Knitting Tips And Basic Knitting Techniques To Help You With Knitting

Even when you know how to knit, it's fun to learn a new tip on knitting or some new knitting stitch. 

And by knowing a few tricks of the trade it can turn a so-so knitting project into a fun experience making it easier and quicker. It can even look better too.

What I've done is created two pages of knit tips, this one and a knit tips for beginners page called tips for knitting beginners.   

Rather than sifting through the tips on this page, I wanted a dedicated page for new knitters as well. 

I wanted to give beginners some extra knitting help as you begin knitting your first few rows.

Let's get started...

1. Long Tail Cast On Without Estimating Tail Length

I really enjoy using the long tail cast on. I like the nice clean stretchy edge it creates and how it makes my knitting look. But...

How many of you have tried casting on a lot of stitches only to find that you ran out of yarn before you were done? 

And then the next time you tried, you over compensated and had three extra feet of yarn left? haha Arrgghh!  Me too.

But not anymore, check this out. 

Note: If you're a new knitter you will need to check out the original version of the long tail cast on too so that you have the full step-by-step instructions.  

Then you can come back here and see this terrific tip for knitting the long tail.  Don't worry I'll wait for you.

Long Tail Cast On Alternative

Then use both ends just like using one long end the other way.

Note: When you count stitches make sure not to add the slip knot as a stitch. You won't use it. 

This is one time you don't use the slip knot as a stitch. It's just an anchor to start the long tail cast on.

Now you can start knitting your row until you come to the slip knot and stop.

Isn't that great?  I sure like it, especially when I am casting on two or three hundred stitches.  And there's no wasted yarn. 

The best time to use this cast on knitting method is when you have a lot of stitches to cast on. It makes it wonderfully simple.

2. The Biggest Knit Tips Of All Is Knitting Gauge

Yes it really is one of the most important tips on knitting. When you learn what gauge in knitting is and how to check gauge your knitting will become easier.

Here ya go, have a look at my page on knitting gauge.  

It truly is that important and honestly when you get into the habit it will become second nature. 

3.  When You are Knitting a Gauge Swatch...

Just knit some eyelets for the size needle you used. In the picture above there are nine eyelets and I used a size 9 US knitting needle.

A simple eyelet stitch pattern is this: YO, K2tog. Or written out it's yarn over, then knit 2 together. That will form an eyelet stitch or a hole in your knitting.

Just A Little Knitting Tips Reminder

To get less stitches per inch use larger needles 

To get more stitches per inch use smaller needles

4.  Clean Stripes When Knitting Ribbing

Have you ever had to change colors when you're knitting rib stitch? And then you noticed that you have the new color poking through on the right side?

And when the stitches poke through on the right side it looks kind of messy and not crisp and clean? 

And you're going to love this!  Well....I sure did.

Now it's nice and clean and crisp.

5.  When You Bind Off Knitting...

Do you ever find that you bind off stitches too tightly?  And do you find that the last stitch on the bind off row is really loose and messy? 

Me too.

But I have ways to clean up that bind off row once and for all and I even made a page about it to help you too.  

Check out my bind off knitting tips page right here

6.  Knitting Cables Without a Cable Needle.  Oh My..

Sound scary?  Maybe, but when I discovered that there was a way to cable stitches without using the cable needle it was a total epiphany for me.  

Suddenly knitting cables wasn't so difficult anymore.  You may feel the same way.  Have a look and see how to knit cables without a cable needle.  I'd love to know what you think.

7. Holes On The Sides Of Your Knit Cable Stitch?

Do you ever notice holes on the sides of your knit cables?

And did you also notice that when you tried to tighten up the hole they just got bigger? Yup me too. 

But it's an easy fix. Just loosen up on the yarn. It just means that you knit the cables a little too tightly. 

Knitting cable stitches takes more yarn and the yarn gets stretched quite a bit when you knit them so again, just loosen up and they'll disappear nicely.

 I love the easy fixes like this one...haha

8.  Knit Front Slip Back Increase With No Bar In Front

This simple increase has been around for little while now and I've included it on my increasing stitches page. But I think this is a great little knitting technique and warrants a spot on this page too. 

This knitting increase is similar to the KFB (knit front and back) however it's made so there's no bar in the front of your knitting. 

It's brilliant and so easy to do. Have a look.

Knit Front Slip Back Knitting Video

9. Knitting Mistakes And Simple Ways To Fix Them

Everyone makes knitting mistakes. It's a fact of life and these simple knitting techniques will show you how to fix those mistakes with confidence. 

You'll be up and knitting in no time.

Twisted Stitches   What is a twisted stitch? I'll show you and you'll never have twisted stitches again.     

Tinking   Great knitting technique for undoing stitches one at a time

Dropped Stitches  Did a stitch slip off your needle? Here's an easy fix.

10: Ask For Some Knitting Help

If you ever need help with your knitting please click on the Contact Me button down below and on the right side.  

I'd love to help you with your knitting and I'm not that far away.

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