Knitting is a timeless craft that allows you to create beautiful garments and accessories with just a pair of needles and some yarn. One of the key techniques in knitting is turning, which is the process of changing direction to continue working on the next row. Turning is essential for creating different stitch patterns, shaping garments, and adding texture to your projects.
In this beginner’s tutorial, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of turning in knitting. Whether you’re new to knitting or just need a refresher, this tutorial will help you master this fundamental technique. We’ll cover everything from how to hold your needles to how to turn your work and continue knitting in the opposite direction.
Throughout the tutorial, we’ll also provide helpful tips and tricks to ensure your turning is neat and seamless. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to turn in knitting like a pro, opening up a world of possibilities for your future projects. So grab your needles and let’s get started on this knitting adventure!
Choosing the Right Yarn
When it comes to knitting, choosing the right yarn is crucial. The type of yarn you use can greatly affect the finished look and feel of your project. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting your yarn:
- Fiber Content: Yarns are made from various fibers, such as wool, cotton, acrylic, and blends. Each fiber has its own properties, including warmth, drape, and durability. Consider the characteristics you want for your project and choose a yarn that matches.
- Weight: Yarn weight refers to the thickness or thinness of the yarn. Common yarn weights include lace, fingering, sport, worsted, and bulky. Thicker yarns are great for cozy winter accessories, while thinner yarns are better for fine garments or delicate lacework.
- Gauge: The gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch of your knitting. It is essential to match the gauge specified in your pattern to achieve the correct dimensions. Certain yarns work better with specific gauges, so check the yarn label for recommended needle sizes and gauge information.
- Color and Dye: Yarns come in a wide range of colors, so you can choose one that complements your project or reflects your personal taste. Additionally, consider whether the yarn is hand-dyed, kettle-dyed, or commercially dyed, as this can affect the overall appearance of your knitting.
Before starting a new project, it is a good idea to swatch with your chosen yarn to ensure you like the way it knits up and the fabric it creates. This step will also help you determine whether you need to adjust your needle size to achieve the desired gauge.
Remember, the right yarn can make all the difference in your knitting project. Take your time to explore different options and find the perfect yarn for your needs.
Selecting the Correct Needles
Choosing the right needles is essential for a successful knitting project. The needles you select will depend on various factors such as your yarn thickness, knitting technique, and personal preference. Here are some tips to help you pick the correct needles:
- Needle Size: The size of the needle is indicated by a number, and it corresponds to the diameter of the needle. A higher number means a larger needle. The size of the needle should match the recommended needle size on your yarn label or the size suggested in your pattern.
- Needle Material: Needles come in different materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Each material has its pros and cons. Wooden needles are light, warm to the touch, and have a natural grip. Metal needles provide smooth stitches and are durable. Plastic needles can be affordable and lightweight. Consider your personal preferences when selecting the material.
- Needle Length: The length of the needle affects how many stitches you can comfortably fit on it. For smaller projects or tighter stitches, shorter needles are suitable. However, for larger projects or when working with a high number of stitches, longer needles are more convenient.
- Interchangeable Needles: Interchangeable needle sets are a great investment for avid knitters. They allow you to switch needle sizes and lengths by simply changing the needle tips and cables. This versatility makes them versatile and convenient for a variety of projects.
Remember, knitting is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different needle sizes and materials to find the ones that suit your knitting style and make your knitting experience enjoyable.
Understanding Basic Knitting Stitches
When it comes to knitting, it’s important to understand the basic stitches. These stitches form the foundation of any knitting project, and mastering them will allow you to create a wide variety of patterns and designs. Here are some of the most common knitting stitches you should know:
- Knit Stitch: The knit stitch is the most basic stitch in knitting. It creates a smooth, V-shaped pattern on the right side of the fabric and is often used for the main body of a project.
- Purl Stitch: The purl stitch is the reverse of the knit stitch. It creates a bump or purl on the right side of the fabric and is often used to add texture and variety to a project.
- Stockinette Stitch: The stockinette stitch is created by alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. This stitch creates a smooth fabric on one side and a bumpy or textured fabric on the other side.
- Garter Stitch: The garter stitch is created by knitting every row. It creates a fabric with ridges on both sides and is often used for scarves, blankets, and other projects where you want a reversible design.
- Rib Stitch: The rib stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific pattern. This stitch creates a stretchy fabric that is often used for cuffs, borders, and other areas that need to retain their shape.
These are just a few examples of the basic knitting stitches you’ll encounter. As you develop your knitting skills, you’ll discover many more stitches and stitch patterns to explore. Practice these basic stitches until you feel comfortable with them, and then start experimenting with different stitch combinations to create unique and beautiful designs.
Starting with a Cast-On Stitch
Before you can start knitting, you’ll need to learn how to cast on stitches onto your needles. Casting on is the first step in the knitting process and is essential for creating the foundation row of your project.
There are several methods for casting on, but the most common method for beginners is the long-tail cast-on.
- Begin by leaving a long tail of yarn, about three times the width of your finished project.
- Make a slipknot by making a loop with the yarn, crossing the tail end over the working end.
- Insert your knitting needle through the loop and tighten the knot by pulling on the tail end of the yarn.
- Hold the needle with the slipknot in your right hand.
- With your left hand, make a “V” shape with the yarn coming from the ball, placing your thumb and index finger in the center of the “V”.
