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Hey Norman... I am a knitter from India. I am not the kind of person who comments on TH-cam videos. But today i am compelled to do that and Thank you for giving such beautiful and to the point explanations. You show the exact mechanism going on and everything related to it in so much depth. I am thankful i found your channel. I never knew knitting had so much in it. Although i don't knit very frequently thanks to my studies. But your videos are exactly what i needed to learn the tips and tricks all in one channel. Thank you. May your day be filled with happiness and joy. Love from India.
I like the homemade imperfect look , that’s why I knit with hand-spun yarn too. In this world where everything is made perfect by machines , it’s actually beautiful to see imperfection. That said , I appreciate the skill of attempting to get it perfect. This skill for detail and precision was needed for thousands of years.
Norman you are my shining star throwing light on all my knitting problems. The help for tidier rib is awesome. I am a bit of a perfectionist and have abandoned so many projects due to ‘ugly’ rib… I am happy this time to continue and will be back for loads more tips as I get stuck on my first pullover project 🙏❤
You would be so proud of me. I knitted, folded and joined the brim of a CC beanie today using 1x1 ribbing. It was a test swatch. I'm gonna tear it out and start over. I started on a 50" cable doing magic loop. Crocheted a provisional cast on. Joined w an extra st, slipped pulled over one. Knit one row then did 1x1 ribbing switching to 2 circulars halfway thru to try it out. Then took the cast on out, joined by picking up as I went. Took lifeline out and it didn't unravel. I did combination knitting BTW. I'm watching this video again. I'm learning stuff I didn't do on the swatch. I haven't taken it out yet. Prob keep practicing. So if I'm doing combination knitting already do I just keep doing that or is twisted mean you don't untwist it or go the the other leg?
As always, Norman, your explanation is crystal clear and very nice demonstrated. Another thing I truly appreciate in your tutorials is that your work is fairly close up - in some tutorials, there is less of a zoom and as a result, I then sometimes struggle to understand what they are doing. Never a problem in your tutorials. A big thank you for such an excellent job.
I'll have to watch that part of your video which deals which twisted knitting yarn again. This has been a problem for me for years, and I'm never quite sure how I do it. I've recently changed to Norwegian knitting (Arne & Carlos style) and I still do the same thing. I'm not sure what I'm doing to it. Fantastic video, Norman - very clear and concise. Thanks. 💜🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘
My last stitch before my purl has been loose I have tried various different things and nothing seemed to correct this. And it makes cables, ribbing and any kind of cable lace pattern look uneven. Now I have tried your tightening the purl while still in the stitch. It works! Yay! Thanks for this.
Thank you for this very clear explanation. I have avoided 2x2 ribbing but now I feel more confident about achieving a better result. After knitting for more than 60 years I am learning a lot from your videos. Now off to search for a video about an appropriate cast on for 2x2 rib. Thank you Norman, I hope you are having a good day.😊
I have only watched a couple of your videos so far, but you are definitely the perfect teacher for me! Thank you for always explaining so well, and really showing what you are doing. As a beginner, I have found your videos have improved my knitting so much already. Thank you!
So impressed with your knowledge and techniques. I've always had problems with my ribbing . It was so messy , just nasty. I tried your technique and l was so amazed how good it looks . So happy 😊. Thank you
This is brilliant!! I never really noticed the unevenness of my ribbing, but yours looks so much neater!! Your understanding of the mesh created with the yarn off the needle is amazing!
I haven’t learned so much from one person in 27 minutes in years. Wow, thanks for thinking all this through and posting such an informative video. I’ve never been impressed with my ribbing and now I have ways to improve it. Thank you.
This is so helpful!! I consider myself a combination knitter, but when I work in the round, I knit the knit stitches continental. However, my purls are mounted the "wrong" way and I knit them in a Russian way - wrapping the yarn in opposite direction to western knitting. This combination creates WONDERFUL 1x1 rib in the round. However, recently I started making a piece with 3x3 rib and all of my rightmost knits were too wide!! I looked into it, and it seemes like the western knitters have the opposite problem - their leftmost knit is too wide. I solved the problem by wrapping the yarn in a western way for the last purl before the first knit!! Now my rib is wonderfull!!
oh thank you so much for sharing this! I also knit in a combination of styles and mostly continental and even with all these helpful videos explaning the yarn lenght differences could not figure out how to get rid of the slack in the stitch that comes after the purl in stead of in front of it. Now I just knit that stitch with wrapping the yarn "wrong" and it works! Im so happy that I finally have neat ribbing!!
This video is so helpful and your explanations of why yarn behaves the way it does is so informative. I look forward to knitting the ribbings better. Thanks for your help.
Brilliant information - thank you!! And I'm thinking that I will just have to 'bite the bullet' and learn how to knit continental. Project for after this sweater. Thanks again.
This is a brilliant video! Thank you, Norman, for your deep dive into stitch structure and how it impacts my knitting. I love your giant yarn examples. I have experimented with combo knitting to see if it gives me any extra speed (maybe some, but it depends on how the next row will need to be worked). You mentioned briefly that combo knitters automatically have tighter ribbing, so I have adopted it as my preferred ribbing method. I think the reason the combo knitting is tighter for ribbing is because of a general characteristic of combo knitting. When you transition from K to P or P to K in combo knitting, the yarn never makes a full turn around the right-hand needle. Instead it goes down one side, then turns around and goes back up the same side. The purl stitches aren't actually twisted, they are simply mounted backwards. To deal with this you just need to remember to knit/purl through the leading leg of your next stitch regardless of how it's mounted. I think you have mentioned this before in reading your knitting, as stitches often get remounted backwards when your work has come off the needles or when you rip back. Anyway, thank you again. I always learn something from your videos.
yeah that's about right. basically the yarn can always travel the short(er) distance and you never add slack. It's important to stress that this is not black and white and will result in other issues where standard continental knitting has none.
Thank you so muchhh❤❤❤. I've knitted 5 socks and always had the same problem with the cuff. This video helped me so much. I did second method where you purl through the back loop and my ribbing is so neat. Thank you❤❤❤.
I love your analytical approach to knitting topics. I've been knitting for 30 years, and I learn something from every video. I have made my 2x2 rib perfect by using combination knitting. Purl through the back loop and wrap yarn clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. This tightens up my first purl beautifully. It makes my cables look so much distinct and tidy by eastern purling around them. Now I know why! Thanks.
You are truely amazing in your analysis and teaching of an issue Norman 🎉🎉🎉 I have just restarted a jumper I am making and what a difference in the ribbing, thank you so much ✌️✌️
This was perfect video to help me to understand why my first baby pullover sleeve cuffs and around the neck and bottom ribbing doesn't look as amazing as yours, thank you! Only thanks to you I am now completing my first baby pullover and have just finished a chunky scarf for my husband!
@@NimbleNeedles indeed Norman, danke danke danke million times! I don't want to push it too much yet, so another pullower, same pattern for an older child though, so I can can practice what I have learned. And if I get that right enough.... sock! I cannot wait to learn how to knit socks! One day who knows, maybe even tights! :)
Thank you SO SO much Norman! Thank you for sharing with us your fantastics tips and tricks, your wonderful knitting projects, and thank you for all the effort you put in your blog and in these helpful videos! Everything is put together so so well, your passion for knitting really shine through! Kisses from a swiss fan!
