I'm glad you mentioned cast ons. I've been told that I cast on strangely. I found out several years ago while watching a documentary on Ireland that my knitting style is particular to a small area of Ireland. The women of my family have taught each other to knit for generations. Now when someone mentions my knitting style I proudly tell them that I'm knitting in my family's style.
This is so cool!! I didn't even know there was more than one cast on bc I'm a total knitting baby so learning there can be regional variants is so neat
I'm so glad I came to this party! (I know, I'm late! 😉) I knitted some little things for my first baby almost 41 years ago and my mum said, "oh, they won't come out right, your tension is not the same as mine"...... I stopped knitting for almost 20 years after that until, one day, she asked me why I didn't knit any more......... "You knit so evenly and neatly, I wish I could do that"! All those years, thinking I was wrong! What a waste! Now I knit what I like with the wool I like and the needles I like and am really loving knitting again! 😊
So, I started knitting literally yesterday, and I feel like I've been blessed by the universe (or at least the YT algorithm) for suggesting this video so quickly. I only understood about half of the terms (and I'm being generous to myself with that amount) but I can absolutely feel the weight of experience in your advice and I'm expecting to remember your advice when I do get to that point in the adventure! I'm glad I already heard the lesson about tension, because a lot of the introductory lessons mention keeping your stitches loose. Now I know to take that as a general guideline and not a personal failing when I feel like mine are tighter than they suggest!
I am so glad that the video was useful. You might want to check out my tutorials playlist and see some of the other videos that are good for beginners like this one: th-cam.com/video/OWGHpsYYXEY/w-d-xo.html
I know what you mean! Everything I see involves long tail cast on. I cast on the way that my Mamaw (hillbilly word meaning Grandma) taught me. I guess I use the Appalachian cast on.
Best advice I was given when I started knitting/chrochet/quilting was, it didn't matter so much what method you do/how you do it, as long as you are consistent
“It isn’t a failing”...LOVE this! Thank you! I’ve been torturing myself because I’m such a “tight” knitter. Only recently I stopped practicing on how to knit looser and just knit for the pure enjoyment of it. I really enjoy your tips and laughter. 🧶 😊
I love that you made this video. I've seen so many women comment in some of the groups that they "follow a pattern to the letter". They will not even consider changing the yarn used, changing the needles...no matter what and it's not like they are afraid of messing it up. They argue that this is the pattern and you shouldn't try to change what the designer has put together. I'm a rule follower to the point of "let me get the gist of it" and then I'm off and running because like you said, nobody is going to come slap me on the hand and tell me I'm doing it wrong. It's the same mentality with crocheting. I don't use a tension hold when I knit or crochet. I crochet holding the yarn in my left but knit with it in my right. I tried continental but my left hand is like nope...either hold the needle or the yarn but I'm not doing both, lol. It's very uncomfortable to me but earlier this week, one woman posted a pic of how she does her tension hold and asked how everyone did theirs because she was told she was doing it wrong. She felt reassured by the variety of comments because as you said everyone knits (crochets) differently. There is no wrong way if you're getting successful results.
I honestly don't know if I've ever knit a pattern in the yarn that it called for LOL. Knitters (and crafters) should do what makes them happy and what works for them. You're right - there's no wrong way as long as you're happy.
It is hard for a perfectionist newbie to realize that it takes at least 6 months to learn g to read your knitting and to get your tension right. What keeps you coming back is that you learn something new every day. Thanks for being there, Barbara.
Give yourself the time you need. Learning comes as it comes and as soon as you think you "know it" something will pop up that you didn't know. I'm still learning!
Thank you! What a delightful and helpful video! I've been knitting for nearly 80 years, and always find something new to learn. I've spent a lot of time trying to force my knitting technique into what I thought was "proper" procedure, and I think the fear of breaking some great rule of some kind has kept me from trying patterns I might have enjoyed. It's taken me a long time to get the confidence to be the boss of my knitting.
I’ve knitted on and off for 30 years with a long break within those years. I’ve recently picked up knitting again and planning to continue since I recently retired. Today, I am finding that I am learning something new each time I pick up my needles. I am a self taught leftie knitter; may be, that’s one of the reasons why I still feel like a novice. I used to learn how to knit certain techniques from books. But, now, I try to look up the techniques online, a leftie or rightie method; whichever method to get me from A to B. Although, it does get frustrating sometimes because I knit backwards. Oh, and I rarely do a gauge. I usually get away with the smallest size in a pattern… Thank you for the great wisdom you bring in the knitting world! ❤
My best advice is from a Sears Roebuck & Co. knitting teacher. I’m left handed and she said to learn to knit right handed because learning to knit was going to feel awkward at first anyway. So glad she recommended that.
I was just thinking about this the other day when someone referred to the continental style as "left handed" knitting, because it's not! I've only ever met a few knitters who knit with a left handed mirror technique, and they really have an uphill battle and have to modify every pattern. Your teacher served you well!
Thank you so much for you simple and logical explanations!! Another thing I HATE is when another crafter tells someone, “You are doing that wrong!” Ughhhh!!! We’ve lost crafters just because of this stupid comment! Have you done an episode on the differences in yarn types, characteristics, different materials they are made from? I know that super wash yarn tends to stretch out. What are some other tips on yarn that may help other crafters? I’ve been wondering the differences between mohair and the alpaca.
That is a really big subject and I haven't figured out how to cover it effectively. I actually teach a blocking class where I go over that kind of info about fiber content in yarns, and it takes over an hour LOL!
Thanks for this video 😀 Although I've been been crocheting off and on for nearly 50 years, I'd like to do some knitting too beyond casting on and garter stitch. Waay, waay back in freshman Home-Ec the teacher tried to introduce us to knitting but none of us got the hang of "throwing" or keeping the loops from slipping off the needles - likely because most of us had already been taught to crochet by our 6th grade teacher. However, when I recently saw a YT video on knitting beginners using Continental style, everything finally clicked with my crocheter's brain and muscle memory. All those decades thinking I could never be a knitter, just because the first instructor was limited to a method that was so awkward for crocheters. Edit: So glad you talked about rules vs suggestions in knitting! Wish I'd known that about crochet ages ago too. Knowing which "rules" are mandatory (e.g., proper swatching & blocking) and which are open to creative interpretation (choice of yarn, hook/needle size, foundation stitches/CO, etc.) makes a world of difference in the quality of your finished projects and the enjoyment of the process.
Great show. Barbara! I taught myself to knit about 30 yrs ago from a book. I really never knew the finer details that you explained today, but when I came up with a problem, I used the trial and error method which takes extra time and frustration. I didn’t have anyone to ask nor knew anything about u tube until about 1 1/2 years ago. You are so down to earth and a very good teacher as well as a wonderful designer and knitter. Thank you for your knowledge and time. By the way, the shawl behind you is gorgeous and I’m crazy about your hair!!
i love that you knit for your star trek figures. I learned from my mom at 5 when my siblings were napping. before I knew about mistakes and was having fun knitting for my Barbies and troll dolls. The 3 things I think are important are 1.Always say (to husbands or kids) " after I finish this row". 2. never put your knitting down until you finish the row " you won't know which direction you are going. 3. in the begining don't rip out your knitting because you need to be able to recognize mistakes. Hope this helps someone.
