For knitters & those who want to learn

[moonshadow]

I'll add more later!

Great videos for beginners and advanced stitches & techniques, includes patterns & a forum:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/

Patterns, articles also includes spinning:
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/index.php

Knit dishcloth patterns:
http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/dishcloths.php

[Almost Ready]

I will definately check these out. Knitting and crocheting are fun, but haven't had much time to indulge in them, so am still a beginner.

Bought a video from societysocks.com lady, and found that video is the way to go. Learned how to turn a heel, that great mystery that had always intrigued me.

Moonshadow, I'll be back. Thanks for starting this thread.

AR

[Tesla'sMom]

Yes! If you haven't been able to knit or crochet, borrow a DVD from the library or watch an online tutorial. They really work.
All my right-handed relatives tried to teach me needlework, but I ended up having to teach myself how to crochet and knit.

www.lionbrandyarn.com is a great site with lots of free patterns- many garments with the plus sizes included (yay!) Michael's and Joanns stores have free patterns up as well.

I have a few pictures up on Ravelry, where my screenname is WombatMD

[moonshadow]

I agree, lion brand is a good place to go! You will need to register though. Almost all yarn companies have web pages with patterns.

More dish/wash cloths:
http://dishandwashclothmania.com/animal-cloths-knit/

Hat calculator:
http://www.earthguild.com/products/knitcroc/marypat/hatcalc.htm

Knits by category:
http://www.knitlist.com/patterns.htm

http://www.knittingonthenet.com/

Winter wear:
http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/winter_wear.php

I love fingerless gloves!!
http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/mikado-buttonup-gloves.html

If anyone is interested in a particular knit, such as a shawl, let me know and I probably have patterns. Also, charity knitting is fun and a great way to help. Project Linus:
http://www.projectlinus.org/

I'm going to check you out on Ravelry, Wombat!!

Yes! If you haven't been able to knit or crochet, borrow a DVD from the library or watch an online tutorial. They really work.
All my right-handed relatives tried to teach me needlework, but I ended up having to teach myself how to crochet and knit.

www.lionbrandyarn.com (http://www.lionbrandyarn.com) is a great site with lots of free patterns- many garments with the plus sizes included (yay!) Michael's and Joanns stores have free patterns up as well.

I have a few pictures up on Ravelry, where my screenname is WombatMD

[moonshadow]

I will definately check these out. Knitting and crocheting are fun, but haven't had much time to indulge in them, so am still a beginner.

Bought a video from societysocks.com lady, and found that video is the way to go. Learned how to turn a heel, that great mystery that had always intrigued me.

Moonshadow, I'll be back. Thanks for starting this thread.

AR

Almost Ready
Check out the hat-heal sock on knitty.com. It is so cool!!
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/PATThatheel.php

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/images/hatheelBACK.jpg

[Sherrynboo]

Is it hard to learn? I was looking at some of the different designs and I don't have a clue what all those abbreviations mean! I saw one scarf and hat that required a knitting board ( only $46!). I sure would like to learn so I could make Christmas gifts but I am thinking it is too late for this year.

Sherry in GA

[Midnight Blue]

I don't know how to knit either and always thought it looked difficult. I do crochet and that was not too hard to pick up. As I said before though, I had to learn my own way as the instructions confuse me.

[Sassafras]

I bookmarked this thread so I can come back later. I have so much going on right now with my mother's visit and dd coming home on leave from the military soon that I couldn't possibly keep my mind on it to learn. As soon as things calm down, I'll be taking this thread very seriously.

[moonshadow]

Is it hard to learn to knit? I think it depends on the person and how much you want to learn! I taught myself from a library book when I was 8, after my uncle taught me how to finger knit! No videos way back then but I read the directions, studied the pictures and kept doing it until it looked right. I've taught friends and family to knit - some picked it up quickly and others gave up too quickly! I love to do hand needle work so working with my hands comes easy to me but sewing machines frustrate me! I can crochet but don't enjoy it as much as knitting - maybe too many granny squares in the '60s? I've heard many people say crocheting is easier. But to me knitting is relaxing as long as I'm not working on a complicated piece.
My sister and niece use knitting looms because they found it hard to manipulate needles - neither are very patient and they wanted to make scarves and hats quickly. If looms interest you, I would go to Michaels or Joann and buy a Knifty Knitter to try before investing in expensive looms. There are a lot of patterns for the Knifty Knitter looms now and it is easy to do. Joann has a 40% off coupon for online purchases (and you can in store ones online)!
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3407
If you want to learn to knit go to the video link and learn to cast on, then learn the knit stitch, then the purl stitch - knit and purl swatches just for practice. One of the hardest things to learn in the beginning is not to knit to tight - it is common to make tight stitches but hard to work tight stitches! When you get those down go to the Lion Brand yarn sight and look for beginner patterns - dishcloths & scarves are easy to start with. Don't worry to much about abbreviations and complicated patterns in the beginning - you will learn it with time! Ask if you need help & good luck!
Is it hard to learn? I was looking at some of the different designs and I don't have a clue what all those abbreviations mean! I saw one scarf and hat that required a knitting board ( only $46!). I sure would like to learn so I could make Christmas gifts but I am thinking it is too late for this year.

