There are many different ways to add a new ball of yarn when knitting. The technique you decide to use will be based on what you are knitting. I find using the Magic Knot is the best way for projects that sit flat, such as a scarf, and are double-sided. It is also ideal if the new ball of yarn is the same colour as the working yarn.
STEP ONE: With the working yarn and the new yarn ends, create 2 pretzels. Make sure to follow the direction of the arrows.
STEP TWO: Slowly pull and tighten both knots.
STEP THREE: Now that the knots are have been tightened, pull one end of the working yarn and one end of the new yarn, bringing the two knots closer together. Give a tug and if the knots give way then the pretzels were made incorrectly.
STEP FOUR: Cut the ends as close to the centre knot as possible but be careful not to snip any threads of the actual knot.
That’s it, your done! The Magic Knot is a great and easy option for beginners to do and I hope you found this helpful.
Knitting in the round simply means knitting in a circle. The term “join in the round” can be frightening for most but believe me it is way easier than you think.
Knitting in the round is great for making tube shape items such as:
hats
mittens
socks
sleeves for a sweater
It can sound confusing if you have never done it before. But I am confident that the following steps and photos will help you master the technique.
If your needles are brand new and just out of the package, you might want to relax the cable before starting. I usually fill a bowl of hot water and submerge the cable into the water for a few minutes. This will help it to relax and will be much easier to use.
Cast on the number of stitches that your pattern calls for. Casting on is the same technique as when using straight needles.
Place a stitch marker after the last stitch that you created.
IMPORTANT! Make sure that all stitches are sitting flat and facing the same direction. Also, make sure there are not any twists.
4. With your left hand, pick up the needle that has the very first stitch you created.
5. With your right hand, pick up the needle that has the stitch marker and yarn ends.
6. With your right hand insert the needle into the first stitch that is sitting on the left-handed needle. Knit this stitch.
You have now created a close circle! That is it! You have “joined in the round”. Continue with pattern instructions, going around and around. When you get past the end of the first row, there will be a bit of a gap in the yarn. Don’t worry about this small hole, as you will be able to sew your yarn end into it and tighten it up. I recommend using a stitch marker as it helps to keep track of the pattern and completion of a row.
Here is a short video demonstrating the about photos.
RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
To knit in the round you will need needles that are attached by a cable. Cables come in many different lengths, so it is important know the correct size you will need. If you have a cable that is too long, it will be hard to move the stitches along the needle and the yarn stitches will stretch.
Here is an example of how one size knitting needle comes in 5 different cable lengths.
US17, 12mm
47”/120cm cable length
40”/100cm
32”/80cm
24”/60cm
16”/40cm
I hope that I have inspired you to try knitting in the round and encourage you to do it! This technique will open the door to many more things that you will be able to knit and create.
What is wet blocking? Wet blocking simply means washing your knitted or crochet wool project with soap and water, then framing it to the desired size. Wet blocking will improve the overall appearance, helps fibres to relax, and get rid of excess dye and dirt.
I do not block all my knitted pieces. However, the Woolly Winter Infinity Scarf is a perfect example of when to wet block. I designed this scarf pattern using the Bamboo stitch and Malabrigo Caracol yarn. I just love the look of this scarf but needed to fix the curling edges. (photo left below)
Blocking this scarf resolved the issue, making it sit nice and flat. (photo right below)
I always wet block before weaving all the yarn ends into the work.
BEFORE
AFTER
Right Tools For The Job
Is it so easy to do, once you know what to do! So let’s get to it!
There are four items that you will need to wet block properly: T-Pins, foam play mats, Soak Wash, and a clean bath/beach towel.
T-Pins – These are used to secure the knitted/crochet piece to the drying mat. Nickel-plated stainless steel pins are best as they are rust-resistant.
Foam play mats – Used for drying. To save on costs, ask your friend with kids if they have a couple of playing mats that they are willing to borrow. (wash them with soap and water before using!)
Soak Wash – This rinse-free, plant-based soap has an eco-friendly formulation.
A clean bath/beach towel.
STEP ONE:
Decide how many mats you will need for your knitted piece and lay them out on a table, where it can stay for a few days. Have your pins nearby.
STEP TWO:
Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a cap full of Soak Wash. Submerge your piece completely and gently swish. Make sure not to agitate too much! Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
STEP THREE:
If you are using Soak Wash, no rinsing is required! Drain the sink or basin and gently squeeze as much water out of the piece as you can. Do not wring or twist!
STEP FOUR:
Place piece flat on top of a clean towel. Roll one end of the towel to the other end, squeezing as much water out as possible. Do not wring or twist! The towel will soak up the excess water.
Set wet piece on a towel
Roll towel and squeeze!
STEP FIVE:
Lay piece on top of the mat and use pins to secure. This is where I stretched out the scarf to the ideal size and used a lot of pins along those curling edges.
STEP SIX:
Let this dry for a day or two. Once completely dry, remove pins, and voila you are done with wet blocking! Make sure to weave your yarn ends, if you have any.
I hope you found these easy steps helpful and that you will feel confident to wet block your next project!
Designing a knitted piece can be fun and exciting. My niece was going to have a winter wedding and I wanted to knit something special for her but had to keep style and functionality in mind.
I had no idea where to start, so shopping for yarn was a good place as any! I discovered Debbie Bliss, Odin yarn, which is very thick and soft but needed a bit of oomph. Katia Sevilla, ribbon ended up being the perfect match. It was then I knew that I wanted to design a clutch!
I have always loved the plaited basketweave stitch as it is unique and very elegant looking. Here was my opportunity to try it and see how it would turn out.
I used US11/8mm single pointed knitting needles and found that the tension was tight and in hindsight should have used a larger-sized needle. Hence the ends curled up, so I had to block the piece before adding the lining. I used Soak Wash, as this is a rinse-free soap, and wanted to keep the piece intact.
Once completely dry, I added the lining which for me was a bit tricky as sewing is not my thing! I pressed the side seams with an iron, just to make sure that they stayed flat as I sewed around the edge, then added the snap dome last.
I was quite pleased how it turned out as this was the first time, I had ever knitted a clutch. For full pattern details click here The Ashley Marie Clutch.
I had so much fun being creative, discovering new yarns, and making something for someone special for her special day!