Hello, I love your videos. So clear, and great explanations and demonstrations. I just wanted to comment on how nicely your knitting hand movements flow with both knit and purl. You use such minimal movement and I’d love to learn your techniques. I learned how to knit American style but it causes hand pain I am learning the continental method but it’s still quite clumsy and loose stitches. Thank you for this great info. I think just watching you knit while I knit will help.
Yeah, big wrist movements really are bad for me. Guess that's why I developed this style. I have a full video on how to knit continental style here on TH-cam for beginners. Maybe check that out!
Great video Norman! I learned the trick of tightening up the first Purl stitch a while back but was instructed to bring the yarn to the back and tug instead of just tugging on the yarn in the front. I must say I like your idea much better! One less step. It was nice to see it work just fine! I personally think the twisted rib is very pretty! Thank you for your very clear and concise explanation on how the yarn is being distributed. Very interesting and I really enjoyed the way you presented this information. Thanks again for another amazing video!😊🤗
Interesting. Wonder what bringing to the back should achieve...gotta try that and see if I can discern a difference. Though, I feel it would turn knitting ribbing into a horrible chore.
Ha ha! You’re probably right as your way seems much easier! I really don’t know why. I’ll definitely be interested in your thoughts if you try it. Thanks!
Another wow moment for sure. I tried the first tip right away and it worked beautifully. Thanks Norman for another enlightening tutorial. Can you also show us how to increase in ribbing? Thanks again
I can put it on the list..but it's actually quite easy. You just do one knit increase and then in the next rightside row (or even on the backside) you knit a purl increase in between. And if it'S a 2x2 rib you stagger that across 4 or 8 rows.
You explained that so clearly. Thank you! I was even avoiding 2 x 2 ribbing because I did not like the looks (changed to 1 x 1 even though it wasn't perfect it looked better because every purl was lose)
Thanks for demonstrating so clearly WHY there’s extra yarn used in going from a knit stitch to a purl stitch. It all makes sense to me now! 🙏😁 (Norman, your English vocabulary and “nimbleness” of speaking is wonderful- not just for a non-native speaker, but for any English-speaker. I wish I could speak a foreign language so well!)
aww..thank you this means a lot. At first I was worried about it..but then I was like, if you don't try you'll never know. And I dare say it was a good decision to start this channel and my blog in English :)
Soooo....that makes sense. I managed to fix my wonky knits in the ribbing in the round by pulling the yarn tighter in the purls, but now I know why they were wonky in the round but not in the flat to begin with. My knitting needles in the round had short taper while the other ones had long taper. So yeah, that combined with the lack of turning the work to distribute tension = wonky ribbing. Noice! long yarn between knit and purl also explains why something else I was doing in a pattern looked off. Also key takeaway : knitting with ribbons should totally be a thing. Great video and info as always and really appreciate the hard work. Must have been difficult editing all that, but please try to make the audio a teeny bit smoother next time. Thanks :)
@@NimbleNeedles lol, its just I felt that there were a bit too many cuts in the audio this time. Its only in this video though. I don't think its audio quality, I think its an editing thing. I guess it was because you spliced together those different videos and different points or something. I mean it was a lot of info and a lot of demo and stuff so I get it. Its pretty clear and understandable so not a big issue :) Still helps me understand my problems in knitting just fine.
@@wrongturnVfor oh I get you. Yeah, I had to piece quite a bit of things together as I redid a lot of sections after I noticed they were not clear enough. It's a very complex issue I tried to explain in the easiest possible way 🙈
@@NimbleNeedles Yeah, I could tell :) I frequently edit sound myself so i know its hard. Also with regard to the explanation, I know its kind of hard to make people "see" something if we dont know what we are supposed to be "seeing", especially on videos instead of in person. But the explanation came through absolutely clearly. I think the explanation did its job quite well. we can tell there was a lot of effort and hard work and passion that went into it. All that stuff that you added really helped. Cheers.
So informative! I don't know if you are able to demo for a right hand yarn operator. I think I may have an instinctive way I pull the slack out of the first of the two purl stitches in 2x2 ribbing but your demonstration is so clear I would love to see your "official" way to do it for an English style thrower.
Hello Norman, greetings from Melbourne! I began knitting regularly in 2018 and my technique and skill levels have increased dramatically since discovering your channel several years ago - so a huge Thank You to you! I notice you have a tutorial for converting in the round to flat and wondered if it is possible the other way round ( I've done a search and couldn't find a video by you on the subject..... So if you are looking for ideas still for future ones.....🤞) As Now my skills have increased, I'm moving more towards attempting vintage patterns, and I know it wouldn't be historically correct, but I wonder if there's a method to converting flat patterns to knitting in the round? ( I love sewing, just not sewing up garments 😆) Kind regards Annie
Hej Norman, wonderful video as always! Just an idea, but I would love to see a dedicated video on knitting thimbles (aka "stickning fingerborg" which my brother tells me is called a "fingerhut" in Deutsch (spelling??) but I am so interested in if that's actually correct, because it is truly adorable if true!!)! Pros v cons, how to use for those who aren't taught to use them, or can't read the good material out there on them (looking at you, America!) due to it being in german, or scandinavian languages. Would also be interested in "mixed method" (not sure if this is the correct term) for when you use, say, two colours, so you knit one colour with your right hand, one with your left hand so you don't twist the yarn where you don't want to (maybe a different video on that one). Personally I was a bit too extra, because I went and learnt how to make wire jewelry and took classes just so that I could myself a knitting thimble 😅. That said, Iwould *especially* love to see substitution ideas for making your own/using other things as substitute, as I had used a few different things before making mine (and, truthfully , I sometimes still go back to 1+ strand in each hand if it isn't a finicky pattern). The topic of the history of knitting (maybe even in germany specifically if you wanted!) would always be an interesting topic too, but all your videos are fantastic always!
Hej Hej Sophia, a fingerhut and a knitting thumble are two different things. A knitting thimbile would be something to guide two strands at a time, while a proper thimble would be able to help you with pushing the needles. So not exactly sure what you meant. Still a proper Fair Isle/Stranded knitting tutorial is very high up on my list. as for the history of knitting. I already started to do some research on the topic but it will probably be quite a while yet before I can present something.
This video was very informative. I knit mainly blankets these days so I don't do a lot of ribbing anymore. When the occasional hat finds its way to my needles, I'll keep your suggestions in mind. Question: Would this technique also work for cables? I usually find the leftmost stitch of the finished cable is quite loose, and am looking for a way to tighten it up (if possible).
this technique will work for any knit purl combination. so moss stitches, seed stitch, basket weave, etc. Cables are a bit trickier because that loose sitch on the left is caused by tragging the stitch over but then not tightening up the adjacent stitches (kind of like with an ssk)
Hello Norman, Thank you for your video. I really like the twisted rib you recommend, however i find the yarn twists like crazy with this stitch. Do you have any tips?
my tip is...be aware of your alternatives and when you notice your yarn is doing something funky..change things. Not every yarn is good for every knitting stitch pattern.