These are the 3 things that I wished I was told when I started knitting years ago. I have been trying to learn how to knit for years. I know how to do the basic stitches. But I get lost when it comes to counting stitches in a row. I just started watching your videos. You make a lot of sense to me. Thanks.
as someone who toght myself to knit this year I knew nothing about weaghts and sizes and everything so I just played around and lernd that to get the best result I like to knit with a slightly lighter yarn and bigger needles than patterns called for and I feel soo blessed that I just got to play around first
Another thing is that tension comes naturally with time! Most of my work was suuuuper tight when I started out (it often came to the point where I could barely knit at all), but now I have a tension that actually works. Sometimes you just have to keep going, even if it feels impossible! It really is a wonderful hobby once you get into it :)
That's the same as I did! I knit so tightly I couldn't hardly insert the needle! While working to get my tension better (uniform), I discovered and practiced losing up my knitting, and now i knit so much better, just naturally. That kind of goes against what she's saying, but not really...I just want to encourage people to try different ways of wrapping the yarn, because it really does matter!
Thank you! The advice about the thin yarn with bigger needles is really helpful because I just got some fingering weight yarn for my birthday from a friend, but I'm still getting the hang of basic patterns. I wanted to make something pretty with it, lace like even, but all the lace patterns I could find were making my head spin with all the lingo. I'm gonna try to find a simple pattern I can read and use some of my acrylic yarn to practice with first, then I think I'm gonna do the big needle with the thin yarn to make it look faux-lace! So helpful as always Barb! Lots of love!
I like what you said about not changing your tension to try to get gauge because after you relax into the project, you'll revert to your natural tension. I have an odd movement that I make when I purl. I put the tip of the needle into the stitch, wiggle it a little bit before putting the needle in further to wind the yarn around the needle and complete the stitch. Recently, I thought I'd try to eliminate that extra movement to speed up my purling. It works but only when I'm thinking about it. After a few minutes I catch myself doing it the way I've always done it. I learnt to knit when I was about 5 and I think I developed that "technique" because of some (long forgotten) problem I was having entering the stitch purlwise. I now embrace my quirky purling style 😊
I had no idea there were so many different cast ons:-) I have only been knitting for a couple of months now (did knit a very complicated jumper when I was 24 and managed to get it finished, then it turned out too warm so never worn it unfortunately). Now I am 66 and decided to start knitting since it is supposed to be good for your memory, and it is hard to find sweaters/jumpers that you like in shops. Your youtube channel is by far the best tutorials I have come across!
This is the reason I really love the weight system for categorising yarn! I was very confused about gauge in the beginning. Around here people usually categorise yarn after their suggested gauge and I find it extremely limiting especially when it comes to substituting or simply finding yarn. Weight is much more versatile and it's also easier when combining two threads.
I am so pleased that I came across your videos while searching for knitting advise You explain things so well, and with a sense of humour which is so refreshing
Totally agree! When I got back into knitting 🧶 I learned very quickly to use the sz needles that were a comfy fit for me to work with only then did I get my gauge right. I’m a crocheter rather than a knitter, and crochet gauges are entirely different than knitting gauges
I'm a long-time crocheter learning to knit, and I can say the needle (or hook) size thing holds true across crafts. I'll even go up and down hook sizes within one project depending on what my arthritis is doing today, especially if I'm trying to crochet very tightly while making toys. How stretchy or springy the yarn is can make a big difference in both gauge and stitch tension too, even if it's exactly the same wpi as another yarn. I can work much more tightly in a springy yarn without realizing it if I'm not paying attention.
Very useful info. I use the proposed needle size and gauge on yarn labels to get an estimate of the weight of the yarn when shopping online, as not all yarns indicate their ply or weight. Many don’t. If a yarn doesn’t have any gauge or needle info I simply don’t buy it as I can’t get an idea of the weight.
In addition worsted from one company can have much denser or lighter loft than from another, and different colors can vary in thick/thin quality as well. Some lace weight is way lighter than others. Each piece is a work of art of choosing so many things that make it unique.
I'm a complete newbie but I'm HOOKED! I love your videos (OMG - your laugh is infectious!!!!) and I love your advice. Found you because I went a little newbie-crazy buying a ton of gorgeous yarn and needed storage advice, and I'm staying for all your technique and tip videos. Love it!
Hello :) I really appreciate this information. I am a beginner and I was concerned on tension issues. As you are, I am also a rule follower, so this helped put me at ease. Thank you
Hi from Montana!! I find this video has great information and should be required viewing by EVERY crafter out there. I am a combination knitter and fortunately I have not run into many that think I knit "wrong". I have a pretty thick skin and just figure that their knitting is not as efficient as mine... Also, as a self taught crocheter when I crochet the technique may not look pretty, but it gets the job done. Whatever works!!!
I'm a crocheter and I've always wanted to learn to knit. I haven't picked up the knitting needles in three months. But I just love the knitted work I see. I crochet every day and knock out finished projects regularly. I've got three or four works in progress. But my collection of knitting books is growing and I need to get knitting. After looking over a gorgeous book last night and not being able to sleep for thoughts of projects running through my mind, I woke up from a knitting dream this morning. I think I'm just going to knit practice blocks and learn as much different things as I can and maybe end up with some sort of patchwork afghan and a better developed skill set. The hardest part is that I can't remember knit and pearl, so I have to flip the pages in the books when I turn my work... Seems inconvenient to me and not one book has both stitch lesson on one page! Yet I can remember the stitch patterns for multiple rows of crochet... 🤔😳. It's a "just do it" moment.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit That's what I'm thinking. I'd rather rip out a six by six inch swatch than half a sweater... Lol.. I'm just making doll blankets...🤗. I'm also starting to recognize how tensed up I get when knitting and to then consciously relax which then makes the process much more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your skills and tops on TH-cam! It's such a blessing 💞
Is there such a thing as too much yarn? I am a crocheter getting ready to pick up knitting. I face a bit of a challenge in that a year and a half ago I was looking at the world from a different place. I was recovering from heart issues including a stroke. When I woke up from surgery I lost my ability to not only walk and move, but anything involving numbers and movement became tricky! Returning to crafting became a tremendous challenge. I learned to crochet back in high school but all that knowledge vanished. I picked up knitting needles at the same time but dropped that 45 years back. I picked crochet back up a few months ago and am still struggling a bit. But I love the look and feel of knit fabrics, so I want to pick that up again. I just love yarn! Thus I am here to relearn and return! So, I need patience, resilience, and repetition. Thanks for your wisdom and experience.
i love you soooo much ! the only silly question is the one you never ask .... i am a beginner and omg some of the beginner stitches pickle my brain so i watch videos over and over and note it in a way i can follow as im dyspraxic so reading and writing are huge issues. i only found out recently i knitted continental style and it was very confusing to change over to " normal lol " knitting but i did it and now im cool. i so understand the guage stuff as i am a crocheter as well and if i want different size piece i automatically look at the pattern diagram sit back and decide whether i want a larger piece with the yarn im using or a smaller piece such as amigurumi. so you i have decided are going to become my go to person.
The very first thing made me smile so much. Especially the part where you talked about how you revert back to your natural tension when you get in your groove. Now, I paused the video to type this so I don't know if it's brought up but when I tried to change my tension verses my needles, my hands cramped up really bad no matter how many breaks and stretches I did even after years and years of crocheting (I hold my knitting the same way I hold my crochet so it's not very different at all for me).
Thank you for this TH-cam video. I have been in teacher knitting for about 10 years, knitting for the last 30, This video is a great resource for me for is extremely difficult to explain to my students, what gauge a knitting needle suggestions are all about. Once again thank you so much for sharing this information.
AT LAST ! the three nightmares that i have dealt with ALL THESE YEARS....... Now all is explained ... . thank you so much... as they say "you have made my day"
I know i am commenting late on this video and that is because I have only recently found you. I'm so glad I did! I've been teaching myself how to crochet and knit from TH-cam for the last couple of years and have been very scared to try to many garments because I messed up on. (That was 2 years ago and to this day I've been afraid to pull it out, frog it and fix it.) That's going to be a new years resolution along with knitting a sweater i already purchased the yarn for. Thank you for your videos. They really help me understand and build up my confidence.