- Use the needle in your right hand to go under the left-hand yarn and catch it with the needle.
- Pull the yarn through the loop on your right-hand needle, creating a stitch.
- Repeat steps 5-7 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your project.
Once you have finished casting on, you are ready to begin knitting! The cast-on stitches are now on your right-hand needle, and you can start working the first row of your pattern.
Remember to keep a loose tension when casting on to ensure that your stitches are not too tight. As you gain more experience, you may explore different cast-on methods to achieve different effects in your knitting projects.
Knitting the First Row
Now that you have cast on your stitches, it’s time to start knitting your first row. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Hold your knitting needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand and the empty needle in your left hand.
- Insert the tip of the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle. The left needle should be behind the right needle.
- Using your right hand, wrap the yarn around the right needle from back to front.
- With the right needle, pull the wrapped yarn through the stitch on the left needle, creating a new stitch on the right needle.
- Slide the stitch off the left needle, so it is now on the right needle.
- Repeat steps 2-5 for each stitch until you have reached the end of the row.
Remember to keep the tension of your yarn consistent and avoid pulling it too tight or too loose. It may take a few tries to get the hang of it, but with practice, you’ll be knitting your first row with ease!
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| yo | yarn over |
| k2tog | knit two stitches together |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit |
Adding New Yarn and Changing Colors
Adding new yarn and changing colors in your knitting project is a great way to incorporate different shades or create unique patterns. Here are the steps to add new yarn and change colors:
- Finish the last stitch of the previous row with the old color.
- Cut the old yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
- Take the new yarn and make a slipknot, leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
- Insert the needle into the next stitch, just as you would for a regular stitch.
- Hold the tail of the new yarn together with the old yarn, and wrap the new yarn around the needle to complete the stitch.
- Continue knitting with the new yarn, following the pattern or design you desire.
- If you want to create stripes or a color pattern, simply switch between the different colored yarns at the desired intervals.
To ensure that the new yarn is secure and doesn’t unravel, you can make a quick knot between the old and new yarn tails on the wrong side of the work. However, this is optional and may not be necessary depending on your project.
Remember to weave in the yarn tails at the end of your project to give it a clean and finished look. This can be done by threading the tails onto a yarn needle and weaving them through the stitches on the wrong side.
Adding new yarn and changing colors opens up a world of possibilities in your knitting projects. Experiment with different color combinations and patterns to create unique and beautiful designs.
Increasing and Decreasing Stitches
When knitting, you may need to increase or decrease the number of stitches in your work to achieve the desired shape. Here are some common methods for increasing and decreasing stitches.
Increasing Stitches
To increase stitches, you can use several methods:
- Knit into the front and back (KFB): Insert the right needle into the front of the stitch, wrap the yarn around the needle, and knit the stitch. Without removing the stitch from the left needle, knit into the back of the same stitch. This creates an additional stitch.
- Make one (M1): Insert the left needle from front to back under the horizontal strand between the last and next stitches. Knit or purl the strand to create a new stitch.
These methods increase the stitch count by one stitch each time they are used.
Decreasing Stitches
To decrease stitches, you can use several methods:
- Knit two stitches together (K2tog): Insert the right needle into the next two stitches as if to knit, and knit them together as one stitch.
- Purl two stitches together (P2tog): Insert the right needle into the next two stitches as if to purl, and purl them together as one stitch.
- Slip, knit, pass (SKP): Slip one stitch knitwise, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch. This counts as one decrease.
These methods decrease the stitch count by one stitch each time they are used.
It’s important to carefully follow the instructions for increasing and decreasing stitches in your pattern, as different methods can create different effects. Practice these techniques on a small swatch before using them in your project to ensure you understand how they work.
Finishing Off and Binding Off
Once you have finished knitting your project, it is time to finish off and bind off your stitches. This process will ensure that your work stays in place and doesn’t unravel.
To finish off, cut the yarn, leaving a tail that is at least 6 inches long. Thread the tail through the last stitch on your knitting needle and pull it through, creating a loop. Gently tug on the loop to secure the yarn.
To bind off, knit the first two stitches as normal. Then, using your left-hand needle, lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right-hand needle. You have now bound off one stitch.
Continue to knit one stitch and then bind off until you have only one stitch left on your right-hand needle. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and thread it through the last stitch, pulling it tight.
Now you can weave in any loose ends by threading them onto a yarn needle and sewing them into the back of your work. This will give your knitting a clean, finished look.
If you want to add a decorative edge to your work, you can also try different binding off techniques such as a picot bind off or a stretchy bind off.
Remember to always practice and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your knitting projects.
FAQ:
What is knitting?
Knitting is a technique used to create fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with two or more needles.
What does “turning in knitting” mean?
Turning in knitting refers to the process of reversing the direction of your work, usually done at the end of a row, in order to continue knitting in the opposite direction.
How do you turn in knitting?
To turn in knitting, you first complete the last stitch of the row. Then, you swap the needles, holding the one with the stitches in your left hand and the empty one in your right hand. Finally, you bring the working yarn to the front (for purl stitches) or to the back (for knit stitches) and begin the next row.
Why is turning important in knitting?
Turning is important in knitting because it allows you to create a fabric that is symmetrical and even on both sides. It also ensures that you are always working with the right side of the fabric facing you.