Hi Norman. I do love your instruction. I am a continental knitter and I purl with the yarn "below" the right needle. You purl with the yarn above the right needle...and my ribbing is NOT great...but not so bad. Is there a way to improve it without changing my purling way?
you know, the way you hold the yarn really shouldn't matter a lot, as long as you tighten up and keep a consisten tension for that first purl stitch. If however, holding the yarn in that way prevents you from keeping an even tension, then changing your style might be an option - or practice :)
I love watching your videos because your swatches are so neat and perfect! 😍 My first project with thicker yarn had ugly ribbing. It looked fine on the wrong side. Someone on reddit recommended using twisted rib stitch and it looked so much better! Do you have any useful tips for knitting with bulky yarn? Are there more differences between bulky/blown yarn and other yarns?
Well, bulky yarns are bulky....and that typically means they are much harder and slower to knit with than lighter yarns. THe needles are very big and unwieldy so it's typically that the stitch definition suffers. Also, often they are quite fuzzy, meaning they have a lot of friction - and that prevents most beginners from having a uniform tension.
Hi Norman! I'm hoping you can help. My problem is the knit stitch after a purl. So if you look at the 2 knit stitches in 2x2 ribbing it's the knit stitch on the right. I'm hoping you can help.
Hi Norman!!! I haven’t checked, but do you have anything about how to neaten up cables? I can do cables, but struggle with the loose purls/elongated last stitch. I find myself death gripping and tightening everything to try to fix it, which isn’t good for other reasons
Dear Norman, do you have a Fisherman’s Rib video? I couldn’t find that specific stitch pattern and I’m a beginner, so I’m not sure if your rib stitch tutorial is the same. Thank you and I’m sorry if you’ve made one already and I just couldn’t find it.
i only have one for Brioche - but it's essentially the same pattern (just an easier way to knit it, if you ask me) th-cam.com/video/73VDPjvD9Bs/w-d-xo.html
difficult to say as overspun can be sooo many things. It could be a novelty yarn that was overspun to create a certain effect or bias in the fabric. But the sticker is saying..hey..this yarn won't be have like any other yarn (which would be balanced).
I tried this on pair of socks but the neat side ended up on the inside of sock. The rest of sock is stockinette, so not reversible. Any tips of making sure the neat side is on outside of sock? Maybe I should have turned it inside out before starting stockinette?
Well, you can just turn your cuff inside out and knit your stockinette stitch I the other direction. Create one short roe double stitch and off you go 😎
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel early in my knitting journey. I love when people explain why and how things work. How you explain things is wonderful.
Hello I am Danielle from Oklahoma, USA. I just want you to know that you are my go to for knitting instruction. I love your channel. You do such a good job.❤️❤️
I learned something today, after 60 years of knitting. Thank you for clearly demonstrating how yarn travels from stitch to stitch and how they all come together to form one's unique fabric. This is my go-to site!
Thank you! I've been knitting over 15 years and I feel vindicated to know that 2x2 rib actually isn't easy to make look good. I tend to stick to 1x1 rib because at least if the knit stitches are stretched open, at least its even. Thank you for clearing up where exactly the loose yarn is, as I've mostly tried just tightening my tension across the board to neaten it up, which actually doesn't solve the problem. Deffo got a few more tricks to try now. 3x1 rib here I come!
Thanks for discussing twist in the yarn. As a hand spinner I’m learning that how I cast on either untwist my yarn or adds too much. Still working towards a balanced yarn. I’m going to try different techniques for knitting my ribbing. Great video.
here's a little tip for you. When I do the longtail cast on, I usually just do like 5-10 stitches, and then I release the tail yarn so it can balance itself out again. then I pick up again and cast on another 5-10 stitches. if you want it totally balanced, you would havve to do that after each pass.
Omg! Stitch markers! I'm working on a pattern in the round that has two stockinette and two reverse stockinette panels and I was getting horribly loose stitches when I switched to purl... I tried tbl and it wasn't helping, pulling the string very hard to tighten up - nope, no good. But then I noticed that my thick pink plastic stitch marker was getting the yarn hooked on it and was creating an additional space between the stitches! When you explained the extra distance between a knit and a purl stitch it just clicked! Thanks for the lightbulb moment!
So glad I found you after knitting for over 50 years! Several years ago, I lost control of my hands so my favorite pastime (quilting and applique) was lost at a high level due to pinched nerves in my neck. After surgery, I needed therapy to regain some use. I came back to knitting as physical therapy. I had to relearn holding needles and found that throwing was the best for me. Now, knitting is bringing me great joy along with Tunisian crochet and regular crochet. Obviously, typing is difficult for me as well. I plan on being around for a long time knitting as many scarves, socks, and sweaters for all my children and grandchildren, friends, and other loved ones... I taught applique, quilting, and needlework for many years and recognize excellent teachers when I see them. You are a great teacher and we are lucky to have you sharing all that you do with us. At 83, I am tenacious and will never give up. Norman, thank you for your wonderful videos and encouragement. I share your joy in creating beautiful things again. Joy is not something we can create or control. It is a gift from God and usually comes when we least expect it. You are also a gift!!!!! God Bless you. Martha
You are a genius - you understand and explain things so well - really, Norman, you have a gift of teaching. Once I understand the reasons why, then I don’t have to memorize a million “rules.” Knitting becomes such a joy when I am “one with the yarn.” The very first thing I knit was a sweater …completely in 2x2 ribbing! Oh, to have known then what you taught me today! Thank you for another great video
I just wanted to say thank you for your entrelac video a while back. i can now entrealc with confidence and have one entrelac in progress and one in my head.
@@NimbleNeedles Update! Half a row in using tip #1, 'pull after the 1st purl coming off the line of knits, and omg! the difference is astounding. No, i will not frog back a piece i have been working on for a year, but i will continue this practice as it not only gives great results it also feels good to my hands. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for your hard work and teaching. By the way, I wanna ask you a question: I wanted to create a knitting pattern myself which I think it is ribbing, but I want to know the actual name of the pattern because it is impossible for an intermediate knitter to create one. I casted on multiples of 3 and made a repeat of *K2, P1* and it looked a lot like the mistake rib stitch. Can you tell me the actual name if there is one please?
Hm...I am not sure it really has a dedicated name. Or rather..historically there were many diverse regional names for a lot of standard and exotic patterns. (here in bavaria we have complicate lace patterns (like 10 row 20 stitch repeats) that are called "burning love" or "turn around window"). But yours probably is just well.i dunno and offset double moss stitch or so. Or a diagonal rib stitch (depending on how you follow up) But there are many knitting stitch dictionaries out there. Maybe you will find it in one
You are amazing I will definitely check out the blog. I’m on the spectrum and I appreciate the way you explain things it’s very clear everything has patterns
I am very happy to hear this feedback & don't hestitate to comment if there's anything I could do to accomodate neurodivergent people in a better way. My blog and youtube channel earns money through ads...so that's one part that may be a bit more difficult to adjust.
seriously i think about 6 months ago i posted on your beginners guide video that i was get was getting my first pair of needles, now i'm learning cables and taking on my first giant afghan. Honestly one of the best knitting teachers on the platform, thank you so much.
This video gave me a pleasant surprise near the beginning. As I've said before, I use the Norwegian purl stitch exclusively these days, and I've noticed that, by default, I have to adjust my tension after every purl stitch, because more yarn is needed to produce the stitch, and it must be tightened before continuing. As it turns out, my ribbing has become much more consistent, and now I know why. Thank you so much for this video. Keep up the good work!
