ya know there are people out there who would think we are nuts appreciating a video about watching water take the kinks out of reclaimed yarn ...thanks for making it so interesting Suzanne ...another great video
Learn something new every time I watch your videos. I had no idea! Didn't know what a Niddy Noddy was either. Totally amazed. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
I made so many knit-in-the-round swatches (on different size needles) for my last sweater to get gauge (and drape) for the body, and another set to get a comfortable fit for the turtleneck I knit at the end. THANK YOU for showing me how to reclaim these swatches (of a beautiful and somewhat expensive wool)!!! I love your videos.
Yay, I love hearing this, C R! If you are interested, I have lots of videos on gauge. Just search "gauge" and it pulls up videos for measuring for various stitches. ❤️
I am painfully introverted and generally never comment/like/subscribe but this video has changed my knitting forever. I have been knitting off and on since elementary school but usually projects that didn't require strict gauge to work - scarves, bags, trial and error frogging hats until they fit 🥴 In the last couple of years I finally felt ready to try doing some proper wearables and had decent luck with socks but I haven't been very happy with any top I've tried - crop tee, tank, cardigan. I have never had the patience for gauge swatches but I endeavored to half@$$ it for the last couple of projects by going most of the way through a swatch and guessing what might happen if I were to wash and block it because I didn't want to lose that yarn. It wasn't until I started attempting proper garments that I realized why folks used to tell me to buy one skein than I think I need for the intended project but I unfortunately I have quite a smattering of pretty yarns that I can't buy more of and aren't quite enough for a single project let alone a project AND gauge swatch - crop tops and body confidence here I come...I guess 🫠😵💫 I am hunting for patterns where I can use the pretty stuff along with a complimentary solid color to increase my overall yardage but knowing I can actually cut, wash, and block my gauge swatch and still reuse that yarn is an absolute game changer!! Thank you!!! ❤ In a few years I might gain enough confidence to tackle a particularly pretty pattern that requires steeking - is that a verb? 🤔 I haven't explored your other videos yet but I am definitely bookmarking your channel for future reference. I appreciate you so much!!!
This is a great video. This will help anyone who considers using repurposed yarn. Excellent learning video. Definitely see why you tied it off like you did.
Here's a hint for outdoor reclaiming. I did this recently with a large quantity. I wound it around the back of a lawn chair and then sprayed it with the gentle settling on the hose. I let it air dry for a while so it wasn't sopping wet. Then I hung it inside to finish drying, making sure to tie off as you did. It was a wool-rayon blend, and it took several days to fully dry.
I love your vídeos and instructions. I try to reuse a really pretty yarn from a cardigan made in a knitting machine but did not work out. continue to be in pumps
You may need to apply a weight to the yarn when it is hanging while wet. I sometimes put a clothes hanger at the bottom of the skein while it is hanging and put a towel over the clothes hanger. It gives just enough weight to pull the kinks out. Try it again and let me know if it works.
@@SuzanneBryan And the same to you!!! I am knitting a neck warmer / cowl for a 10-year old boy & want to soften the yarn by washing it when it is completed. Can I use the already washed gauge swatch for this project or is it better to use a new ball of wool? The swatch would end up being washed twice. Thank you.
If you use the swatch, you need to reclaim the yarn first or it will really show in the knitting and it will not come out when washed. Sorry for the extra work, but it is worth it. Happy New Year!
@@SuzanneBryan Yes, I did soak the yarn and it is still on a hanger waiting to be used. I so appreciate your sharing such details. Happy New Year! Happy Knitting!
Hello Suzanne! I just came across your very helpful video while researching if it was possible to reuse yarn from a blocked swatch. I’m curious to know what the pointed hook tool you had in the video is used for. I was gifted a friend’s grandmothers knitting needles an she had one of these and I’m not sure what it’s used for. Thanks for your awesome very helpful videos!!
brilliant - I have some beautiful pure cashmere that is already on its second failed knit up... now have the confidence to rip it out and start again (again)! PS - What's a niddy noddy? ... I have a swift, but no idea what you were referring to!!
