http://www.my-knitting-site.com Information about knitting and learning to knit Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:45:50 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en When we are new to knitting, the thought of increasing or decreasing stitches can be a little intimidating but really they are not so difficult.  Increasing Stitches The simplest way to increase stitches while following a particular pattern (if the pattern does not give specific directions on how to increase) is to ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/increasing-and-decreasing-stitches/increasing-and-decreasing-stitches Sometimes you will have knit a few rows of a pattern before realizing you have dropped a stitch.  One method to correct this error is to unravel your work until you get to the dropped stitch then pick it up on the needle and continue with your knitting.  An even ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/types-of-stitches/correcting-knitting-errors As we know, all knitted fabrics are made using two basic stitches, knit and purl.  I have chosen the following pattern samples because they are the easiest patterns for a beginner knitter.  There are actually hundreds of combinations of stitch patterns.  When you learn these simple stitches and stitch patterns, you ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/types-of-stitches/simple-knitting-patterns Knitting needles are an investment and should be chosen carefully.  Some knitters like to use long needles regardless of how many stitches they are working while others prefer to use shorter needles.  For afghans, my personal favorite is the circular needle.  It accommodates a large number of stitches and I ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/knitting-equipment-supplies/equipment-supplies When you purchase pattern books or even single patterns, they will usually have an explanation of the abbreviations that are used to knit the item listed, at the beginning of the pattern.  I have listed the most common ones here and have also included a few crochet terms.  As you ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/knitting-abbreviations-and-terminology/knitting-abbreviations-and-terms Cashmere – this yarn comes from the cashmere goat and has always been regarded as one of the choicest yarns for fabric weaving and hand-knitting. Cashmere is also blended with other fabrics such as silk or merino wool.  When washing cashmere sweaters and scarves, you have to use a mild ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/uncategorized/even-more-yarns There are many kinds of yarns, different textures and colors.  The other difference between yarns is the price.  High quality yarns carry a higher price tag than do synthetic yarns.  Using the exact yarn called for in a pattern usually creates the best results but there will be times that ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/tools-and-yarns/knitting-yarns The only way to determine your gauge is to make a swatch (sample of knitting) using the same stitch and same kind of yarn and using the same size needles you plan to use to knit your project. Tension is the number of stitches and rows to an inch and ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/uncategorized/tension-or-gauge Now that you know the basics of getting the stitches on the needle, you are ready to begin learning the different knitting stitches that are used in most patterns.  There are really only two basic stitches to learn, they are called the knit stitch and the purl stitch.  Once you ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/types-of-stitches/types-of-stitches Thumb Cast On (Continental) Method This cast on method is very similar to the no name cast on that I have explained.  Form a slipknot and put it on the needle.  Holding the needle in your right hand, you form a loop using your thumb and first finger, slip the needle ... http://www.my-knitting-site.com/uncategorized/9