I’m a beginner. I have been knitting on and off over the years. This past year I have been more consistent and passionate about my new hobby. I get so much joy from learning and now I am gaining more confidence. I am so happy to have found your videos. Thank you for the clear and detailed instruction ! I love your explanations in this video. So many aha moments.
Hi Norman, this is just brilliant! I love the technical and visual explanations of the how and why. Very helpful, this really feeds directly into my brain as concepts to apply in my own nerdy knitting-thinking. As an idea maybe for a future video: can you also do a demonstration/tutorial on how to get neat i-cord edgings? I keep having problems, and I think they may be related to tension, yarn, technique. When I slip the last 3 stitches of every row in my shawl, and then knit them in the next row, I cannot get the stitches even: the very edge stitch (that attaches in the back to stitch nr 4) is very sloppy, leaving my edge on the wrong side looking very untidy and 'beginner level'.
As a spinner, once you know what you do ( add or lose twist while knitting) you could spin your yarn to take this into account! Thank you for making this clear to me. I am a spinner :)
I am fairly new to knitting and I randomly came across your channel and OMG you've really helped bring to light so many of the things I've struggled with. Because of COVID, I can't just go to an in-person local knitting group where I can get hands on help from someone in person, and your tips and channel have really helped me get better and work through the frustrations!
I love your technical demonstration of the distance the yarn travels in a 2x2. I did not know this was the most difficult rib, though I'm not a beginner knitter. I notice that my 2x2 in my current Madelinetosh yarn project is looking less regular than it does in previous projects, and I can now see that the reason must be the twist/ply of Madelinetosh. I also understand now why the 'sticky' BT Loft yarn produced a very irregular 1x1 rib. I'll try to pay attention to all the variables I wasn't aware of in the future (how the yarn cake unwinds, my English knitting style etc), but my brain is still twisting and spinning from all that new information : ) BIG THANKS for that explanation. Best wishes for you and your channel from Ireland.
you will have to knit one round across to avoid bleed through. So, it's the same method. Just change colors on a knit stitch. Row1: *k1, p1* Row2: knit Row 3: *k1,p1*
Thank you for this tutorial Norman. I’ve been knitting for some years but my rib stitch tends to be wobbly, depending on the yarn. I’m knitting a jumper with a lot of ribbing and I’ve purled through the back of the stitch as you suggested and I have a beautifully even rib stitch. 😺
This is such a wonderfully clear explanation and demonstration that I don't just know how to make my knitting better, I know *why* it works. :) Thank you for posting this!
Hello Norman, awesome video! Thanks it helped me correct most of the problem by slowing down and tightening that first stitch. Now I’m knitting a 2x2 rib, and I’ve noticed that my 2nd purl is also quite loose and that when I purl, in order to put the needle through the stitch I really stretch the strand of yarn between the needles. Could that be the issue? Is there a way to stop that “over stretching” ? I have noticed that I don’t do that in between knit st or from purl to knit.
@@NimbleNeedles thanks Norman! I understand that without seeing it’s difficult. I can’t even send a photo to make it easier. I’ll keep practicing, and maybe stop over thinking it xx
I know this video is 2 years old but... you are a FANTASTIC teacher! I LOVE that you show me what I'm doing that is likely incorrect and then how to fix it. Thank you so much!
Wow! This is the first of your videos I've watched, and it's SO useful!! I'm a handspinner and I'd noticed how when I crochet I took a lot of twist out of the yarn, so I'd worked out how to spin for good stitch definition when crocheting; but your explanation of twist in the yarn and how it may be behaving is an eye-opener for me. I'll certainly be bearing thus in mind in future, in both spinning and knitting. I really appreciate the other tips you give for neatening up ribbing, too. I've subscribed and will be binge-watching! And consulting specific videos as needed in future projects. Tfs! Greetings from Katherine in Kent, UK 💐👍😁
Perfect timing for this video I actually had a blanket that was doing this exact problem started a couple days ago. I just kept ripping back stitches and doing it over but this video helped
So glad I found you! Pretty sure ny skills are improving now thanks to your Excellent teaching! Your kindness is bringing peace to this world. I learned the Norwegian knit stitch as a kid, have done some mitts and socks but never torally hapoy with the patterns. Really looking forward to exploring your blog & tutorials. Also: LOVE the organic, plant-dyed material! On the hunt for inexpensive natural fibres.... See you soon!!
same here. I have a post on the best indie yarn dyers and there'S a section on plant-dyed material. I am not going to link it here because I'd feel guilty hahaha
![How to really read knitting and the true anatomy of knitting stitches [10+ examples]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ddbwjw9R6sU/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to really read knitting and the true anatomy of knitting stitches [10+ examples]](/img/tr.png)
![How to knit continental style [+the secrets behind tensioning your yarn]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TI-IO-OWJXs/mqdefault.jpg)
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Q
Hey Norman... I am a knitter from India. I am not the kind of person who comments on TH-cam videos. But today i am compelled to do that and Thank you for giving such beautiful and to the point explanations. You show the exact mechanism going on and everything related to it in so much depth. I am thankful i found your channel. I never knew knitting had so much in it. Although i don't knit very frequently thanks to my studies. But your videos are exactly what i needed to learn the tips and tricks all in one channel. Thank you. May your day be filled with happiness and joy. Love from India.
thank you so much
I like the homemade imperfect look , that’s why I knit with hand-spun yarn too. In this world where everything is made perfect by machines , it’s actually beautiful to see imperfection.
That said , I appreciate the skill of attempting to get it perfect. This skill for detail and precision was needed for thousands of years.
Norman you are my shining star throwing light on all my knitting problems. The help for tidier rib is awesome. I am a bit of a perfectionist and have abandoned so many projects due to ‘ugly’ rib… I am happy this time to continue and will be back for loads more tips as I get stuck on my first pullover project 🙏❤
You would be so proud of me. I knitted, folded and joined the brim of a CC beanie today using 1x1 ribbing. It was a test swatch. I'm gonna tear it out and start over. I started on a 50" cable doing magic loop. Crocheted a provisional cast on. Joined w an extra st, slipped pulled over one. Knit one row then did 1x1 ribbing switching to 2 circulars halfway thru to try it out. Then took the cast on out, joined by picking up as I went. Took lifeline out and it didn't unravel. I did combination knitting BTW. I'm watching this video again. I'm learning stuff I didn't do on the swatch. I haven't taken it out yet. Prob keep practicing.
So if I'm doing combination knitting already do I just keep doing that or is twisted mean you don't untwist it or go the the other leg?
Yes, you wouldn't untwist it.
As always, Norman, your explanation is crystal clear and very nice demonstrated. Another thing I truly appreciate in your tutorials is that your work is fairly close up - in some tutorials, there is less of a zoom and as a result, I then sometimes struggle to understand what they are doing. Never a problem in your tutorials. A big thank you for such an excellent job.
I'll have to watch that part of your video which deals which twisted knitting yarn again. This has been a problem for me for years, and I'm never quite sure how I do it. I've recently changed to Norwegian knitting (Arne & Carlos style) and I still do the same thing. I'm not sure what I'm doing to it. Fantastic video, Norman - very clear and concise. Thanks. 💜🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘
My last stitch before my purl has been loose I have tried various different things and nothing seemed to correct this. And it makes cables, ribbing and any kind of cable lace pattern look uneven. Now I have tried your tightening the purl while still in the stitch. It works! Yay! Thanks for this.