Sherry in GA

[moonshadow]

http://cache.lionbrand.com/stores/lionbrand/pictures/kkc-dishclothsa.jpg
*from Lion Brand yarn site
SIZE: One Size
9 inches x 9 inches

One ball of Lion Brand® Lion® Cotton makes several dishcloths



DISHCLOTH
Cast on 46 sts.
Rows 1 and 2 Knit.
Rows 3 and 4 Knit 2, *knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * across to last 2 stitches, knit 2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern until piece measures 9 inches from beginning, ending with pattern Row 2. Bind off all stitches in knit.
FINISHING Weave in ends. Press lightly if desired.

[moonshadow]

http://cache.lionbrand.com/stores/lionbrand/pictures/kfet-dropstitchscarfa.jpg
Lion Brand®

Drop Stitch Scarf

Lion Brand® Fettuccini® (2 balls)

Size 19 needles (or whatever size you like)

SCARF
Cast on 8 stitches.
Knit 6 rows (3 ridges).
Next Row Knit 1, *wrap yarn around needle twice, knit 1; repeat from * across.
Next Row Knit, dropping extra wraps from previous row.
Knit 3 rows.
Repeat the last 5 rows until about 2 yds of yarn remain, ending after knitting 3 rows. Knit 2 more rows. Bind off.

[Sherrynboo]

Thank you Moonshadow! I will head out to the craft store this afternoon and see what I need to get started. I did watch some of the mini videos in the first post in this thread and I think I can do it. I also found a local group that meets on Monday evenings at the local Panera Bread Co.

My mom went through a knitting/crocheting phase and I still have a sweater that she made for me about 20 years ago. I won't wear it but won't part with it either:)

Sherry in GA

[Mstini]

I'll add more later!

Great videos for beginners and advanced stitches & techniques, includes patterns & a forum:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/

Patterns, articles also includes spinning:
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/index.php

Knit dishcloth patterns:
http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/dishcloths.php

My grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet when I was a child. Then in high school, knitting fuzzy dice and "cargyles" for boyfriends to hang on their rear-view mirrors were highly motivating factors for learning. We got so that we could knit argyle socks with a zillion bobbins hanging from them, etc. Very satisfying work!

If you are a beginner, I'd advise you to sick with the easier projects to begin with, such as dish cloths, easy slippers, etc. Trying to start on some advanced items will be frustrating until you have a "feel" for it. As with about every darn thing I can think of, practice is needed!

You can be really proud and pleased with yourself if you make some easy slippers to give at Christmas. There is still time!

[Animal Lover]

http://cache.lionbrand.com/stores/lionbrand/pictures/kkc-dishclothsa.jpg
*from Lion Brand yarn site
SIZE: One Size
9 inches x 9 inches

One ball of Lion Brand® Lion® Cotton makes several dishcloths



DISHCLOTH
Cast on 46 sts.
Rows 1 and 2 Knit.
Rows 3 and 4 Knit 2, *knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * across to last 2 stitches, knit 2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern until piece measures 9 inches from beginning, ending with pattern Row 2. Bind off all stitches in knit.
FINISHING Weave in ends. Press lightly if desired.

My DD made us about 6 of them and I asked her to make one twice as long since breaking two bones in the rotor cuff of left arm cannot get to my back well in the shower. They are beautiful and I use them as washcloths. Soft and easy to wash out every time in the sink. They would never get used in my house as a dishcloth. I love them for my face and bod. AL

[Animal Lover]

Moonshadow, sure love those socks. Waaaay cool. AL

[Almost Ready]

Is it hard to learn? I was looking at some of the different designs and I don't have a clue what all those abbreviations mean! I saw one scarf and hat that required a knitting board ( only $46!). I sure would like to learn so I could make Christmas gifts but I am thinking it is too late for this year.