I've just discovered you this evening..and I'm so pleased !!! You are so easy to watch and listen to, and so so interesting. Although I'm an older knitter (63) who was taught by my very patient mum when j was a young teenager, I've never learnt to knit 'properly'. I'd love to be able to do lacy knits or cable or stuff like Fairisle but I've never really been able to understand what to do when it goes wrong. I really do think that by watching your channel I'll be able to get there. I'm really looking forward to watching/reading your 'lessons' . I'm in the UK but somehow you don't seem so far away 😁. Thank you again for giving me hope!
thank you so much, I just started knitting and wanted a hobby to do. At first, all I remember about knitting is what I learned in school in the 9th grade home Ec. and only were taught regular knitting ( can't remember what it's called) and purl knitting. Anyway, I was confused at some of these videos telling me I needed different-sized needles for this or that or what kind of yarn to use. I just want to learn how to make things and the easiest way to learn to make them without all the different size needles or yarn size I had to go out and buy. I'm sure the more comfortable I become in learning the different styles in knitting I"ll catch on and know what I need to use and you answered all the questions that were running through my mind about all this. Some of the videos other put on here and say this is for beginners go so fast, I've had to start over and over again trying to learn from them that I almost gave up on knitting, thinking I'll never catch on or be able to make anything but I did make a little bunny rabbit which kinda looks like an elephant. I'm not going to give up now thanks to you. When I make something I'll come back and let you know how I did.
Excellent advice Barbara! When I started knitting I tried to knit tighter because I am a more relaxed Nader. Found out that, like you said, you loosen up once you get going on your pattern aand my gauge changed. Thanks for your videos, I enjoy them immensely!😊
Love the easy way Barbara explains the knitting instructions. I learned to knit in high school 1971, and i am holding my needle wrong. My right arm is doing to much work wrapping the yarn around the needle to knit and pearl. Thank you, i will definitely be following you for more ease and comfort.
I hope this little change makes your knitting life more enjoyable. Also, if you aren't using metal needles you might want to consider giving them a try. For tight knitters they can be super helpful.
I tend to go up a size or two..Whether I am knitting, or crocheting. I am not a tight knitter or crocheter.. I just usu ally want Thst lacy look...on some patterns. I don’t knit or crochet garments.. I thunk that experience..and learning how you like your work to look is key.. Ince you get a feel for how you work, you will be OK.... Great video...
thank you so much for posting this video. I though the information on the label and pattern was a hard fast rule. Now I know differently but oh, how I wish I would have know this when I started to knit. It would have saved lots of frustration.
I am a new knitter I just knit with needles I like and with yarn I like I put lots of unusual yarns together in ways that look fine to me I am having FUN I guess I have broken many rules I was experimenting with texture and with color and I was learning but no pressure If I did not like it I took it apart I am not sure if that is frogging or tinking I had a hard time with casting on but knitted cast on made sense Now I am following things I understand😀
Barbara thanks for your video. I've been knitting for about 2 yrs now and had to learn all this the hard way. I always enjoy your videos and love your patterns. Rachel S.
Great information. I think I am an advanced beginner (mainly because I do my own thing and make a ton of mistakes). I learned what you are talking about the hard way! LOL! Gauge!! UUUgh!! I finally have found my comfort zone. Swatching is important for me, using several different needle sizes. I make large swatches so I can feel the flow or stiffness of the fabric I knit. Once I have decided on needle size, (as you said the label on the yarn is only a suggestion) -- I look at the size of my finished piece (according to the pattern) and then decide how many stitches I need to cast-on. If I need the back to be 17 inches and I get 20 stitches per 4 inches then when I get to the bust area I need to have 85 stitches to work with. I read through the entire pattern and adjust the numbers. Now I finally get to cast-on and keep my fingers crossed that it will look like I expect it to look! I still have to start over a couple of times and adjust stitch count or needle size. There is no fast way to do knitting and have it turn out as expected. Especially when I am using the yarn I like with a given pattern. YEP I love fingering yarn and adapt my patterns to use fingering yarn. Who knew a beginner should not do this!!
You are so on pount, I yam whom I yam. I am tight, and wrestled years, sweating blood. Especially casting on. Another youtuber said, "tight, so use 2 kneedles a cast on, or a size larger, then kint in the size the yarn calls for" (paraphrased). I was set free, my tight makes uniform cast on stitches. My projects are wonderful to work on. My red blood cell count balanced!!! Sweaty hand syndrom is over. Win win.
In a certain genre of knitting such as Estonian, there is a reason for the cast-on as called for on account of it has to be stretchier and then casting on with two strands of yarn makes it sturdier for blocking with wires and blocking pins. In some patterns when you have a repeated decrease such as a K2Tog, which due to my arthritis can hurt more than doing a K2TogTBL however this can't be substituted everywhere. If I make this substitution, I then purl Combined so that my stitches are ready to be knit like that. But only in the section and then I won't switch to the right leaning decrease. I had bought the book by Nancy Bush and thought I'd get back into Estonian Lace which I was knitting 5 years ago and it comes with a DVD so I rewatched it. Now having knitted serval lace shawls, I could well understand more what she was talking about. Sometimes one can use a refresher. Some patterns use charts which I generally love or instructions, but if the chart symbols are completely different from the last time you knit another pattern, written instructions are great to have. Many patterns on Ravelry which I am frequently looking at do specify if they have both or which they have. Unfortunately there is often no preview of how the chart looks. If the chart was done by someone you have used before, it will most likely be a great one, one you are used to. If you like the pattern but the chart is confusing in one part, I've learned to make my own. I am using my iPad when I knit as the .pdf download goes to Acrobat where I can make a moveable highlight and also store notes to myself and I know where to find my pattern instead of looking in a heap of printed out papers. Thanks for all the good clues.
WatchBarbaraKnit I used knitting as therapy to get my hands useful again. I figured out that certain proteins mostly from milk, were the source of inflammation. As it is, others who have the same type of arthritis benefit likewise. But I had no strength now in my hands. So figure learning whatever knitting styles I could, would have different motions for my fingers. My fingers began straightening out so now I have one joint which shows I had Rheumatoid arthritis, but it is the pinky of my right hand. My doctor was amazed. The more I learned about irritating foods, and implemented it, the better I felt. I could not open a doorknob which is round. My husband installed lever-style all over the house, could not open a jar, lift a heavy fry pan. I am no longer disabled. Lost 50 lbs., went vegetarian, and now am vegan. More important to live the 90% I am not eating or cooking so to change that little bit, I do not regret and now I own a wheelchair, I don't need to use. A lot is common sense, the rest I found on YT. At the time our oldest grandson was born, they had wanted me to help care for him, but was unable due so, in and out of a wheelchair every other month. Now am helping to care for our twin grandson born in June.
Thank you! Great advice and wonderful validation I’m “not failing” because I knit so tightly, I simply need to downsize multiple needles to accommodate it.
I've been knitting off and on since the 60s when my mom bought me a couple books so I could teach myself. I also watched Elizabeth Zimmerman on PBS and learned knitting in the round and color work from her. I had a hiatus while I sewed my clothing in the 70s and 80s, and then pursued beaded jewelry in the 90s until I started making knitted beaded purses. These days I mostly knit shawls and am happily stuck with my funky throwing style (thanks to decades of muscle memory). My fav cast ons are either with a crochet hook or a knit tab, and I mostly use stretchy bind offs. My only suggestion to newbies is start with the basics, get comfortable, then try different methods of _everything_ until you find what works best for you. Most of all, have *FUN* while you're doing it!
