Learning to Knit

If you are just beginning to learn how to knit there are a few rules that you should always keep in mind no matter how experienced you become. It's the same with most things you have to learn how to do. There is going to be some trial and error, so mistakes and some experience that go into mastering any new art or craft. So take it from someone who has been through all of the ups and downs that come with knitting and follow these rules to the letter and you will have a far better experience than I did along the way.

Rule number one is: always make sure that the yarn fits your project. If you are making something that has to stand up to lots of wear and tear, that soft cuddly yarn you're looking at probably won't last more than a couple of months. But for a scarf, it might be just the perfect thing. Always be sure that you are selecting your yarn based on use, as well as for each for the pattern and purpose you are beginning the project to do.

Rule number two: make sure that your yarns are the same type. You should never use one type of yarn that needs to be washed by hand and a yarn that can be machine washed. As you learn about different characteristics of yarn you will note which yarns will shed and which types will snatch on other fibers. Combining these two types is a bit like making Velcro, it will catch on itself and pill terribly as you wear, use and wash it.

Rule number three: use the proper gauge each of yarn for your pattern. A gauge too small and that sweater for your granddaughter will end up on your dog instead. Or, a large gauge yarn in a scarf pattern and it will end up long enough to rope cows.

Rule number four: always knit a rib or border. Unless you absolutely want your edges to curl, you will have to put an edge on everything you do, especially articles of clothing. It's no wonder that even commercial sweaters have a ribbed cuff. Always edge clothing articles with a different stitch.

Rule number five: plan ahead and tie in new skeins of yarn at the end of a row. This will keep your project from having odd little lumps and bumps in the pattern. We all want to be thrifty, but being pretty has something to be said for it as well.

There are other rules you probably should know, but we don't have time to go into all of them right here. These are the five rules that will help you the most when you are beginning to knit. Keep them in mind, and never violate them, and you will have far more fun, and end up with a much better finished product on everything you ever knit.