This video popped up at the most perfect time. I had unraveled 2 hats, both had been washed/soaked before. It was a curly mess! I had no idea about this method and had planned to just to re-knit the hats. Thanks for saving me a world of frustration. Could I use my swift (that I use to wind yarn) as a niddy-noddy? Thanks again for a great video.
Thank you. I have not heard from a niddy noddy before. Bought one on Ebay and now I am trying to reclaim yarn of a jacket which I do not want to finish. It has not been blocked yet but has kincks anyway
Yes, knitting that has been sitting for a bit will self block just from the moisture in the air. Not as good as wet blocking, but there will be kinks nevertheless. Happy Knitting.
This is so helpful! I have a question though. If you're just ripping back yarn that hasn't been blocked but it's been knitted with, should you do this process? I'm only asking because you get the same curlyness to the yarn after it's been knit and ripped back even if you don't block it. I have quite a bit of yarn that's all curly from projects I've started, didn't like, and then ripped back. I've rewound them into loose cakes but now I'm wondering if I should do this process to them before I use the yarn.
I have tried knitting with kinky yarn. It produces an uneven fabric and does not block out. If it is something that you want an even fabric, I would reclaim the yarn. Steaming will help too.
Thank you for your videos. I find them very, very helpful! I want to reuse the yarn from a gauge swatch to knit another gauge swatch. 1. Would I need to reclaim it before I do, or would it be fine to use it straight away? 2. Would I need to block it again once I finish the new gauge swatch?
This is a great question. Yes, if you block your swatch, you will need to repurpose it every time before using it again. I have a great series of videos on comparing superwash with non-superswash wool that also includes testing swatches that are worked with reconditioned yarn vs non-reconditioned yarn that you might find interesting. Here - th-cam.com/video/-smFkkv_MXA/w-d-xo.html
Should this also be done to yarn that was wound too tightly and allowed to sit around in that ball? Or will simply rewinding that tight ball into a looser ball and letting it rest be sufficient? Thank you!
Hello Suzanne, thanks for this great video. Is it different with different types of yarn? I frogged a shawl made with 100% acrylic yarn [thick yarn for 7.00mm needles] and the kinks are almost nonexistent, the yarn is just a bit wavy. is it better to do this exercise anyway? the yarn will be used to make a new shawl. thanks for advice.
This is a great question. Yes, it is different. Different fibers tend to hold the curl more or less. Acrylic is a fiber that holds the curl less, so you do not really need to do anything to recondition the fiber. Thank you for asking.
When you say it is reconditioned I can see this for non-superwash yarns. Am I right when I assume superwash yarns will be conditioned to knit-able yarn but it won't regain it's superwash conditioning?
What I mean by reconditioned is that the kinks are removed and the yarn is ready to knit with again. It does not affect the superwash conditioning. It remains the same. Great question. 🧶
@@SuzanneBryan Thank you. Your videos are the best. I have learned so much watching the videos and you are my go-to person when i have a challenge or something I don't understand Please keep them coming.
Certainly you can lay it out to dry. I suspect that hanging gives room for more air circulation and therefore it will dry faster, but either is fine. Hugs and Happy knitting.
When I was frogging part of my jumper to reknit it, it was enough to roll it into a ball and leave it for some time. Ok, it was a few months because when I frog a project, I need some time to heal from the trauma, but it worked :D
Great comment. And it depends on the weather in your area. If you have a lot of humidity and the yarn has set in a ball for a time, then the kinks will come out from being stretched in the ball. Happy knitting.
A niddy-noddy (plural niddy-noddies) is a tool used to make skeins from yarn. It consists of a central bar, with crossbars at each end, offset from each other by 90°. The central bar is generally carved to make it easier to hold. 🧶
![The secrets to getting gauge and knitting perfect swatches [5 common mistakes]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ntK-ICmol2E/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for adding this tutorial, I think that Merlin would have been a great name for you because you are a magician. Take care.
