If you are looking to expand your knitting knowledge and become a better knitter, these top tips and techniques will help you to get a smoother, more even result.
Always knit a gauge swatch
The first tip is to make sure you always knit a gauge swatch. When you are following a pattern and need your knitting to be a specific size, the only way to ensure this is to knit a gauge swatch. The pattern will give a recommended gauge, which is how many stitches there are in one inch of fabric, but the only way to know with any accuracy is to find out your own unique gauge. Even when you are using the recommended yarn and size of needle, your tension may differ, meaning the end result will not be the correct size. Even a small difference can prove to be significant in the finished garment. You can find out more about knitting gauge here.
Tension the yarn consistently
If your knitting looks bumpy or messy, it is usually the result of uneven stitches across a row, with some stitches bigger than others. If you want to knit a nice, smooth fabric, you need to make sure you keep the same tension as you do each stitch. One way to do this is to tension the yarn between your fingers and ease it out as you need it. There is no single “right” way to tension your yarn and it is a matter of comfort and personal preference.
Choose the right yarn for the project
It is important to buy yarn that is suitable for whatever it is you are making. There is a vast array of different yarns available and you’ll need to consider a number of factors to find an appropriate one. Think about the fibre content, the thickness, the texture and the colour. A knitting kit is a good way to make sure you have the right tools for the job as they come with all the yarn you will need for the project. You can find an exceptional range of knitting kits for all skill levels online including sites such as: woolcouturecompany.com/collections/knitting-kits.
Practice new techniques before you start
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If a pattern contains techniques you are not familiar with, it’s important to spend some time practising them before you start. You can use scrap yarn to do this, so you don’t waste your quality yarn.