Sherry in GA

Not sure where you live. If you are in a town with a needlework store, you will probably find a nice place to learn to knit. It's really easy, with just two stitches and a few times you throw yarn over a needle, or scoop up two stitches at a time.

Many yarn store owners will gladly teach you the basic two if you will buy needles and yarn from them. In fact, they'll help you right along with projects when you run into a snag.

Starting, or "casting on" is simple enough, but knitting the first row can be a little clumsy feeling. Even now I often have to do the first row more than once until I like the look of it. Don't be discouraged. That's the hardest part, and the rest is a breeze.

You could knit caps or scarves for presents in very quick time, if you use large enough needles and thick yarn. And they look just great. Around here, there are an amazing amount of knit caps and hats in town. Must be in style again. And no two alike! With the wonderful yarns that have multicolors, your pieces will look terrific without learning how to use multiple yarns this year, too.

Keep it simple, knit L O O S E L Y and relaxed. Use smaller needles if you have to, to get the gauge you need/want, but keep it loose. Your hands and shoulders won't get tired and you won't wear yourself out.

If your library has anything by Elizabeth Zimmermann, borrow it, for encouragement.

I learned as a young one, but need to be refreshed, as often take several years off between spurts of knitting....Susan Bates has great "how to knit" books with easy patterns, widely available. The diagrams are really good enough to follow, especially after watching a few videos. Joannes has all this stuff.

Hope to hear that you tried it!

p. s. The knitting board isn't necessary, even if you are making something that has to look perfect on both sides. A simple garter stitch (knit on both front and reverse rows) or perhaps moss stitch (easy, available online), or ribbing will do that trick. You don't need anything fancy to make a reversible item, like a scarf, look good on both sides.

AR

[moonshadow]

Sherry,
Let us know if you decided to give it a try and what you picked up!
Thank you Moonshadow! I will head out to the craft store this afternoon and see what I need to get started. I did watch some of the mini videos in the first post in this thread and I think I can do it. I also found a local group that meets on Monday evenings at the local Panera Bread Co.

My mom went through a knitting/crocheting phase and I still have a sweater that she made for me about 20 years ago. I won't wear it but won't part with it either:)

Sherry in GA

[moonshadow]

Animal Lover, I love those socks too & can't wait to knit them! Wonder if they're comfortable!?
(oh, jeeze I wrote "heal" for "heel" in that sock post & I do know the
difference! :-?)

Moonshadow, sure love those socks. Waaaay cool. AL
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/images/hatheelBACK.jpg

[moonshadow]

Almost Ready, we pretty much said the same thing! I totally agree with knitting loosely; knitting tightly is so frustrating for beginners! The Michaels and Joanne craft stores in my area have beginning knitting classes but you're right about a local yarn shop. Most will go out of their way to help you. I still go there when I get stuck and just to stare at & fondle the expensive yarn!
Not sure where you live. If you are in a town with a needlework store, you will probably find a nice place to learn to knit. It's really easy, with just two stitches and a few times you throw yarn over a needle, or scoop up two stitches at a time.

Many yarn store owners will gladly teach you the basic two if you will buy needles and yarn from them. In fact, they'll help you right along with projects when you run into a snag.

Starting, or "casting on" is simple enough, but knitting the first row can be a little clumsy feeling. Even now I often have to do the first row more than once until I like the look of it. Don't be discouraged. That's the hardest part, and the rest is a breeze.

You could knit caps or scarves for presents in very quick time, if you use large enough needles and thick yarn. And they look just great. Around here, there are an amazing amount of knit caps and hats in town. Must be in style again. And no two alike! With the wonderful yarns that have multicolors, your pieces will look terrific without learning how to use multiple yarns this year, too.

Keep it simple, knit L O O S E L Y and relaxed. Use smaller needles if you have to, to get the gauge you need/want, but keep it loose. Your hands and shoulders won't get tired and you won't wear yourself out.

If your library has anything by Elizabeth Zimmermann, borrow it, for encouragement.

I learned as a young one, but need to be refreshed, as often take several years off between spurts of knitting....Susan Bates has great "how to knit" books with easy patterns, widely available. The diagrams are really good enough to follow, especially after watching a few videos. Joannes has all this stuff.