Awwww, what a lovely thing to say, thank you, Marie!! ❤️ You take care as well!
ya know there are people out there who would think we are nuts appreciating a video about watching water take the kinks out of reclaimed yarn ...thanks for making it so interesting Suzanne ...another great video
What a great comment. Thank you. This made my day. Happy knitting.
Those folks didn’t buy beautiful skein of yarn that ended up in a fabric that didn’t suit it.
Learn something new every time I watch your videos. I had no idea! Didn't know what a Niddy Noddy was either. Totally amazed. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
Happy to help!
I learned that the rather weird name "Niddy Noddy" is a "Kreuzhaspel" in German. NOW I know what it is.
I made so many knit-in-the-round swatches (on different size needles) for my last sweater to get gauge (and drape) for the body, and another set to get a comfortable fit for the turtleneck I knit at the end. THANK YOU for showing me how to reclaim these swatches (of a beautiful and somewhat expensive wool)!!! I love your videos.
Yay, I love hearing this, C R! If you are interested, I have lots of videos on gauge. Just search "gauge" and it pulls up videos for measuring for various stitches. ❤️
I am painfully introverted and generally never comment/like/subscribe but this video has changed my knitting forever. I have been knitting off and on since elementary school but usually projects that didn't require strict gauge to work - scarves, bags, trial and error frogging hats until they fit 🥴 In the last couple of years I finally felt ready to try doing some proper wearables and had decent luck with socks but I haven't been very happy with any top I've tried - crop tee, tank, cardigan. I have never had the patience for gauge swatches but I endeavored to half@$$ it for the last couple of projects by going most of the way through a swatch and guessing what might happen if I were to wash and block it because I didn't want to lose that yarn. It wasn't until I started attempting proper garments that I realized why folks used to tell me to buy one skein than I think I need for the intended project but I unfortunately I have quite a smattering of pretty yarns that I can't buy more of and aren't quite enough for a single project let alone a project AND gauge swatch - crop tops and body confidence here I come...I guess 🫠😵💫
I am hunting for patterns where I can use the pretty stuff along with a complimentary solid color to increase my overall yardage but knowing I can actually cut, wash, and block my gauge swatch and still reuse that yarn is an absolute game changer!! Thank you!!! ❤
In a few years I might gain enough confidence to tackle a particularly pretty pattern that requires steeking - is that a verb? 🤔 I haven't explored your other videos yet but I am definitely bookmarking your channel for future reference. I appreciate you so much!!!
This is a great video. This will help anyone who considers using repurposed yarn. Excellent learning video. Definitely see why you tied it off like you did.
Thank you so much! 🧶
Thanks again🌺🌷🌸 Susanne ❤️
Hi RRW! You are very welcome! ❤️
Thanks so much for your videos! I tried this and put it inside a bunt cake pan and it was easy peasy removing it from the water.
Perfect! Happy Knitting!
Amazing no more ruffles repurpose is Great ❤
Thank you for your clear and easy instructions to revamp swatch yarn!
You are very welcome. Happy swatching.
Here's a hint for outdoor reclaiming. I did this recently with a large quantity. I wound it around the back of a lawn chair and then sprayed it with the gentle settling on the hose. I let it air dry for a while so it wasn't sopping wet. Then I hung it inside to finish drying, making sure to tie off as you did. It was a wool-rayon blend, and it took several days to fully dry.
Wonderful! Thanks for this comment. Happy knitting.
Very much. All your videos do! I enjoy them very much
Glad you like them!🧶
Amazing Teacher it worked your a Doll saved me hundreds ❤️
🌷🌹🌸😊
I love your vídeos and instructions. I try to reuse a really pretty yarn from a cardigan made in a knitting machine but did not work out. continue to be in pumps
You may need to apply a weight to the yarn when it is hanging while wet. I sometimes put a clothes hanger at the bottom of the skein while it is hanging and put a towel over the clothes hanger. It gives just enough weight to pull the kinks out. Try it again and let me know if it works.