Also, near the end of a ribbed project and was noticing the wobbly. your video was a lightbulb moment. thank you!
you can still try to block things. that often helps quite a lot as well!
Thank you for this very clear explanation. I have avoided 2x2 ribbing but now I feel more confident about achieving a better result. After knitting for more than 60 years I am learning a lot from your videos. Now off to search for a video about an appropriate cast on for 2x2 rib. Thank you Norman, I hope you are having a good day.😊
I have a cast-on video as well. I prefer the alternating Longtail cast-on in most cases
@@NimbleNeedles Thank you!
I have only watched a couple of your videos so far, but you are definitely the perfect teacher for me!
Thank you for always explaining so well, and really showing what you are doing.
As a beginner, I have found your videos have improved my knitting so much already. Thank you!
So impressed with your knowledge and techniques. I've always had problems with my ribbing . It was so messy , just nasty. I tried your technique and l was so amazed how good it looks . So happy 😊. Thank you
Great explanation to the complicated detail of "wonky" headscratcher ribbing! Danke!
This is brilliant!! I never really noticed the unevenness of my ribbing, but yours looks so much neater!! Your understanding of the mesh created with the yarn off the needle is amazing!
do know that the yarn you pick makes a big difference, and if you are happy with your projects, then that'S already the most important step! :)
I haven’t learned so much from one person in 27 minutes in years. Wow, thanks for thinking all this through and posting such an informative video. I’ve never been impressed with my ribbing and now I have ways to improve it. Thank you.
This is so helpful!! I consider myself a combination knitter, but when I work in the round, I knit the knit stitches continental. However, my purls are mounted the "wrong" way and I knit them in a Russian way - wrapping the yarn in opposite direction to western knitting. This combination creates WONDERFUL 1x1 rib in the round. However, recently I started making a piece with 3x3 rib and all of my rightmost knits were too wide!! I looked into it, and it seemes like the western knitters have the opposite problem - their leftmost knit is too wide. I solved the problem by wrapping the yarn in a western way for the last purl before the first knit!! Now my rib is wonderfull!!
yeah...being able to switch styles can be a huge benefit when you knit ribs :)
oh thank you so much for sharing this! I also knit in a combination of styles and mostly continental and even with all these helpful videos explaning the yarn lenght differences could not figure out how to get rid of the slack in the stitch that comes after the purl in stead of in front of it. Now I just knit that stitch with wrapping the yarn "wrong" and it works! Im so happy that I finally have neat ribbing!!
This video is so helpful and your explanations of why yarn behaves the way it does is so informative. I look forward to knitting the ribbings better. Thanks for your help.
Thank you! Your tips helped me knitting rib stitch so so much neater!
No lo puedo creer!! Soy principiante y este video es oro!! Ahora me queda mucho más prolijo con los aumentos😅😅
First time I watch such a good explanation for why ribbign is not neat. Thanks, I will definitely refer back to it every time I make ribs 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant information - thank you!! And I'm thinking that I will just have to 'bite the bullet' and learn how to knit continental. Project for after this sweater. Thanks again.
I got some continental knitting tutorials here on my channel in case you want to persue this in earnest :)
Thank you. I prefer the way you hold the yarn in left hand. That is way easier.
This is a brilliant video! Thank you, Norman, for your deep dive into stitch structure and how it impacts my knitting. I love your giant yarn examples. I have experimented with combo knitting to see if it gives me any extra speed (maybe some, but it depends on how the next row will need to be worked). You mentioned briefly that combo knitters automatically have tighter ribbing, so I have adopted it as my preferred ribbing method. I think the reason the combo knitting is tighter for ribbing is because of a general characteristic of combo knitting. When you transition from K to P or P to K in combo knitting, the yarn never makes a full turn around the right-hand needle. Instead it goes down one side, then turns around and goes back up the same side. The purl stitches aren't actually twisted, they are simply mounted backwards. To deal with this you just need to remember to knit/purl through the leading leg of your next stitch regardless of how it's mounted. I think you have mentioned this before in reading your knitting, as stitches often get remounted backwards when your work has come off the needles or when you rip back. Anyway, thank you again. I always learn something from your videos.
yeah that's about right. basically the yarn can always travel the short(er) distance and you never add slack.
It's important to stress that this is not black and white and will result in other issues where standard continental knitting has none.
Thank you so muchhh❤❤❤. I've knitted 5 socks and always had the same problem with the cuff. This video helped me so much. I did second method where you purl through the back loop and my ribbing is so neat. Thank you❤❤❤.
Norman, you are a gift to knitters everywhere. Thank you for such educational and beautiful instructional videos. I’m so glad I “found “ you.
i'm glad to have you here! :)
I learned so much watching this video. You will be my go-to TH-camr for all things knitting now. Thank you!
welcome to my channel then :)
I love your analytical approach to knitting topics. I've been knitting for 30 years, and I learn something from every video. I have made my 2x2 rib perfect by using combination knitting. Purl through the back loop and wrap yarn clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. This tightens up my first purl beautifully. It makes my cables look so much distinct and tidy by eastern purling around them. Now I know why! Thanks.
You are so welcome, Ann. Glad I could enligthen you :)
Thank you for the great demo!! It will make a big visual difference in my knitting!! I’ll just need to remember to use your hint!!
You are truely amazing in your analysis and teaching of an issue Norman 🎉🎉🎉 I have just restarted a jumper I am making and what a difference in the ribbing, thank you so much ✌️✌️
Norman you are an amazing teacher. You made all of this so understandable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us.❤️
You are very welcome Shawna. Always a pleasure to help a fellow knitter.
This was perfect video to help me to understand why my first baby pullover sleeve cuffs and around the neck and bottom ribbing doesn't look as amazing as yours, thank you! Only thanks to you I am now completing my first baby pullover and have just finished a chunky scarf for my husband!
awesome! now...onwards to the next project, right? :)
@@NimbleNeedles indeed Norman, danke danke danke million times! I don't want to push it too much yet, so another pullower, same pattern for an older child though, so I can can practice what I have learned. And if I get that right enough.... sock! I cannot wait to learn how to knit socks! One day who knows, maybe even tights! :)
Thank you SO SO much Norman! Thank you for sharing with us your fantastics tips and tricks, your wonderful knitting projects, and thank you for all the effort you put in your blog and in these helpful videos! Everything is put together so so well, your passion for knitting really shine through!
Kisses from a swiss fan!
As I grew up 10 kilometers from the swiss border, it's always nice to hear someone from "home" =) very happy to hear you like my blog!
I find so many of your tips and explanations of the way yarns behave so helpful. Many thanks 😊
Glad it was helpful, Wendy!
Hello, I love your videos. So clear, and great explanations and demonstrations. I just wanted to comment on how nicely your knitting hand movements flow with both knit and purl. You use such minimal movement and I’d love to learn your techniques. I learned how to knit American style but it causes hand pain I am learning the continental method but it’s still quite clumsy and loose stitches. Thank you for this great info. I think just watching you knit while I knit will help.
Yeah, big wrist movements really are bad for me. Guess that's why I developed this style. I have a full video on how to knit continental style here on TH-cam for beginners. Maybe check that out!
I L💖VE your attention to detail ❣️💖❣️
Tack så mycket !