Thank you Barbara, I’m a newbie so any suggestions and help is always appreciated. Don’t tell anyone but.... I never do a gauge...guess I should start. 😬😁🤗👍.
I started knitting so I could design and knit my own clothing. This has always been my motivation so I was never interested in working with patterns. In my mind, it wouldn't be that much different as going to a store and picking out a sweater. Only that I had to knit that sweater myself. However, this is what i tried to avoid, because I wanted to be able to create exactly the piece I wanted. I'm not against patterns in general and I know that you can adjust them. It's still a lot of work that goes into knitting regardless of whether you use a pattern or not. However, I wish that people would be taught that they don't necessarily need a pattern or can create their own. My mom always knitted sweaters for me and herself and she never used a pattern. She just took measurements and checked if it would be fitting in between.
I have made two shawls with size 9 (US) needles and they came out beautifully. One I made recently called for a 4 (US), the other I made long ago called for either 4 (US) or 3 (US), but both came out wonderfully. :)
A very intelligent video and I love your laugh. Lol, I'm using Manos del Uruguay yarn in my project. I'm sure I'll be back, just because you make me feel so good. :)
oh, and also, i find gauger differs slightly with humidity! yarn is “stickier” when it is humid...so i don’t obsess about gauge that much just check the size of the project if you ate making for instance a sweater.
Thank you! There's a part of me that thinks I should try to be more fancy and learn how to edit slick videos and stuff ... but then I realize I'd rather be knitting LOL.
You have the loveliest voice! And seriously.... who knew there were so many ways of casting on and off. So much to learn. Glad to have found your channel. :-)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Re: yarn gauge. I knew this, from years of knitting. But you are right. NOBODY EVER TOLD ME. About changing your knitting: yes, you are just fighting yourself. I've always thought I was lucky because my gauge is usually almost identical to that in the pattern, so I don't concern myself with it that much. But, I didn't know that to calculate gauge (for example, to substitute fingering weight for sport in a big project) you have to BLOCK it. No, I did not know that. And another thing: your knitting can change over time. Which is why the second Eggstra Special Sock I knitted is 2" longer than the first one that I finished 6 years earlier. As to cast-on, I usually use the one I like, which is Old Norwegian. But recently I learned that you need to think about this because the designer specified Cable Cast-on for ribbed edges on a sweater, so I did, and I will never use it for an edge again. It was painstaking and a friggin' mess. When I knitted the first row the stitches were too tight in spite of my best attempts to make them looser, and they were crossed over each other in a very aggravating way. Plus, the end result was not great, certainly not as good as Old Norwegian or Long Tail. Thanks for the explanations! Even though I am far from a beginner I found them very useful. And also, funny and ironic.
Thank you so much! I just started knitting and I'm slowly starting to realize the CO doesn't always have to be a long tail CO. I don't mind it but it can be monotonous and I want to try new things :) I just recently tried casting on my stitches with a crochet hook - exciting stuff :P Thanks again again I hope you and your family are doing well.
This! I feel too many knitters act like the long tail is the only cast on method which exists. 20 years ago when I was a child and learnt to knit id never heard of that cast on. We always did the knitted cast on. I feel like the long tail can bring a whole load of problems new knitters dont need
I'm glad you mentioned cast ons. I've been told that I cast on strangely. I found out several years ago while watching a documentary on Ireland that my knitting style is particular to a small area of Ireland. The women of my family have taught each other to knit for generations. Now when someone mentions my knitting style I proudly tell them that I'm knitting in my family's style.
That is really cool!
That's really cool!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit -s
That's amazing
This is so cool!! I didn't even know there was more than one cast on bc I'm a total knitting baby so learning there can be regional variants is so neat
I'm so glad I came to this party! (I know, I'm late! 😉)
I knitted some little things for my first baby almost 41 years ago and my mum said, "oh, they won't come out right, your tension is not the same as mine"......
I stopped knitting for almost 20 years after that until, one day, she asked me why I didn't knit any more......... "You knit so evenly and neatly, I wish I could do that"!
All those years, thinking I was wrong! What a waste! Now I knit what I like with the wool I like and the needles I like and am really loving knitting again! 😊
You are totally not late but just on time. I'm sorry that your experience was negative but there's totally time to knit up a storm.
So, I started knitting literally yesterday, and I feel like I've been blessed by the universe (or at least the YT algorithm) for suggesting this video so quickly. I only understood about half of the terms (and I'm being generous to myself with that amount) but I can absolutely feel the weight of experience in your advice and I'm expecting to remember your advice when I do get to that point in the adventure! I'm glad I already heard the lesson about tension, because a lot of the introductory lessons mention keeping your stitches loose. Now I know to take that as a general guideline and not a personal failing when I feel like mine are tighter than they suggest!
I am so glad that the video was useful. You might want to check out my tutorials playlist and see some of the other videos that are good for beginners like this one: th-cam.com/video/OWGHpsYYXEY/w-d-xo.html
I know what you mean! Everything I see involves long tail cast on. I cast on the way that my Mamaw (hillbilly word meaning Grandma) taught me.
I guess I use the Appalachian cast on.
Keep at it. I haven't stopped in a few months, after picking it up a few months ago after a 25 year break.
Best advice I was given when I started knitting/chrochet/quilting was, it didn't matter so much what method you do/how you do it, as long as you are consistent
That's perfect.
The gauge came out on the measurement and it doesn’t mention using a different size needle
I’m really enjoying this channel and your laugh is contagious and brings me joy ❤
Thank you so much! I hope to continue to make you laugh (and maybe learn).
“It isn’t a failing”...LOVE this! Thank you! I’ve been torturing myself because I’m such a “tight” knitter. Only recently I stopped practicing on how to knit looser and just knit for the pure enjoyment of it. I really enjoy your tips and laughter. 🧶 😊
Knitting is supposed to be fun and I am so glad you found a comfort zone!
I'm glad to see there's so many tight knitters 😊
Margaret
I. Amazingly 💕.
I love that you made this video. I've seen so many women comment in some of the groups that they "follow a pattern to the letter". They will not even consider changing the yarn used, changing the needles...no matter what and it's not like they are afraid of messing it up. They argue that this is the pattern and you shouldn't try to change what the designer has put together. I'm a rule follower to the point of "let me get the gist of it" and then I'm off and running because like you said, nobody is going to come slap me on the hand and tell me I'm doing it wrong. It's the same mentality with crocheting. I don't use a tension hold when I knit or crochet. I crochet holding the yarn in my left but knit with it in my right. I tried continental but my left hand is like nope...either hold the needle or the yarn but I'm not doing both, lol. It's very uncomfortable to me but earlier this week, one woman posted a pic of how she does her tension hold and asked how everyone did theirs because she was told she was doing it wrong. She felt reassured by the variety of comments because as you said everyone knits (crochets) differently. There is no wrong way if you're getting successful results.
I honestly don't know if I've ever knit a pattern in the yarn that it called for LOL. Knitters (and crafters) should do what makes them happy and what works for them. You're right - there's no wrong way as long as you're happy.
You have the best knitting videos for beginners!
Thank you! Please share them with your beginner friends!
It is hard for a perfectionist newbie to realize that it takes at least 6 months to learn g to read your knitting and to get your tension right. What keeps you coming back is that you learn something new every day. Thanks for being there, Barbara.
Give yourself the time you need. Learning comes as it comes and as soon as you think you "know it" something will pop up that you didn't know. I'm still learning!
