Mistakes in knitting are a part of the learning curve. When you transform yarn with your knitting needles into your favorite sweater or socks, hat or a gift for a loved one, you may come across some issues. All of us have been there at one point or another making knitting mistakes. But, the trick is to know how to fix knitting mistakes. Many times it is seen that knitters who make a mistake in knitting and don’t know how to fix it, eventually ripping out all their work or end up putting their project aside. Knitters often end up starting another project or taking a break from knitting altogether. To stay focused on knitting and enjoy the meditative aspects of the craft, it is important that we learn about common knitting mistakes and how to correct them.
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, a popular knitter also known by the name of the Yarn Harlot, writes in her book of Knitting Rules, “It’s only knitting and it’s one of the few times in your life when there are no bad consequences to a mistake.”
Choosing the Wrong Yarn or Knitting Needle
Choosing the wrong yarn or knitting needle is a disaster. Your project won’t turn the way you wanted it to be. So, the trick to correct this common knitting mistake is not cast on stitches as soon as you have the pattern, knitting needles and yarn. Start with a small swatch. You will be able to fix the needle material or yarn material. If you find your stitches slipping bamboo and wooden needles are ideal while if you are not able to stitch smoothly, stainless steel and metal needles work the best. You can also know more about the yarn drape, stitch definition and the look.
Not understanding your Gauge
Gauge is the count of stitches in a particular knitted fabric. Every pattern designer mentions about the gauge and even if you follow the exact instructions, gauge may differ. Not all knitters and crocheters stitch the same way, some make tighter stitches while others have a very loose hand. A gauge swatch will indicate whether your knitting needles and yarn are working. You may need to go a size up or down.
The wrong cast on
The first step of every knitting project is to cast on stitches. Basically loops are made on a needle that get worked off by pulling yarn through them with a second needle. There are many ways to cast stitches some require them to be stretchy and loose while some may require a constricted look. A common knitting mistake is using the same cast-on method on all projects. This will only bring more problems in the project, ultimately making you want to rip out the stitches and begin again. To correct this, always use the appropriate cast on method for your swatch.
Too tight stitches
A common knitting mistakes, especially for beginners too tight stitches are a problem in every way. You will find it difficult to insert the knitting needle to make stitches. It also becomes too difficult to view the stitches properly. This happens when you pull the yarn too tightly scared of dropping stitches or if the yarn is too slippery.
To correct this mistake you need to unravel or stretch that yarn too loosen the stitches. You can also go for a bigger knitting needle size or a material such as stainless steel or metals. A trick to have loose stitches is to cast on stitches with two knitting needles. You hold two needles together, treat them as one and then cast. You can also play around with yarn tensioning. If the tight stitches are uneven and not consistent throughout the pattern, you can correct by blocking. With appropriate blocking tools and the method to block the yarn, you can stretch the stitches to a certain limit, but it does have limitations.
Not keep a count of rows
Knitting is a game of counting but many times knitters do lose the count. It may be because they got busy chatting or somebody asked for them or they got lost in a complicated pattern such as colorwork or lace.
To correct this mistake you will have to unravel as the pattern will go awry. The trick to avoid this mistake this is using stitch markers at regular intervals. A row counter is also great to work with. There are options of row counters that fit on your knitting needles, clicky, row counter rings and more. Many knitters love the row counter rings, as they make beautiful jewellery and show your status as a proud knitter.
To conclude, besides these five common ones, there are many mistakes that you as a beginner might make but don’t take them harshly. Each mistake is a lesson and with time, you will get better. The key to avoiding common knitting mistakes is working with Premium-quality knitting needles and practice.