Greetings from Malmö, Sweden
Good explaining the differences
Great video Norman! I learned the trick of tightening up the first Purl stitch a while back but was instructed to bring the yarn to the back and tug instead of just tugging on the yarn in the front. I must say I like your idea much better! One less step. It was nice to see it work just fine! I personally think the twisted rib is very pretty! Thank you for your very clear and concise explanation on how the yarn is being distributed. Very interesting and I really enjoyed the way you presented this information. Thanks again for another amazing video!😊🤗
Interesting. Wonder what bringing to the back should achieve...gotta try that and see if I can discern a difference. Though, I feel it would turn knitting ribbing into a horrible chore.
Ha ha! You’re probably right as your way seems much easier! I really don’t know why. I’ll definitely be interested in your thoughts if you try it. Thanks!
I’ve been waiting for you to show the “purl tug” correction ✔️
hope your wait is now at an end and I was able to help you!
Excellent tips, very useful. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another wow moment for sure. I tried the first tip right away and it worked beautifully. Thanks Norman for another enlightening tutorial. Can you also show us how to increase in ribbing? Thanks again
I can put it on the list..but it's actually quite easy. You just do one knit increase and then in the next rightside row (or even on the backside) you knit a purl increase in between. And if it'S a 2x2 rib you stagger that across 4 or 8 rows.
You explained that so clearly. Thank you! I was even avoiding 2 x 2 ribbing because I did not like the looks (changed to 1 x 1 even though it wasn't perfect it looked better because every purl was lose)
I’m so glad I found your channel and blog!
and i'm glad to have you here! :)
love the Video, thank you so much ❤
Excellent information!
Wow this video helped so much!
I love you. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for demonstrating so clearly WHY there’s extra yarn used in going from a knit stitch to a purl stitch. It all makes sense to me now! 🙏😁 (Norman, your English vocabulary and “nimbleness” of speaking is wonderful- not just for a non-native speaker, but for any English-speaker. I wish I could speak a foreign language so well!)
aww..thank you this means a lot. At first I was worried about it..but then I was like, if you don't try you'll never know. And I dare say it was a good decision to start this channel and my blog in English :)
Soooo....that makes sense. I managed to fix my wonky knits in the ribbing in the round by pulling the yarn tighter in the purls, but now I know why they were wonky in the round but not in the flat to begin with. My knitting needles in the round had short taper while the other ones had long taper. So yeah, that combined with the lack of turning the work to distribute tension = wonky ribbing. Noice! long yarn between knit and purl also explains why something else I was doing in a pattern looked off. Also key takeaway : knitting with ribbons should totally be a thing. Great video and info as always and really appreciate the hard work. Must have been difficult editing all that, but please try to make the audio a teeny bit smoother next time. Thanks :)
What u mean with audio more smoother? Would u mind elaborating (new, silent lens is already on its way)
@@NimbleNeedles lol, its just I felt that there were a bit too many cuts in the audio this time. Its only in this video though. I don't think its audio quality, I think its an editing thing. I guess it was because you spliced together those different videos and different points or something. I mean it was a lot of info and a lot of demo and stuff so I get it. Its pretty clear and understandable so not a big issue :) Still helps me understand my problems in knitting just fine.
@@wrongturnVfor oh I get you. Yeah, I had to piece quite a bit of things together as I redid a lot of sections after I noticed they were not clear enough. It's a very complex issue I tried to explain in the easiest possible way 🙈
@@NimbleNeedles Yeah, I could tell :) I frequently edit sound myself so i know its hard. Also with regard to the explanation, I know its kind of hard to make people "see" something if we dont know what we are supposed to be "seeing", especially on videos instead of in person. But the explanation came through absolutely clearly. I think the explanation did its job quite well. we can tell there was a lot of effort and hard work and passion that went into it. All that stuff that you added really helped. Cheers.
this is very helpful thank you!
So informative! I don't know if you are able to demo for a right hand yarn operator. I think I may have an instinctive way I pull the slack out of the first of the two purl stitches in 2x2 ribbing but your demonstration is so clear I would love to see your "official" way to do it for an English style thrower.
as I am not an English thrower, I think that video would be a bit awkward to watch. So, I'd have to pass that :P
@@NimbleNeedles I am learning from you no matter what!
Thanks!
Thank you for supporting my work ❤️❤️❤️
Hello Norman, greetings from Melbourne!
I began knitting regularly in 2018 and my technique and skill levels have increased dramatically since discovering your channel several years ago - so a huge Thank You to you!
I notice you have a tutorial for converting in the round to flat and wondered if it is possible the other way round ( I've done a search and couldn't find a video by you on the subject..... So if you are looking for ideas still for future ones.....🤞) As
Now my skills have increased, I'm moving more towards attempting vintage patterns, and I know it wouldn't be historically correct, but I wonder if there's a method to converting flat patterns to knitting in the round? ( I love sewing, just not sewing up garments 😆)
Kind regards Annie
well, the process would be the exact same - just the other way round. I'll keep it on my list but dunno... :P
Hej Norman, wonderful video as always!
Just an idea, but I would love to see a dedicated video on knitting thimbles (aka "stickning fingerborg" which my brother tells me is called a "fingerhut" in Deutsch (spelling??) but I am so interested in if that's actually correct, because it is truly adorable if true!!)! Pros v cons, how to use for those who aren't taught to use them, or can't read the good material out there on them (looking at you, America!) due to it being in german, or scandinavian languages.
Would also be interested in "mixed method" (not sure if this is the correct term) for when you use, say, two colours, so you knit one colour with your right hand, one with your left hand so you don't twist the yarn where you don't want to (maybe a different video on that one).
Personally I was a bit too extra, because I went and learnt how to make wire jewelry and took classes just so that I could myself a knitting thimble 😅. That said, Iwould *especially* love to see substitution ideas for making your own/using other things as substitute, as I had used a few different things before making mine (and, truthfully , I sometimes still go back to 1+ strand in each hand if it isn't a finicky pattern).
The topic of the history of knitting (maybe even in germany specifically if you wanted!) would always be an interesting topic too, but all your videos are fantastic always!
Hej Hej Sophia,
a fingerhut and a knitting thumble are two different things. A knitting thimbile would be something to guide two strands at a time, while a proper thimble would be able to help you with pushing the needles. So not exactly sure what you meant. Still a proper Fair Isle/Stranded knitting tutorial is very high up on my list.
as for the history of knitting. I already started to do some research on the topic but it will probably be quite a while yet before I can present something.
This video was very informative. I knit mainly blankets these days so I don't do a lot of ribbing anymore. When the occasional hat finds its way to my needles, I'll keep your suggestions in mind. Question: Would this technique also work for cables? I usually find the leftmost stitch of the finished cable is quite loose, and am looking for a way to tighten it up (if possible).
this technique will work for any knit purl combination. so moss stitches, seed stitch, basket weave, etc.
Cables are a bit trickier because that loose sitch on the left is caused by tragging the stitch over but then not tightening up the adjacent stitches (kind of like with an ssk)
Thanks
No problem!
Hello Norman, Thank you for your video. I really like the twisted rib you recommend, however i find the yarn twists like crazy with this stitch.
Do you have any tips?
my tip is...be aware of your alternatives and when you notice your yarn is doing something funky..change things. Not every yarn is good for every knitting stitch pattern.