Thanks Suzanne. I will do again and I will come back.
Amazing. I am about to reclaim my swatch for the project I am working on. Thank you.
Have fun! Happy Holidays.
@@SuzanneBryan And the same to you!!!
I am knitting a neck warmer / cowl for a 10-year old boy & want to soften the yarn by washing it when it is completed. Can I use the already washed gauge swatch for this project or is it better to use a new ball of wool? The swatch would end up being washed twice. Thank you.
If you use the swatch, you need to reclaim the yarn first or it will really show in the knitting and it will not come out when washed. Sorry for the extra work, but it is worth it.
Happy New Year!
@@SuzanneBryan Yes, I did soak the yarn and it is still on a hanger waiting to be used. I so appreciate your sharing such details.
Happy New Year! Happy Knitting!
Hello Suzanne! I just came across your very helpful video while researching if it was possible to reuse yarn from a blocked swatch. I’m curious to know what the pointed hook tool you had in the video is used for. I was gifted a friend’s grandmothers knitting needles an she had one of these and I’m not sure what it’s used for. Thanks for your awesome very helpful videos!!
Exactly what I needed, thank you!
You’re welcome!
brilliant - I have some beautiful pure cashmere that is already on its second failed knit up... now have the confidence to rip it out and start again (again)! PS - What's a niddy noddy? ... I have a swift, but no idea what you were referring to!!
I am totally enjoying your videos, Suzanne. But, I've got to say that the yarn you used here, Dark Side of the Moon, intrigues me.
Isn't it lovely! I am a yarnaholic for sure. Hugs and Happy Knitting.
Thank you for this lesson.
You are very welcome Janiepooh Petersen! Happy knitting.
This video popped up at the most perfect time. I had unraveled 2 hats, both had been washed/soaked before. It was a curly mess! I had no idea about this method and had planned to just to re-knit the hats. Thanks for saving me a world of frustration. Could I use my swift (that I use to wind yarn) as a niddy-noddy? Thanks again for a great video.
Glad it was helpful! yes you can just wind the yarn directly onto your swift. Great idea. 🧶
Thank you.
I have not heard from a niddy noddy before. Bought one on Ebay and now I am trying to reclaim yarn of a jacket which I do not want to finish. It has not been blocked yet but has kincks anyway
Yes, knitting that has been sitting for a bit will self block just from the moisture in the air. Not as good as wet blocking, but there will be kinks nevertheless. Happy Knitting.
I love your swatch.
Thank you. I love the yarn.
Knitting with Suzanne Bryan looking forward to seeing what you end up with.
Me too! I love this yarn.
This is so helpful! I have a question though. If you're just ripping back yarn that hasn't been blocked but it's been knitted with, should you do this process? I'm only asking because you get the same curlyness to the yarn after it's been knit and ripped back even if you don't block it. I have quite a bit of yarn that's all curly from projects I've started, didn't like, and then ripped back. I've rewound them into loose cakes but now I'm wondering if I should do this process to them before I use the yarn.
I have tried knitting with kinky yarn. It produces an uneven fabric and does not block out. If it is something that you want an even fabric, I would reclaim the yarn. Steaming will help too.
Thank you for your videos. I find them very, very helpful!
I want to reuse the yarn from a gauge swatch to knit another gauge swatch. 1. Would I need to reclaim it before I do, or would it be fine to use it straight away? 2. Would I need to block it again once I finish the new gauge swatch?
This is a great question. Yes, if you block your swatch, you will need to repurpose it every time before using it again. I have a great series of videos on comparing superwash with non-superswash wool that also includes testing swatches that are worked with reconditioned yarn vs non-reconditioned yarn that you might find interesting. Here - th-cam.com/video/-smFkkv_MXA/w-d-xo.html
@@SuzanneBryan I took it apart and washed it. It's busy drying. I figured since there is some time before I start the project I should just do it.