Thank you! What a delightful and helpful video! I've been knitting for nearly 80 years, and always find something new to learn. I've spent a lot of time trying to force my knitting technique into what I thought was "proper" procedure, and I think the fear of breaking some great rule of some kind has kept me from trying patterns I might have enjoyed. It's taken me a long time to get the confidence to be the boss of my knitting.
You are so welcome!
Frances Jackson 💕
I’ve knitted on and off for 30 years with a long break within those years. I’ve recently picked up knitting again and planning to continue since I recently retired. Today, I am finding that I am learning something new each time I pick up my needles. I am a self taught leftie knitter; may be, that’s one of the reasons why I still feel like a novice. I used to learn how to knit certain techniques from books. But, now, I try to look up the techniques online, a leftie or rightie method; whichever method to get me from A to B. Although, it does get frustrating sometimes because I knit backwards. Oh, and I rarely do a gauge. I usually get away with the smallest size in a pattern… Thank you for the great wisdom you bring in the knitting world! ❤
Thank you for sharing your story!
My best advice is from a Sears Roebuck & Co. knitting teacher. I’m left handed and she said to learn to knit right handed because learning to knit was going to feel awkward at first anyway. So glad she recommended that.
I was just thinking about this the other day when someone referred to the continental style as "left handed" knitting, because it's not! I've only ever met a few knitters who knit with a left handed mirror technique, and they really have an uphill battle and have to modify every pattern. Your teacher served you well!
I just wish I can hand sew right handed. That sometimes gets awkward.
Thank you so much for you simple and logical explanations!! Another thing I HATE is when another crafter tells someone, “You are doing that wrong!” Ughhhh!!! We’ve lost crafters just because of this stupid comment!
Have you done an episode on the differences in yarn types, characteristics, different materials they are made from? I know that super wash yarn tends to stretch out. What are some other tips on yarn that may help other crafters? I’ve been wondering the differences between mohair and the alpaca.
That is a really big subject and I haven't figured out how to cover it effectively. I actually teach a blocking class where I go over that kind of info about fiber content in yarns, and it takes over an hour LOL!
Thanks for this video 😀 Although I've been been crocheting off and on for nearly 50 years, I'd like to do some knitting too beyond casting on and garter stitch. Waay, waay back in freshman Home-Ec the teacher tried to introduce us to knitting but none of us got the hang of "throwing" or keeping the loops from slipping off the needles - likely because most of us had already been taught to crochet by our 6th grade teacher. However, when I recently saw a YT video on knitting beginners using Continental style, everything finally clicked with my crocheter's brain and muscle memory. All those decades thinking I could never be a knitter, just because the first instructor was limited to a method that was so awkward for crocheters.
Edit: So glad you talked about rules vs suggestions in knitting! Wish I'd known that about crochet ages ago too. Knowing which "rules" are mandatory (e.g., proper swatching & blocking) and which are open to creative interpretation (choice of yarn, hook/needle size, foundation stitches/CO, etc.) makes a world of difference in the quality of your finished projects and the enjoyment of the process.
I am so glad you have found a way that works for you! Yay Knitting (and crochet)!
Great show. Barbara! I taught myself to knit about 30 yrs ago from a book. I really never knew the finer details that you explained today, but when I came up with a problem, I used the trial and error method which takes extra time and frustration. I didn’t have anyone to ask nor knew anything about u tube until about 1 1/2 years ago. You are so down to earth and a very good teacher as well as a wonderful designer and knitter. Thank you for your knowledge and time. By the way, the shawl behind you is gorgeous and I’m crazy about your hair!!
Thank you for your kind words! I've done a lot of trial and error too. Hopefully my videos will save some newer knitters a little of that time.
i love that you knit for your star trek figures. I learned from my mom at 5 when my siblings were napping. before I knew about mistakes and was having fun knitting for my Barbies and troll dolls. The 3 things I think are important are 1.Always say (to husbands or kids)
" after I finish this row". 2. never put your knitting down until you finish the row " you won't know which direction you are going. 3. in the begining don't rip out your knitting because you need to be able to recognize mistakes. Hope this helps someone.
These are the 3 things that I wished I was told when I started knitting years ago. I have been trying to learn how to knit for years. I know how to do the basic stitches. But I get lost when it comes to counting stitches in a row. I just started watching your videos. You make a lot of sense to me. Thanks.
as someone who toght myself to knit this year I knew nothing about weaghts and sizes and everything so I just played around and lernd that to get the best result I like to knit with a slightly lighter yarn and bigger needles than patterns called for and I feel soo blessed that I just got to play around first
Learning works differently for everyone, I am glad you found your happy path.
Another thing is that tension comes naturally with time! Most of my work was suuuuper tight when I started out (it often came to the point where I could barely knit at all), but now I have a tension that actually works. Sometimes you just have to keep going, even if it feels impossible! It really is a wonderful hobby once you get into it :)
Great tip!
That's the same as I did! I knit so tightly I couldn't hardly insert the needle! While working to get my tension better (uniform), I discovered and practiced losing up my knitting, and now i knit so much better, just naturally. That kind of goes against what she's saying, but not really...I just want to encourage people to try different ways of wrapping the yarn, because it really does matter!
One of the hardest things for me was the direction, "Weave in ends." I remember thinking, 'who said anything about weaving?!'
It is an odd term isn't it. Same for "blocking" - it doesn't seem to mean what it means.
Thank you! The advice about the thin yarn with bigger needles is really helpful because I just got some fingering weight yarn for my birthday from a friend, but I'm still getting the hang of basic patterns. I wanted to make something pretty with it, lace like even, but all the lace patterns I could find were making my head spin with all the lingo. I'm gonna try to find a simple pattern I can read and use some of my acrylic yarn to practice with first, then I think I'm gonna do the big needle with the thin yarn to make it look faux-lace! So helpful as always Barb! Lots of love!
I bet it is going to be beautiful!
I like what you said about not changing your tension to try to get gauge because after you relax into the project, you'll revert to your natural tension. I have an odd movement that I make when I purl. I put the tip of the needle into the stitch, wiggle it a little bit before putting the needle in further to wind the yarn around the needle and complete the stitch. Recently, I thought I'd try to eliminate that extra movement to speed up my purling. It works but only when I'm thinking about it. After a few minutes I catch myself doing it the way I've always done it. I learnt to knit when I was about 5 and I think I developed that "technique" because of some (long forgotten) problem I was having entering the stitch purlwise. I now embrace my quirky purling style 😊
I'm a quirky purler as well LOL. As long as you are enjoying the process and getting results you like, you do you!
Thank you. I really needed to hear that! I've stopped and started so many projects because of #1
You are so welcome!
I had no idea there were so many different cast ons:-) I have only been knitting for a couple of months now (did knit a very complicated jumper when I was 24 and managed to get it finished, then it turned out too warm so never worn it unfortunately). Now I am 66 and decided to start knitting since it is supposed to be good for your memory, and it is hard to find sweaters/jumpers that you like in shops. Your youtube channel is by far the best tutorials I have come across!
Thank you so much, I am so glad you like my videos. I'm happy to join you on your knitting journey.
This is the reason I really love the weight system for categorising yarn! I was very confused about gauge in the beginning. Around here people usually categorise yarn after their suggested gauge and I find it extremely limiting especially when it comes to substituting or simply finding yarn. Weight is much more versatile and it's also easier when combining two threads.
Weight is the number one thing I look at. And Grist. And WPI ... so many ways to measure.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit I only know about weight and wpi, but what is grist?
I am so pleased that I came across your videos while searching for knitting advise
You explain things so well, and with a sense of humour which is so refreshing
I am glad you like my videos and thank you for taking the time to leave such an uplifting comment.