Hope to hear that you tried it!

p. s. The knitting board isn't necessary, even if you are making something that has to look perfect on both sides. A simple garter stitch (knit on both front and reverse rows) or perhaps moss stitch (easy, available online), or ribbing will do that trick. You don't need anything fancy to make a reversible item, like a scarf, look good on both sides.

AR

[Sherrynboo]

Thanks for all the info and encouragement! I like those socks in the above picture but I imagine it will be awhile before i graduate up to that level. I didn't get a chance to go by the craft stores today but will be close to one of them on Tuesday and have the afternoon off to have a good look. I am excited about getting started!

Sherry

[Sherrynboo]

Ok, I cheated! I got this hat/scarf kit for beginners. This hat is nothing fancy but I guess it will have to do since I don't know what I am doing anyway:) I will let you know how it turns out.

Sherry in GA

[moonshadow]

Kits are fine - everything you need to start! Is it a knitting kit or a loom kit? You'll do fine & don't worry if you have to start it and rip it apart a few times. That's how you learn. Good luck!
Ok, I cheated! I got this hat/scarf kit for beginners. This hat is nothing fancy but I guess it will have to do since I don't know what I am doing anyway:) I will let you know how it turns out.

Sherry in GA

[Sherrynboo]

No, it is not a loom, just directions, needles and two balls of yarn. I did spend a bit of time last night unravelling but I think I finally have the hang of it. I am just playing with it right now so I don't mind the unravelling. I was looking at some of the fancier yarns yesterday and the possibilities are endless as far as things to make!

Sherry

[moonshadow]

Sherry, Did you go to a craft store or a knitting/yarn shop? I'm so excited you're doing so well so quickly - yah for you! Yarn is sooo pretty :-D.


No, it is not a loom, just directions, needles and two balls of yarn. I did spend a bit of time last night unravelling but I think I finally have the hang of it. I am just playing with it right now so I don't mind the unravelling. I was looking at some of the fancier yarns yesterday and the possibilities are endless as far as things to make!

Sherry

[Sherrynboo]

I went to our local JoAnn's shop. They only had the one kit, other than the loom thingies so I just got that. I will be practicing some more after dinner:)

Sherry

[Sherrynboo]

I made a lot of mistakes but am pleased with the final product:)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d41/sherrynboo/010.jpg

[FINE]

Thanks for this thread!

I can crochet very primitively, but knitting always seem to challenging. I've pulled out my yarn and will give it a try again.

The links are great!:grin:

[moonshadow]

That's wonderful Sherry! You did a great job!! Love the hat, it looks really cute! What do you think- was it hard? What's next?

I made a lot of mistakes but am pleased with the final product:)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d41/sherrynboo/010.jpg

[Deb Mc.]

Sherrynboo,

Congrats! That's a lovely hat. How long did it take you to knit it.

[Sherrynboo]

Thanks ya'll! It took me a few days to practice some and then get down to really working on it. I am making another one right now, without the mistakes of the first one:) I can't wait to get back to the craft store to look at more yarn as I am tired of this color already, haha! I have been looking at the videos in the original post on this thread and they are very helpful! Guess I need to look into crocheting as well since the socks i have seen require both knitting and crocheting.

Sherry

[Disastercat]

Socks should not need any crocheting, unless they have an optional decorated top or something. Its best to start with really simple socks for your first pair and there a number of beginner sock patterns on the web. You can even start with healess socks, which don't wear quite as well but are very easy to make.

The simplest are from an old Swedish tradition (for school children who are learning to knit). You just do your normal knit 2, pearl 2 rib for an inch or two, then start moving them over one stitch ever 3rd row. You can make hats this way too.

It looks like this:

K2,P2 for about 1 to 2 inches

Change to 1 size larger needles if you want (but you don't have to)

Pattern
Row 1: P1,K2,P2
Row 2: same as row 1
Row 3: same as row 1

Row 4: P2,K2 (again for three rounds)

Row 7: K1,P2,K2 (for three rounds)

Row 10: K2,P2 (for three rounds)

At row 10 you are back where you started. This almost takes longer to write than it does to knit! You end up knitting a lovely spiral pattern.

When sock is as long as you want it, including the foot, make a normal toe. If you need directions to do that and can't find them on the web, let me know and I'll give instructions for a simple toe pattern too.

Have fun knitting!
DC

[Sherrynboo]

I think I have finally gotten the hang of the knitting and crocheting:) I knitted a hat and scarf that look pretty good. Now I am crocheting some bath mitts to put my goat milk soap in to give as gifts this year. Thank ya'll for the encouragement!

