The Knitters Thread

homealone_2

cuddles123 wrote: »

Well done NJ - I've never tried magic Loop.

Just finished my first crochet project. A Neckwarmer for my sister. Done on a bifg hook with 4 strands of yarn, so only took an hour!

ooh thats lovely...would you mind sharing the pattern? my mum had a similar style scarf in a fur material with the one button and loved it, wore it every day then lost it in a hotel at the end of of last year and still moans about it now ps whats a bifg hook

homealone_2

homealone wrote: »

i am guilty of never doing a tension square but always ending up with items a lot bigger than intended. so did one yesterday, its for a pair of fingerless gloves for dd2 for birthday but its supposed to be a 10 cm square on 4mm needles with 22 stitches and 31 rows. unfortunately it is more oblong than square and measure 13 coms long. what size needles should i change to for correct tension?

is there anyone around that can help with my little problem?

cuddles123

homealone - read this

http://www.bhkc.co.uk/data/Tension.htm

The pattern for the Neckwarmer is here

http://genuinemudpie.ca/2010/10/26/comical-neck-warmer/

OrkneyStar

Finally finished my cherry red B and B socks. Started 15/5 finished 16/5 but didn't really take that long, in fact about 3-4 nights each sock. Photos not great as red a pain to photograph!!
Deleted those photos, here is a better one:

Hope all are well!

PepPop

OrkneyStar They look really cosy

cuddles123

Well done to the Human Sock Machine ;);)

Gorgeous as ever Orkney

I am knitting leaves for a Christmas Wreath at the moment :cool:

Ami82

Hi, i am a little new to knitting and currently knitting my first ever blanket for DD but i have a question if you guys don't mind answering? As i started on my 3rd ball of wool i only just noticed on the packaging it says - 10cmx10cm, 4x4ins, 28 rows and 22sts. What does this mean? My blanket is a lot bigger than the measurements there, am i doing something wrong? I am using the correct needles for the wool (4mm) so that part i know i am doing right! Lol. If someone can just explain to me what those info on the packaging means that would be great!

Also, i would like to do a border around the blanket after i have finish knitting it, is this something i can do once the blanket is knitted? Is crocheting the border easier and faster to do in your opinion than knitting it?

Sorry for all the questions, like i said this is my first ever 'proper' project and i so want to get it right!

OrkneyStar

Ami82 wrote: »

Hi, i am a little new to knitting and currently knitting my first ever blanket for DD but i have a question if you guys don't mind answering? As i started on my 3rd ball of wool i only just noticed on the packaging it says - 10cmx10cm, 4x4ins, 28 rows and 22sts. What does this mean? My blanket is a lot bigger than the measurements there, am i doing something wrong? I am using the correct needles for the wool (4mm) so that part i know i am doing right! Lol. If someone can just explain to me what those info on the packaging means that would be great!

Also, i would like to do a border around the blanket after i have finish knitting it, is this something i can do once the blanket is knitted? Is crocheting the border easier and faster to do in your opinion than knitting it?

Sorry for all the questions, like i said this is my first ever 'proper' project and i so want to get it right!

This is the tension/gauge that the wool will knit to, using the needle size specified on the ball, basically it relates to how tight or loose you are knitting. If you measure a 10cm by 10 cm square on your blanket (or 4 inch by 4 inch if you prefer inches!), you should be able to count around 22 stitches along the way, and 28 rows up/down the way. Your blanket pattern may also suggest a tension/gauge you should knit to, although I guess it is less important with a big flat object, so it may not. Tension is more important when knitting things with tapered edges to fit together, eg a raglan (pointy sleeve) on a cardigan or a nice fitted heel on a sock! Often a pattern (especially one with a lot of work in it) will advise firstly to knit a tension square of slightly larger than the measurements given (10 by 10cm here) and actually measure the stitches before you start the proper pattern, just to check, though in practice I tend to start knitting and then check tension near the start of actual project (didn't use to pay much attention and it tended to be ok anyway!). If your tension is way out then there it is normally a good idea to go up or down needle size, even two (upwards if not enough stitches in your square compared to guide, downwards if too many), but again with a flat item like your blanket I would think it fine if it looks ok and is roughly the size you expect! If you are to be knitting a pattern, i.e. not just flat, then you need to check the tension over a section of pattern!
Phew, hope that helps......:)

Re doing a border, well I personally would crochet something, as I would find that easier, but others may have some alternative suggestions (tassels eg).

Welcome too, and happy knitting. Would love to see a pic of blanket when done.

cuddles123

OrkneyStar wrote: »

This is the tension/gauge that the wool will knit to, using the needle size specified on the ball, basically it relates to how tight or loose you are knitting. If you measure a 10cm by 10 cm square on your blanket (or 4 inch by 4 inch if you prefer inches!), you should be able to count around 22 stitches along the way, and 28 rows up/down the way. Your blanket pattern may also suggest a tension/gauge you should knit to, although I guess it is less important with a big flat object, so it may not. Tension is more important when knitting things with tapered edges to fit together, eg a raglan (pointy sleeve) on a cardigan or a nice fitted heel on a sock! Often a pattern (especially one with a lot of work in it) will advise firstly to knit a tension square of slightly larger than the measurements given (10 by 10cm here) and actually measure the stitches before you start the proper pattern, just to check, though in practice I tend to start knitting and then check tension near the start of actual project (didn't use to pay much attention and it tended to be ok anyway!). If your tension is way out then there it is normally a good idea to go up or down needle size, even two (upwards if not enough stitches in your square compared to guide, downwards if too many), but again with a flat item like your blanket I would think it fine if it looks ok and is roughly the size you expect! If you are to be knitting a pattern, i.e. not just flat, then you need to check the tension over a section of pattern!
Phew, hope that helps......:)

Re doing a border, well I personally would crochet something, as I would find that easier, but others may have some alternative suggestions (tassels eg).

Welcome too, and happy knitting. Would love to see a pic of blanket when done.

All good advice Orkney
I never used to bother with a tension square, but like you, I do check the tension on my work now.
Also agree re edging. I have just learnt simple crochet, and find that a much easier way of adding an edging. However you could pick up the stitches around the edge, or knit something like a button band on a cardigan and sew it on.

Good luck whichever you do, and do come back with a picture.:cool:

Ami82

Thank you so much for explaining Orkney i now understand! I've measured my work and i think i am only off about a couple of stitches so not too bad and as it's a blanket it shouldn't be a problem. I am learning new things about knitting everyday! I learned how to russian join my ball of wool the other day and it's been a life saver as i like my blanket to look neat at the back and this method worked so well for me! Cuddles i think i will do a simple crochet border for the blanket (need to watch a few youtube vids first)! I can't wait to show you guys the finish blanket (although it is a very simple easy blanket wish i could do the more interesting knits but one step at a time lol) i am finding knitting so relaxing! Takes away the stress of 2 young kids to look after! But this hobby is so addictive and i've not been very mse about buying my wool... spent a bit on this baby wool i am using! Oops!