Totally agree! When I got back into knitting 🧶 I learned very quickly to use the sz needles that were a comfy fit for me to work with only then did I get my gauge right. I’m a crocheter rather than a knitter, and crochet gauges are entirely different than knitting gauges
Crochet confuses me so LOL. I love looking at it and admire all my hooker friends - but it just baffles me.
Your laugh is simply a delight~ Wonderful video, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I totally agree! Absolutely fabulous!
I'm a long-time crocheter learning to knit, and I can say the needle (or hook) size thing holds true across crafts. I'll even go up and down hook sizes within one project depending on what my arthritis is doing today, especially if I'm trying to crochet very tightly while making toys. How stretchy or springy the yarn is can make a big difference in both gauge and stitch tension too, even if it's exactly the same wpi as another yarn. I can work much more tightly in a springy yarn without realizing it if I'm not paying attention.
That is really great to know!
Very useful info. I use the proposed needle size and gauge on yarn labels to get an estimate of the weight of the yarn when shopping online, as not all yarns indicate their ply or weight. Many don’t. If a yarn doesn’t have any gauge or needle info I simply don’t buy it as I can’t get an idea of the weight.
Those are an excellent hint on the yarn weight!
In addition worsted from one company can have much denser or lighter loft than from another, and different colors can vary in thick/thin quality as well. Some lace weight is way lighter than others. Each piece is a work of art of choosing so many things that make it unique.
Great points!
I'm a complete newbie but I'm HOOKED! I love your videos (OMG - your laugh is infectious!!!!) and I love your advice. Found you because I went a little newbie-crazy buying a ton of gorgeous yarn and needed storage advice, and I'm staying for all your technique and tip videos. Love it!
Welcome!! I'm so glad you're having fun and staying!
I so appreciate this videos. My yarn shop called me a Lucy goodey but never explained anything like you have
I'm glad I was able to help!
Hello :) I really appreciate this information. I am a beginner and I was concerned on tension issues. As you are, I am also a rule follower, so this helped put me at ease. Thank you
That is wonderful to hear!
Hi from Montana!! I find this video has great information and should be required viewing by EVERY crafter out there. I am a combination knitter and fortunately I have not run into many that think I knit "wrong". I have a pretty thick skin and just figure that their knitting is not as efficient as mine...
Also, as a self taught crocheter when I crochet the technique may not look pretty, but it gets the job done. Whatever works!!!
If you're having fun and liking the outcome ... don't fix what ain't broke. LOL
I am a mid beginning knitter and your videos are a big help. I am now learning different patterns wasn't quite ready in the beginning.
I am so glad to be helpful.
Thanks for this video! I felt like these tips were 3 permission slips for knitting that I needed.
If you ever need a hall pass ... let me know!
I'm a crocheter and I've always wanted to learn to knit. I haven't picked up the knitting needles in three months. But I just love the knitted work I see. I crochet every day and knock out finished projects regularly. I've got three or four works in progress.
But my collection of knitting books is growing and I need to get knitting. After looking over a gorgeous book last night and not being able to sleep for thoughts of projects running through my mind, I woke up from a knitting dream this morning. I think I'm just going to knit practice blocks and learn as much different things as I can and maybe end up with some sort of patchwork afghan and a better developed skill set. The hardest part is that I can't remember knit and pearl, so I have to flip the pages in the books when I turn my work... Seems inconvenient to me and not one book has both stitch lesson on one page! Yet I can remember the stitch patterns for multiple rows of crochet... 🤔😳. It's a "just do it" moment.
I am a swatching fiend. Just knitting blocks is an awesome way to develop your skills.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit That's what I'm thinking. I'd rather rip out a six by six inch swatch than half a sweater... Lol.. I'm just making doll blankets...🤗. I'm also starting to recognize how tensed up I get when knitting and to then consciously relax which then makes the process much more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your skills and tops on TH-cam! It's such a blessing 💞
Thank you. I learned and will try to do my best to the rules.
I absolutely love your channel! Thank you! You are the best teacher.
Wow, thank you!
I am so glad I found you. Love your laugh. Love your honesty. LOVE everything.
Thank you so much! Welcome!
Is there such a thing as too much yarn? I am a crocheter getting ready to pick up knitting. I face a bit of a challenge in that a year and a half ago I was looking at the world from a different place. I was recovering from heart issues including a stroke. When I woke up from surgery I lost my ability to not only walk and move, but anything involving numbers and movement became tricky! Returning to crafting became a tremendous challenge. I learned to crochet back in high school but all that knowledge vanished. I picked up knitting needles at the same time but dropped that 45 years back. I picked crochet back up a few months ago and am still struggling a bit. But I love the look and feel of knit fabrics, so I want to pick that up again. I just love yarn! Thus I am here to relearn and return! So, I need patience, resilience, and repetition. Thanks for your wisdom and experience.
Welcome and I am sure you will find a new rhythm soon! I hope you stick around for our fibery fun.
Never knew that the swatch should be blocked before measuring for gauge, but it makes total sense. You are so helpful, Barbara.
Whaaaat? 👀. Is it dry yet? Is it dry yet?
I appreciate these points. I am rebellious and like to do my own thing. I went my own way a long time ago.
Rock on!
I am new and I am trying I love this video because it is so helpful and I haven’t started a project yet but I am going to start this week
You got this!
i love you soooo much ! the only silly question is the one you never ask .... i am a beginner and omg some of the beginner stitches pickle my brain so i watch videos over and over and note it in a way i can follow as im dyspraxic so reading and writing are huge issues. i only found out recently i knitted continental style and it was very confusing to change over to " normal lol " knitting but i did it and now im cool. i so understand the guage stuff as i am a crocheter as well and if i want different size piece i automatically look at the pattern diagram sit back and decide whether i want a larger piece with the yarn im using or a smaller piece such as amigurumi. so you i have decided are going to become my go to person.
I hope to continue to earn your views!
The very first thing made me smile so much. Especially the part where you talked about how you revert back to your natural tension when you get in your groove. Now, I paused the video to type this so I don't know if it's brought up but when I tried to change my tension verses my needles, my hands cramped up really bad no matter how many breaks and stretches I did even after years and years of crocheting (I hold my knitting the same way I hold my crochet so it's not very different at all for me).
I don't know if I mentioned cramping, but I can totally see that. I also hold my yarn the same for knitting and crochet!
And this is why I love you Barbara!
Awww, thank you! Virtual Hugs.
Thank you for this TH-cam video. I have been in teacher knitting for about 10 years, knitting for the last 30, This video is a great resource for me for is extremely difficult to explain to my students, what gauge a knitting needle suggestions are all about. Once again thank you so much for sharing this information.
I am so glad that it was helpful. Sometimes it is a challenge putting what you know into words out loud around people and stuff LOL.
AT LAST ! the three nightmares that i have dealt with ALL THESE YEARS....... Now all is explained ... . thank you so much... as they say "you have made my day"
I am so glad it was helpful!
Madam, you’re really master of knitting👍🏻
I'm still learning too!
I know i am commenting late on this video and that is because I have only recently found you. I'm so glad I did! I've been teaching myself how to crochet and knit from TH-cam for the last couple of years and have been very scared to try to many garments because I messed up on. (That was 2 years ago and to this day I've been afraid to pull it out, frog it and fix it.) That's going to be a new years resolution along with knitting a sweater i already purchased the yarn for. Thank you for your videos. They really help me understand and build up my confidence.
LOL, I just responded to a comment on a video that is 3 years old - you're no late! I'm so glad you like my videos.
You are awesome instructor, teacher. Thank you.