Sherry in GA

[Martinhouse]

Somewhere here I just read something referred to as Moss Stitch.

If this is what I think it is, it will solve some knitting problems I'm having.

Could someone possibly describe what it is?

Thanks,

Carol

[carol b]

My idea of Moss stitch is on an even number of stitches per row, to K1P1 across, then on the next row, K1P1, so that you are knitting the previous purl stitch and purling the previous knit stitch.

There is apparently another version where you do two rows alike, K1P1 on even number, then next row K1P1, then reverse on the next two rows.

Actually I call it seed stitch. Is it the same thing?

[Almost Ready]

Ok, I cheated! I got this hat/scarf kit for beginners. This hat is nothing fancy but I guess it will have to do since I don't know what I am doing anyway:) I will let you know how it turns out.

Sherry in GA

The best part of a kit is that the pattern is made to work correctly with the yarn you're using. You might have noticed, if you're a browser and grazer like myself, that all the patterns in those online shops and books are written for specific yarns. Substitutes don't always work, even if the gauge is correct, because different yarns have different stiffness, will drape differently, etc. Lion Brand recommends replacement yarns if the yarn for which the pattern was designed has been discontinued.

I just had to tear out a scarf which was being made to match a hat. The yarn was great for the hat, lot of body and looks good, but too stiff for a scarf. I'm trying again with a larger needle to try and achieve a nice flowing drape. A kitmaker would have worked out all the kinks, leaving you free to concentrate on knit, pearl, increase, decrease and all that other stuff. In my situation, a beginner would probably feel really bad to discover the imminent creation of a washboard scarf!

Good move on the kit.

:-D

[carol b]

I woke up in the night realizing I had typed my instructions wrong.
Row 1, even number of stitches: K1P1 across
Row 2, even number of stitches: P1K1 across

Sorry

[Martinhouse]

Well, whatever this stitch is called. I'm gonna try it. I need warm headbands with a stitch that doesn't press ridge lines into my ears. That hurts!

Plain smooth knit stitch curls up too much, so this moss or seed stitch might just work.

Thanks,

Carol

[FundieWife]

Anyone wanting to learn to knit socks, I'm a moderator on a yahoo group called Easysocks. We do bi-monthly knit Alongs (KAL) and we also are there to answer questions. We use larger needles and worsted weight, sport and DK weight yarns (instead of the thinner sock/fingering weight yarns) so that it's not as intimidating. They make great slipper socks or boot socks.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EasySocks/

The pattern we recommended that our beginners start with is here:
http://www.socknitters.com/PATTERNS/stoutsox.html.

There are tons of free patterns out htere for the saving, too. If you have not heard of it (and I'm not sure anyone has mentioned it) Ravelry is an on line knitting and crochet community. You can look up patterns, yarns and discuss specific patterns and techniques. It's a great resource for anyone interested in Knitting, Crochet and even spinning.
http://www.ravelry.com/

I just went to a fiber festival in Texas this past weekend and had a blast. I took a class to learn how to look under a microscope and detect if sheep or goats have parasites and need to be de-wormed or medicated so you don't have to send your samples out to the vet. If I wasn't allergic, I might have come home with some angora rabbits. They do double duty as fiber animals and meat rabbits.

[FundieWife]

Well, whatever this stitch is called. I'm gonna try it. I need warm headbands with a stitch that doesn't press ridge lines into my ears. That hurts!

Plain smooth knit stitch curls up too much, so this moss or seed stitch might just work.

Thanks,

Carol

You might try this pattern. I've made about 4 of them now and given them as gifts, everyone I have given them to loves them and says they get complements on them whenever they wear them.
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTcalorimetry.html

[FundieWife]

Also... if you are a beginner, you may not know that there are yarn stores (we call them LYS for Local Yarn Store) There you will find quality yarns, quality tools for your craft and expert help and advice. Yes, some yarns are expensive, but there are some that are not... and there is no place better to go and touch and feel the yarns. (Heaven!) Most of them also have classes.

This is just one spot on the net you can look to find a store near you.
http://www.knitmap.com/

I'd call ahead and see if the store is still open. I know in the Dallas Ft. Worth area alone they have had 2 or 3 LYSs go out of business in the last year or so. (one owner retired another owner had to move out of state when her husband's job was transferred... but the rest of the stores report they are doing well, even in this economy and off the top of my head I can count 7 stores in the DFW area that remain open.)

[Martinhouse]

I have a question for which an experienced knitter might have an answer.