Hi Norman. I do love your instruction. I am a continental knitter and I purl with the yarn "below" the right needle. You purl with the yarn above the right needle...and my ribbing is NOT great...but not so bad. Is there a way to improve it without changing my purling way?
you know, the way you hold the yarn really shouldn't matter a lot, as long as you tighten up and keep a consisten tension for that first purl stitch.
If however, holding the yarn in that way prevents you from keeping an even tension, then changing your style might be an option - or practice :)
I love watching your videos because your swatches are so neat and perfect! 😍
My first project with thicker yarn had ugly ribbing. It looked fine on the wrong side. Someone on reddit recommended using twisted rib stitch and it looked so much better! Do you have any useful tips for knitting with bulky yarn? Are there more differences between bulky/blown yarn and other yarns?
Well, bulky yarns are bulky....and that typically means they are much harder and slower to knit with than lighter yarns. THe needles are very big and unwieldy so it's typically that the stitch definition suffers. Also, often they are quite fuzzy, meaning they have a lot of friction - and that prevents most beginners from having a uniform tension.
Hi Norman! I'm hoping you can help. My problem is the knit stitch after a purl. So if you look at the 2 knit stitches in 2x2 ribbing it's the knit stitch on the right. I'm hoping you can help.
Well..what kind of problem 😅
Love it, and I do call some wonkiness a feature!
definitely...we are not knitting robots or knitting machines and that' a good thing, too :)
Hi Norman!!! I haven’t checked, but do you have anything about how to neaten up cables? I can do cables, but struggle with the loose purls/elongated last stitch. I find myself death gripping and tightening everything to try to fix it, which isn’t good for other reasons
I found knitting cables wthout a cable needle helps a lot. you can find a tutorial here on my channel
Dear Norman, do you have a Fisherman’s Rib video? I couldn’t find that specific stitch pattern and I’m a beginner, so I’m not sure if your rib stitch tutorial is the same. Thank you and I’m sorry if you’ve made one already and I just couldn’t find it.
i only have one for Brioche - but it's essentially the same pattern (just an easier way to knit it, if you ask me) th-cam.com/video/73VDPjvD9Bs/w-d-xo.html
I have noticed that when I do a long tail cast on I lose the spin on the tail....maybe I must rewind it when I reposition my fingers
just release the tail every 3 stitches
Do you have any advice on that comes with a sticker from the company that the yarn was overspun in production I got as part of a stash buy out
difficult to say as overspun can be sooo many things. It could be a novelty yarn that was overspun to create a certain effect or bias in the fabric. But the sticker is saying..hey..this yarn won't be have like any other yarn (which would be balanced).
I tried this on pair of socks but the neat side ended up on the inside of sock. The rest of sock is stockinette, so not reversible. Any tips of making sure the neat side is on outside of sock? Maybe I should have turned it inside out before starting stockinette?
Well, you can just turn your cuff inside out and knit your stockinette stitch I the other direction. Create one short roe double stitch and off you go 😎
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel early in my knitting journey. I love when people explain why and how things work. How you explain things is wonderful.
You are so welcome! (and your utamaro bijin avatar is lovely! ;-)
Help please with my rib knitting@@NimbleNeedles
Thanks!
You are very welcome 🙏 🤗 😊
Hello
I am Danielle from Oklahoma, USA.
I just want you to know that you are my go to for knitting instruction. I love your channel. You do such a good job.❤️❤️
aww...thank you Danielle. That makes me kinda proud to hear that.
I learned something today, after 60 years of knitting. Thank you for clearly demonstrating how yarn travels from stitch to stitch and how they all come together to form one's unique fabric. This is my go-to site!
ha! feedback like this always brings a smile to my face. thank you
Thank you! I've been knitting over 15 years and I feel vindicated to know that 2x2 rib actually isn't easy to make look good. I tend to stick to 1x1 rib because at least if the knit stitches are stretched open, at least its even. Thank you for clearing up where exactly the loose yarn is, as I've mostly tried just tightening my tension across the board to neaten it up, which actually doesn't solve the problem. Deffo got a few more tricks to try now. 3x1 rib here I come!
Glad I could help! and yeah...tightening up everything is not a solution.
Thanks for discussing twist in the yarn. As a hand spinner I’m learning that how I cast on either untwist my yarn or adds too much. Still working towards a balanced yarn. I’m going to try different techniques for knitting my ribbing. Great video.
here's a little tip for you. When I do the longtail cast on, I usually just do like 5-10 stitches, and then I release the tail yarn so it can balance itself out again. then I pick up again and cast on another 5-10 stitches. if you want it totally balanced, you would havve to do that after each pass.
Omg! Stitch markers! I'm working on a pattern in the round that has two stockinette and two reverse stockinette panels and I was getting horribly loose stitches when I switched to purl... I tried tbl and it wasn't helping, pulling the string very hard to tighten up - nope, no good. But then I noticed that my thick pink plastic stitch marker was getting the yarn hooked on it and was creating an additional space between the stitches! When you explained the extra distance between a knit and a purl stitch it just clicked! Thanks for the lightbulb moment!
So glad I found you after knitting for over 50 years! Several years ago, I lost control of my hands so my favorite pastime (quilting and applique) was lost at a high level due to pinched nerves in my neck. After surgery, I needed therapy to regain some use. I came back to knitting as physical therapy. I had to relearn holding needles and found that throwing was the best for me.
Now, knitting is bringing me great joy along with Tunisian crochet and regular crochet. Obviously, typing is difficult for me as well. I plan on being around for a long time knitting as many scarves, socks, and sweaters for all my children and grandchildren, friends, and other loved ones...
I taught applique, quilting, and needlework for many years and recognize excellent teachers when I see them. You are a great teacher and we are lucky to have you sharing all that you do with us.
At 83, I am tenacious and will never give up. Norman, thank you for your wonderful videos and encouragement. I share your joy in creating beautiful things again.
Joy is not something we can create or control. It is a gift from God and usually comes when we least expect it.
You are also a gift!!!!! God Bless you.
Martha
thank you martha for sharing your story and your elaborate feedback. It is much appreciated
Good morning, Norman. Just wanted to say Hi and thank you for helping us old guys knit better. 😁
Good evening (here in Germany) & you are very welcome. Always happy to hear when I can help other knitters along on their knitting journey!
You are a genius - you understand and explain things so well - really, Norman, you have a gift of teaching. Once I understand the reasons why, then I don’t have to memorize a million “rules.” Knitting becomes such a joy when I am “one with the yarn.” The very first thing I knit was a sweater …completely in 2x2 ribbing! Oh, to have known then what you taught me today! Thank you for another great video
sounds like a lovely project for winter!
As a spinner, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain that the twist can make a difference in your finished work. ❤️
I just wanted to say thank you for your entrelac video a while back. i can now entrealc with confidence and have one entrelac in progress and one in my head.
Claudia, that makes me very happy.
@@NimbleNeedles Update! Half a row in using tip #1, 'pull after the 1st purl coming off the line of knits, and omg! the difference is astounding.
No, i will not frog back a piece i have been working on for a year, but i will continue this practice as it not only gives great results it also feels good to my hands.
Thank you so much!
@@ClaudiaCarranza1 that's the spirit! embrace your mistakes & learn from them
Thank you so much for your hard work and teaching. By the way, I wanna ask you a question: I wanted to create a knitting pattern myself which I think it is ribbing, but I want to know the actual name of the pattern because it is impossible for an intermediate knitter to create one. I casted on multiples of 3 and made a repeat of *K2, P1* and it looked a lot like the mistake rib stitch. Can you tell me the actual name if there is one please?