Thank you!
very straightforward and informative. Thank you so much 🎉
Glad it was helpful!
You remind me of a lady I recently went to community college with ❤ she was such a sweet heart, sassy and hilarious.
Oh thank you!
Wow. These take me back. My mom hated gauge in patterns. And socks & slippers were her favorite thing to make.
Most knitters have a love/hate relationship with gauge LOL.
I've just discovered you this evening..and I'm so pleased !!! You are so easy to watch and listen to, and so so interesting. Although I'm an older knitter (63) who was taught by my very patient mum when j was a young teenager, I've never learnt to knit 'properly'. I'd love to be able to do lacy knits or cable or stuff like Fairisle but I've never really been able to understand what to do when it goes wrong. I really do think that by watching your channel I'll be able to get there. I'm really looking forward to watching/reading your 'lessons' . I'm in the UK but somehow you don't seem so far away 😁. Thank you again for giving me hope!
I am so glad that you found me and enjoy my videos! Let's have some fun together!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit absolutely!
I love this video. Thank you. It gave me so much confidence
You are so welcome!
thank you so much, I just started knitting and wanted a hobby to do. At first, all I remember about knitting is what I learned in school in the 9th grade home Ec. and only were taught regular knitting ( can't remember what it's called) and purl knitting. Anyway, I was confused at some of these videos telling me I needed different-sized needles for this or that or what kind of yarn to use. I just want to learn how to make things and the easiest way to learn to make them without all the different size needles or yarn size I had to go out and buy. I'm sure the more comfortable I become in learning the different styles in knitting I"ll catch on and know what I need to use and you answered all the questions that were running through my mind about all this. Some of the videos other put on here and say this is for beginners go so fast, I've had to start over and over again trying to learn from them that I almost gave up on knitting, thinking I'll never catch on or be able to make anything but I did make a little bunny rabbit which kinda looks like an elephant. I'm not going to give up now thanks to you. When I make something I'll come back and let you know how I did.
You can do it! There is a lot to learn, but you can always start small.
As a beginner, I thank you...🤗
We are all beginners at some point, you'll keep on learning and getting awesomer.
Excellent advice Barbara! When I started knitting I tried to knit tighter because I am a more relaxed Nader. Found out that, like you said, you loosen up once you get going on your pattern aand my gauge changed. Thanks for your videos, I enjoy them immensely!😊
I'm so glad you enjoy them!
Love the easy way Barbara explains the knitting instructions. I learned to knit in high school 1971, and i am holding my needle wrong. My right arm is doing to much work wrapping the yarn around the needle to knit and pearl. Thank you, i will definitely be following you for more ease and comfort.
I am so glad you like my videos!
You are so smart. I will be increasing size of needles. I knit tight and try to relax but it always ends up tight than it should be.
I hope this little change makes your knitting life more enjoyable. Also, if you aren't using metal needles you might want to consider giving them a try. For tight knitters they can be super helpful.
I tend to go up a size or two..Whether I am knitting, or crocheting. I am not a tight knitter or crocheter.. I just usu ally want Thst lacy look...on some patterns.
I don’t knit or crochet garments..
I thunk that experience..and learning how you like your work to look is key.. Ince you get a feel for how you work, you will be OK....
Great video...
Thank you!
thank you so much for posting this video. I though the information on the label and pattern was a hard fast rule. Now I know differently but oh, how I wish I would have know this when I started to knit. It would have saved lots of frustration.
It is frustrating isn't it? Glad you're more relaxed now.
I am a new knitter I just knit with needles I like and with yarn I like I put lots of unusual yarns together in ways that look fine to me I am having FUN I guess I have broken many rules I was experimenting with texture and with color and I was learning but no pressure If I did not like it I took it apart I am not sure if that is frogging or tinking I had a hard time with casting on but knitted cast on made sense Now I am following things I understand😀
That is a fantastic way to go about things. As long as you are having fun and learning then you are good to go!
Thank you. You are very good in front of the camera.
Thank you for your kind words. It has taken me a while to not feel self conscious and that's music to my ears.
I love this especially the tip on choosing whatever needle you want 😁. I was still trying to comply with that within at least one size difference.
Everyone knits different and you gotta do what you gotta do LOL!
Thank you so much for yr channel. I knit and crochet and I love given other sites to help improve my skills. Refreshing!
It is my pleasure! Thanks for watching.
u deserve KISSES & KISSES & HUGS i love you for this!!! thank you thank you thank you!!!
I’m so glad it was helpful.
I love you! I'm getting my shawl pattern and yarn out tonight and will start translating the pattern and get to work!
Aww, thank you! Have fun with your shawl!
Thank you, Barbara! You are so supportive and encouraging.
You are so welcome
Barbara thanks for your video. I've been knitting for about 2 yrs now and had to learn all this the hard way. I always enjoy your videos and love your patterns. Rachel S.
Thank you!
Great information. I think I am an advanced beginner (mainly because I do my own thing and make a ton of mistakes). I learned what you are talking about the hard way! LOL! Gauge!! UUUgh!! I finally have found my comfort zone. Swatching is important for me, using several different needle sizes. I make large swatches so I can feel the flow or stiffness of the fabric I knit. Once I have decided on needle size, (as you said the label on the yarn is only a suggestion) -- I look at the size of my finished piece (according to the pattern) and then decide how many stitches I need to cast-on. If I need the back to be 17 inches and I get 20 stitches per 4 inches then when I get to the bust area I need to have 85 stitches to work with. I read through the entire pattern and adjust the numbers. Now I finally get to cast-on and keep my fingers crossed that it will look like I expect it to look! I still have to start over a couple of times and adjust stitch count or needle size. There is no fast way to do knitting and have it turn out as expected. Especially when I am using the yarn I like with a given pattern. YEP I love fingering yarn and adapt my patterns to use fingering yarn. Who knew a beginner should not do this!!
If you are comfortable doing it then you should 100% go for it. I'm not saying beginners shouldn't do it if they're adventurous!
Knitting is like everything else; if you are doing it, make it your own! Great video; great tips; great knitting! Have fun!
Thank you! 😊
You are so on pount, I yam whom I yam. I am tight, and wrestled years, sweating blood. Especially casting on. Another youtuber said, "tight, so use 2 kneedles a cast on, or a size larger, then kint in the size the yarn calls for" (paraphrased).
I was set free, my tight makes uniform cast on stitches. My projects are wonderful to work on.
My red blood cell count balanced!!! Sweaty hand syndrom is over. Win win.
Yay! Knitting is supposed to be fun!
I thoroughly enjoyed your recommendation information. Thanks for this information. You have truly opened my eyes.
I'm so glad!
In a certain genre of knitting such as Estonian, there is a reason for the cast-on as called for on account of it has to be stretchier and then casting on with two strands of yarn makes it sturdier for blocking with wires and blocking pins.
In some patterns when you have a repeated decrease such as a K2Tog, which due to my arthritis can hurt more than doing a K2TogTBL however this can't be substituted everywhere. If I make this substitution, I then purl Combined so that my stitches are ready to be knit like that. But only in the section and then I won't switch to the right leaning decrease.
I had bought the book by Nancy Bush and thought I'd get back into Estonian Lace which I was knitting 5 years ago and it comes with a DVD so I rewatched it. Now having knitted serval lace shawls, I could well understand more what she was talking about. Sometimes one can use a refresher.
Some patterns use charts which I generally love or instructions, but if the chart symbols are completely different from the last time you knit another pattern, written instructions are great to have. Many patterns on Ravelry which I am frequently looking at do specify if they have both or which they have. Unfortunately there is often no preview of how the chart looks. If the chart was done by someone you have used before, it will most likely be a great one, one you are used to.