I am making the facemask/hat from a pattern link posted early in this thread.

It is turning out nicely, but this is my problem. The eye opening requires that 24 stitches be cast off. I want to wear my glasses when I wear this hat/mask, so should I cast off maybe 28 or 32 stitches? (It is K2P2 ribbing) I can always crochet in a little filler if I make the opening too wide, but it would be nicer to get it right the first time.

My glasses are sort of an all-time standard size, not the new tiny ones.

Thanks, if someone can advise me,

Carol

[FundieWife]

I have a question for which an experienced knitter might have an answer.

I am making the facemask/hat from a pattern link posted early in this thread.

It is turning out nicely, but this is my problem. The eye opening requires that 24 stitches be cast off. I want to wear my glasses when I wear this hat/mask, so should I cast off maybe 28 or 32 stitches? (It is K2P2 ribbing) I can always crochet in a little filler if I make the opening too wide, but it would be nicer to get it right the first time.

My glasses are sort of an all-time standard size, not the new tiny ones.

Thanks, if someone can advise me,

Carol

To get this right, you need to check your gauge. lay out what you have done and count the number of stitches that are in 4 inches of knitting (use a tape measure). Divide that by 4 and you have how many stitches per inch you are knitting, partial stitches count too...
Next. Measure your glasses to find out how big your opening should be. You should be able to do a little math to find out how big the opening needs to be and adjust the number accoringly. (Example, Glasses are 5 inches wide, you are knitting 6 stitches per inch... 6X5=30, you need an opening 30 stitches wide, plus a few stitches to allow for the opening to go around your glasses, so go with 34.... Make since?)
Post again here if you need help with the math, I know sometimes gauge is confusing and there are people here to help. :)
Let us know how it goes!

[Martinhouse]

I'm okay with the math, just wondering if anyone else has ever had to do this.

I'm using 4 ply yarn on #8 needles. The patteren is K2P2 so I need to add or subtract stitches in multiples of four. I think the pattern said approx five stitches per inch and that's what I see if I pull the ribs about as much as they will be pulled when I wear the thing.

My glasses are a good 5 1/2" wide, so I'd need to cast off 28 stitches at minimum. It will be pretty close, that's why I was wondering if anyone has any actual experience with it.

I can work outside without my glasses, but I'd rather not.

Carol

[Martinhouse]

Well, I followed the pattern exactly as it was and my facemask/hat turned out great!

I am so pleased with it! I made the dickey part real long in front, to keep my chest warm, And I had to make a little bridge in the center of the eye opening, to keep the bottom edge of the opening from drooping. (And I crocheted a loop on top to hang it up!)

I did have to take my glasses off when I wore it, because they got fogged, but I can rake okay without them.

Now I'm going to make one in bright orange for when it's really cold out when I rake leaves during hunting season.

Thanks, Micah, for posting this pattern!

Carol

Carol

[Princessla]

I'm just begining, and I don't know why this is happening. I cast off 20 stitches, just to practice, and now after a day of knitting I have 38? How does that happen?

[LC]

First off, I'm assuming you meant to say you cast ON 20 stitiches....not cast off 20 stitches. Apparently you are picking up stitches somewhere along the way. If you aren't always pulling a stitch all the way off the needle after knitting the new stitch then it would be easy to pick up stitches.

I doubt I have done a good job helping you. If someone else doesn't come along and do a better job just keep asking.

Good luck.
LC

[morningstar]

I agree with LC. You might not be completely removing the stitch as you knit, or you might be picking up the strand between stitch.

Best to start over and try again.

Don't give up, though! I give myself three tries (starting, ripping out, starting, ripping out, starting again) whenever I try a new pattern for the first time. It never fails.....

[Princessla]

Yea, I meant casting on...not quite up on the knitting lingo yet. I will rip it out and try again...but I might be back with more questions! Thanks!

[moonshadow]

You've almost doubled your stitch count so you may not be sliding the stitch off the needle, you might be splitting the yarn or most likely you are bringing the yarn to the front after you knit a stitch. If you are bringing the yarn to the front you will add 1 extra stitch for every stitch you knit!

Maybe this video will help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW53D4HjAls&feature=related

And this is a beginners knit video - watch it closely to see if you are doing the stitch correctly:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knit-stitch (http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knit-stitch)

If this doesn't help let us know!

[Princessla]

I think I was bringing the yarn to the front! I watched the video and started over and so far I have the same amount that I started with.

[moonshadow]

Glad you figured it out!!