Thank you, foe your time!
You're so welcome, Vandana, thanks for watching!
Another fantastic tutorial thanks!!
Thank you Maureen Lewicki! Happy knitting.
Hello Suzanne. Thank you for this method !! Would this work or advisable if I want to undo my sweater and reuse the yarn?
Yes, absolutely
@@SuzanneBryan thanks Suzanne. In addition, should I do this to reclaim cotton or linen yarns as well ? Would it affect the yarn unfavorably?
Should this also be done to yarn that was wound too tightly and allowed to sit around in that ball? Or will simply rewinding that tight ball into a looser ball and letting it rest be sufficient? Thank you!
Just letting it rest without tension should be good.
Super cute 😍😍
Thank you! 🤗 🧶
Thanks for Sharing 💖!
You're welcome Karen, thanks for watching!
Hello Suzanne, thanks for this great video. Is it different with different types of yarn? I frogged a shawl made with 100% acrylic yarn [thick yarn for 7.00mm needles] and the kinks are almost nonexistent, the yarn is just a bit wavy. is it better to do this exercise anyway? the yarn will be used to make a new shawl. thanks for advice.
This is a great question. Yes, it is different. Different fibers tend to hold the curl more or less. Acrylic is a fiber that holds the curl less, so you do not really need to do anything to recondition the fiber. Thank you for asking.
Does this also work with cotton or yarn that is a blend of fibers? Anything special we should know? Esepcially if you block the swatch.
I am assuming that you have blocked your swatches. This works for all the yarns that i have tried.
thank you ...
You are welcome. Happy knitting.
When you say it is reconditioned I can see this for non-superwash yarns. Am I right when I assume superwash yarns will be conditioned to knit-able yarn but it won't regain it's superwash conditioning?
What I mean by reconditioned is that the kinks are removed and the yarn is ready to knit with again. It does not affect the superwash conditioning. It remains the same. Great question. 🧶
@@SuzanneBryan Thank you. Your videos are the best. I have learned so much watching the videos and you are my go-to person when i have a challenge or something I don't understand
Please keep them coming.
🧶
Do you have to hang it to dry? I've done this process but I mostly lay it flat to dry and keep flipping it.
Certainly you can lay it out to dry. I suspect that hanging gives room for more air circulation and therefore it will dry faster, but either is fine. Hugs and Happy knitting.
It's a new word for me, but you spoke of a "knitty knotty" (sp?). What is it, how is it spelled, & where is it to be purchased? Thank you (again). :)
Oops...forgot. Love your vids, thanks so much. :)
Niddy Noddy = en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niddy_noddy
Thank you!
Is it necessary to go thru all this process if the previous use was not blocked?
When I was frogging part of my jumper to reknit it, it was enough to roll it into a ball and leave it for some time. Ok, it was a few months because when I frog a project, I need some time to heal from the trauma, but it worked :D
Great question. You would have to see if you have kinks in your yarn. If no kinks, then it is not necessary. Happy knitting.
Great comment. And it depends on the weather in your area. If you have a lot of humidity and the yarn has set in a ball for a time, then the kinks will come out from being stretched in the ball. Happy knitting.
Is this swatched washed before blocking? Because I'm wondering if the yarn will knit up the same as unwashed yarn.
This swatch was blocked first. then the yarn was reclaimed. The reclaimed yarn will knit up exactly as unused yarn.
@@SuzanneBryan Thank you!
What is a knitty knotty?
A niddy-noddy (plural niddy-noddies) is a tool used to make skeins from yarn. It consists of a central bar, with crossbars at each end, offset from each other by 90°. The central bar is generally carved to make it easier to hold. 🧶
A knitty what-ty?? Knotty? I never heard of that.
Niddy Noddy. You can make one out of pvc or wood - www.simplynotable.com/2016/diy-niddy-noddy/
@@SuzanneBryan Thank you, Suzanne. Ah, the secrets of the guild... 😃
🧶