these methods of picking up knitting, you may go across the entire side of the work, or only across part of it. Try both when you're practicing. When you're working a pattern, the pattern will let you know how many stitches to pick up and if you are using the full side or only part of it.
Begin your practice swatch by casting on the desired number of stitches with any weight yarn and a comfortable size needle for that yarn. In my example I’ve chosen Red Heart Soft Baby Steps in Elephant and size 9 needles. You will also need a crochet hook; I used a size 9 hook.
For my swatch, I've cast on 30 stitches and worked stocking stitch (knit one purl, purl the next row) for 22 rows. My picked up stitches will be worked using Red Heart Soft Baby Steps in Lavender. Most projects will ask you to pick up stitches using the same color yarn as the main body of the piece butusing a different colored yarn in these instructions makes it easier to see.
I usually pick up stitches by working in the 2nd column of knitting (as highlighted in the photo below).
When picking up stitches you will begin picking up stitches from the top right corner, just as you would if your stitches were already on the needle. Simply insert the hook into the center of the first stitch.
Grab your new yarn with the hook and pull a loop through the stitch and onto the right side of your work.
You can easily knit the loop that you've drawn up (directly from the crochet hook, if you so desire) in order to "pick up and knit."
Place the loop onto the knitting needle.
I often put several stitches/loops onto the crochet hook before slipping them off the back of the hook and onto my knitting needle. This will only work if your hook is about the same diameter from top to bottom (it will not work with hooks that have a large grip).
Repeat these steps across the column of knitting.
Your pattern will tell you how many stitches to pick up. The number of stitches may or may not be the same as the total number of rows in the piece. If the number of stitches is different than the number of rows, you will need to calculate how many stitches to pick up OR you can pick up all stitches along the column and in the next row increase (make one as needed across the row) or decrease (by knitting 2 together as needed) your stitch count to the number required by your pattern.
Here is what the back of your work will look like:
And here is the front after a few more rows:
Picking up stitches at the end of your work (at the cast on edge) is very similar to working on the vertical edge. The only difference is where you insert the hook.
You will again work from what will be the top right stitch. Insert your hook into the V of your knit stitches. Grab your new yarn with the hook and pull a loop through the stitch and onto the right side of your work.
Repeat as necessary.
Stitches can easily twist, depending on how you put your loop onto the needle. If you know how to fix twisted stitches by knitting (or purling) into the back of the stitch as you work it, you may. If you don't know how to do that, you can carefully removeeach twisted stitch from the needle and replace it in the non-twisted direction before working it.
Begin your practice swatch by casting on the desired number of stitches with any weight yarn and a comfortable size needle for that yarn. In my example I’ve chosen Red Heart Soft Baby Steps in Lavender and size 9 needles. I used a size 9 crochet hook. For my swatch, I've cast on 20 stitches and worked garter stitch (knit all rows) for 20 rows. My picked up stitches will be worked using Red Heart Soft Baby Steps in Elephant.
You will be working in between the bars of the garter stitches.
Move onto the next spot between the bars.
You may notice that on stocking stitch, you get the same number of stitches as rows, but with garter stitch you will pick up only half as many stitches as rows (in this example, you will pick up 10 stitches, whereas your swatch is made of 20 rows). This is due to the nature of the selvage edge of garter stitch.
Picking up stitches at the end of your work (at the cast on edge) is very similar to working on the vertical edge, the only difference is where you insert the hook.
You will again work from what will be the top right stitch. Insert your hook into the V of your knit stitches.
Now that you have mastered pick up stitches on both stocking and garter stitch, here are some additional patterns using this technique so you can practice this new skill!
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