Hm...I am not sure it really has a dedicated name. Or rather..historically there were many diverse regional names for a lot of standard and exotic patterns. (here in bavaria we have complicate lace patterns (like 10 row 20 stitch repeats) that are called "burning love" or "turn around window").
But yours probably is just well.i dunno and offset double moss stitch or so. Or a diagonal rib stitch (depending on how you follow up) But there are many knitting stitch dictionaries out there. Maybe you will find it in one
You are amazing I will definitely check out the blog. I’m on the spectrum and I appreciate the way you explain things it’s very clear everything has patterns
I am very happy to hear this feedback & don't hestitate to comment if there's anything I could do to accomodate neurodivergent people in a better way. My blog and youtube channel earns money through ads...so that's one part that may be a bit more difficult to adjust.
It’s OK your channels worth the ads
seriously i think about 6 months ago i posted on your beginners guide video that i was get was getting my first pair of needles, now i'm learning cables and taking on my first giant afghan. Honestly one of the best knitting teachers on the platform, thank you so much.
aww...makes me so happy to hear that you progressed so quickly and I could be a little part of it!
This video gave me a pleasant surprise near the beginning. As I've said before, I use the Norwegian purl stitch exclusively these days, and I've noticed that, by default, I have to adjust my tension after every purl stitch, because more yarn is needed to produce the stitch, and it must be tightened before continuing. As it turns out, my ribbing has become much more consistent, and now I know why. Thank you so much for this video. Keep up the good work!
yes, that's something a lot of people have experienced! glad it worked out for you!
I’m a beginner. I have been knitting on and off over the years. This past year I have been more consistent and passionate about my new hobby. I get so much joy from learning and now I am gaining more confidence. I am so happy to have found your videos. Thank you for the clear and detailed instruction ! I love your explanations in this video. So many aha moments.
aww..thank you! happy to "enlighten" you Rita :)
Hi Norman, this is just brilliant! I love the technical and visual explanations of the how and why. Very helpful, this really feeds directly into my brain as concepts to apply in my own nerdy knitting-thinking. As an idea maybe for a future video: can you also do a demonstration/tutorial on how to get neat i-cord edgings? I keep having problems, and I think they may be related to tension, yarn, technique. When I slip the last 3 stitches of every row in my shawl, and then knit them in the next row, I cannot get the stitches even: the very edge stitch (that attaches in the back to stitch nr 4) is very sloppy, leaving my edge on the wrong side looking very untidy and 'beginner level'.
Hm...i already have a video on the icord bind-off but i'll keep it in mind! But icords are veeeery easy to mess up.
That was so interesting and I learned so much! Thank you, Norman!
My pleasure!
As a spinner, once you know what you do ( add or lose twist while knitting) you could spin your yarn to take this into account! Thank you for making this clear to me. I am a spinner :)
I am fairly new to knitting and I randomly came across your channel and OMG you've really helped bring to light so many of the things I've struggled with. Because of COVID, I can't just go to an in-person local knitting group where I can get hands on help from someone in person, and your tips and channel have really helped me get better and work through the frustrations!
Very happy to hear this 😊😊🥰🧶
Thank you for sharing your awesome skills with me.
I love your technical demonstration of the distance the yarn travels in a 2x2. I did not know this was the most difficult rib, though I'm not a beginner knitter. I notice that my 2x2 in my current Madelinetosh yarn project is looking less regular than it does in previous projects, and I can now see that the reason must be the twist/ply of Madelinetosh. I also understand now why the 'sticky' BT Loft yarn produced a very irregular 1x1 rib. I'll try to pay attention to all the variables I wasn't aware of in the future (how the yarn cake unwinds, my English knitting style etc), but my brain is still twisting and spinning from all that new information : ) BIG THANKS for that explanation. Best wishes for you and your channel from Ireland.
Thank you 😊🥰🧶
Gosh, thank you, your tutorial was very helpful, interesting, and educational.
In ribbing 1×1 how to join to colors jogless in the round. Merci. Johanne 👍🏻🥰
you will have to knit one round across to avoid bleed through. So, it's the same method. Just change colors on a knit stitch.
Row1: *k1, p1*
Row2: knit
Row 3: *k1,p1*
Thank you for this tutorial Norman. I’ve been knitting for some years but my rib stitch tends to be wobbly, depending on the yarn. I’m knitting a jumper with a lot of ribbing and I’ve purled through the back of the stitch as you suggested and I have a beautifully even rib stitch. 😺
ha..glad it was able to solve your problem!
this is so well explained thank you so much ☺️ i kinda wanted to cheat and use crochet ribbing for my cardigan project, but i might try this instead !
This is such a wonderfully clear explanation and demonstration that I don't just know how to make my knitting better, I know *why* it works. :) Thank you for posting this!
I love to learn from you (from bottom of my heart ♥)! Wish you unlimited inspiration.
🙌
Hello Norman, awesome video! Thanks it helped me correct most of the problem by slowing down and tightening that first stitch. Now I’m knitting a 2x2 rib, and I’ve noticed that my 2nd purl is also quite loose and that when I purl, in order to put the needle through the stitch I really stretch the strand of yarn between the needles. Could that be the issue? Is there a way to stop that “over stretching” ? I have noticed that I don’t do that in between knit st or from purl to knit.
Difficult to say without seeing. Try to knit closer to the tip is all I can say from afar
@@NimbleNeedles thanks Norman! I understand that without seeing it’s difficult. I can’t even send a photo to make it easier. I’ll keep practicing, and maybe stop over thinking it xx
I find knitting stockinette flat challenging. Every tiny variation in tension shows!!
that is true. if you use a slightly fuzzy yarn (shetland wool or so) and block it, I found that be a great help to disguise a lot of tension issues
I know this video is 2 years old but... you are a FANTASTIC teacher! I LOVE that you show me what I'm doing that is likely incorrect and then how to fix it. Thank you so much!
Wow! This is the first of your videos I've watched, and it's SO useful!! I'm a handspinner and I'd noticed how when I crochet I took a lot of twist out of the yarn, so I'd worked out how to spin for good stitch definition when crocheting; but your explanation of twist in the yarn and how it may be behaving is an eye-opener for me. I'll certainly be bearing thus in mind in future, in both spinning and knitting.
I really appreciate the other tips you give for neatening up ribbing, too. I've subscribed and will be binge-watching! And consulting specific videos as needed in future projects. Tfs!
Greetings from Katherine in Kent, UK 💐👍😁
ah...what a lovely feedback katherine! thank you so much and glad I was able to help you!
Perfect timing for this video I actually had a blanket that was doing this exact problem started a couple days ago. I just kept ripping back stitches and doing it over but this video helped
So glad I found you! Pretty sure ny skills are improving now thanks to your Excellent teaching! Your kindness is bringing peace to this world. I learned the Norwegian knit stitch as a kid, have done some mitts and socks but never torally hapoy with the patterns. Really looking forward to exploring your blog & tutorials. Also: LOVE the organic, plant-dyed material! On the hunt for inexpensive natural fibres.... See you soon!!
same here. I have a post on the best indie yarn dyers and there'S a section on plant-dyed material. I am not going to link it here because I'd feel guilty hahaha