If you like the pattern but the chart is confusing in one part, I've learned to make my own.
I am using my iPad when I knit as the .pdf download goes to Acrobat where I can make a moveable highlight and also store notes to myself and I know where to find my pattern instead of looking in a heap of printed out papers.
Thanks for all the good clues.
Understanding before you make a change is important! Sounds like you've got it going on. ;)
WatchBarbaraKnit I used knitting as therapy to get my hands useful again. I figured out that certain proteins mostly from milk, were the source of inflammation. As it is, others who have the same type of arthritis benefit likewise. But I had no strength now in my hands. So figure learning whatever knitting styles I could, would have different motions for my fingers. My fingers began straightening out so now I have one joint which shows I had Rheumatoid arthritis, but it is the pinky of my right hand. My doctor was amazed. The more I learned about irritating foods, and implemented it, the better I felt. I could not open a doorknob which is round. My husband installed lever-style all over the house, could not open a jar, lift a heavy fry pan. I am no longer disabled.
Lost 50 lbs., went vegetarian, and now am vegan. More important to live the 90% I am not eating or cooking so to change that little bit, I do not regret and now I own a wheelchair, I don't need to use.
A lot is common sense, the rest I found on YT. At the time our oldest grandson was born, they had wanted me to help care for him, but was unable due so, in and out of a wheelchair every other month. Now am helping to care for our twin grandson born in June.
Beginning knitter here--so glad I found this video early in my knitter life (on second project ever)! Thank you; you have a new subscriber!
I am so glad you found it early and I hope you find other videos on my channel you like. Make sure to check out the Tutorials playlist.
Thank you! Great advice and wonderful validation I’m “not failing” because I knit so tightly, I simply need to downsize multiple needles to accommodate it.
You are not failing! But, if you’re knitting tightly you most likely need to go up needle sizes, not down.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Doh! Indeed. Up, not down! Lol. Thank you for the wonderful video/advice.
I've been knitting off and on since the 60s when my mom bought me a couple books so I could teach myself. I also watched Elizabeth Zimmerman on PBS and learned knitting in the round and color work from her. I had a hiatus while I sewed my clothing in the 70s and 80s, and then pursued beaded jewelry in the 90s until I started making knitted beaded purses. These days I mostly knit shawls and am happily stuck with my funky throwing style (thanks to decades of muscle memory). My fav cast ons are either with a crochet hook or a knit tab, and I mostly use stretchy bind offs. My only suggestion to newbies is start with the basics, get comfortable, then try different methods of _everything_ until you find what works best for you. Most of all, have *FUN* while you're doing it!
That's a great philosophy!
Thank you Barbara, I’m a newbie so any suggestions and help is always appreciated. Don’t tell anyone but.... I never do a gauge...guess I should start. 😬😁🤗👍.
You are in good company - lots of knittaz don't. If you like to live dangerously, that's your choice LOL! ;)
I started knitting so I could design and knit my own clothing. This has always been my motivation so I was never interested in working with patterns. In my mind, it wouldn't be that much different as going to a store and picking out a sweater. Only that I had to knit that sweater myself. However, this is what i tried to avoid, because I wanted to be able to create exactly the piece I wanted.
I'm not against patterns in general and I know that you can adjust them. It's still a lot of work that goes into knitting regardless of whether you use a pattern or not. However, I wish that people would be taught that they don't necessarily need a pattern or can create their own. My mom always knitted sweaters for me and herself and she never used a pattern. She just took measurements and checked if it would be fitting in between.
Just started knitting yesterday! Glad I found your vids!!😁😁😁😁
You are at the beginning of an awesome adventure and I am glad I get to be a part of it!
Thanks for the tip re thin yard on large needle forming instant lace! 😀
You are so welcome!
It was a game changer for “lowly” garter stitch, LOL!
I have made two shawls with size 9 (US) needles and they came out beautifully. One I made recently called for a 4 (US), the other I made long ago called for either 4 (US) or 3 (US), but both came out wonderfully. :)
I'm pretty sure that, with the right yarn, you can make a beautiful shawl on just about any needle. I know I have one that calls for a US 17!
A very intelligent video and I love your laugh. Lol, I'm using Manos del Uruguay yarn in my project. I'm sure I'll be back, just because you make me feel so good. :)
oh, and also, i find gauger differs slightly with humidity! yarn is “stickier” when it is humid...so i don’t obsess about gauge that much just check the size of the project if you ate making for instance a sweater.
That can totally effect it!
I'm realising that I go to a great store. They've given me some of this advice before I made my first stitch. Cheers 😃 🙂
It is so awesome to have a great store!
Barbara, you are amazing! Love your down to earth approach. I will be back for more videos!
Thank you! There's a part of me that thinks I should try to be more fancy and learn how to edit slick videos and stuff ... but then I realize I'd rather be knitting LOL.
As always, watching you is fun. Great colors in this video! And, I enjoy that you use your hands... I talk that way too. Good topic. Thanks ~Marie
Oh thank you!
This video was so good. I really appreciate all of what you addressed. Thanks so much for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
I love your attitude!
Yay! Thanks!
Just ran across this video and...game changer!
Fantastic!
I may have agreed with that first one, but when I injured myself because I was knitting so tight, I've since changed my tune (and tension).
Obviously there are extremes! I am glad you figured out how to fix your issues.
Good reminders for old knitters, too!
LOL, how about experienced?
You have the loveliest voice! And seriously.... who knew there were so many ways of casting on and off. So much to learn. Glad to have found your channel. :-)
Thank you for your kind words. I was actually just finalizing the handout for my Binding off class I'm teaching tomorrow. So many ways to Bind off!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit :-)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Re: yarn gauge. I knew this, from years of knitting. But you are right. NOBODY EVER TOLD ME. About changing your knitting: yes, you are just fighting yourself. I've always thought I was lucky because my gauge is usually almost identical to that in the pattern, so I don't concern myself with it that much. But, I didn't know that to calculate gauge (for example, to substitute fingering weight for sport in a big project) you have to BLOCK it. No, I did not know that. And another thing: your knitting can change over time. Which is why the second Eggstra Special Sock I knitted is 2" longer than the first one that I finished 6 years earlier.
As to cast-on, I usually use the one I like, which is Old Norwegian. But recently I learned that you need to think about this because the designer specified Cable Cast-on for ribbed edges on a sweater, so I did, and I will never use it for an edge again. It was painstaking and a friggin' mess. When I knitted the first row the stitches were too tight in spite of my best attempts to make them looser, and they were crossed over each other in a very aggravating way. Plus, the end result was not great, certainly not as good as Old Norwegian or Long Tail.
Thanks for the explanations! Even though I am far from a beginner I found them very useful. And also, funny and ironic.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!
Thank you so much! I just started knitting and I'm slowly starting to realize the CO doesn't always have to be a long tail CO. I don't mind it but it can be monotonous and I want to try new things :) I just recently tried casting on my stitches with a crochet hook - exciting stuff :P Thanks again again I hope you and your family are doing well.
Best to you and yours! I love trying new things and the worst that can happen is you rip it out and start over! Yay more knitting!
This! I feel too many knitters act like the long tail is the only cast on method which exists. 20 years ago when I was a child and learnt to knit id never heard of that cast on. We always did the knitted cast on. I feel like the long tail can bring a whole load of problems new knitters dont need
Try a knitted cast on or crochet cast on that doesn't use a crochet hooks.
Love your attitude and suggestions. You do have a way of taking the stress off of knitting. Blessings to you. :-)
Thank you so much! Knitting shouldn't be stressful (except p3tog-tbl - that's stressful)