The Knitters Thread

Savvy_Sue

PipneyJane said:

I’m not an expert, so would resort to YouTube.   Do you crochet by any chance?  There’s a really-easy-to-unravel crochet provisional cast on, which is based on a crocheted chain stitch.    Years ago, I did a class with Woolly Wormhead, who demonstrated it.  She may have a video lesson on her website.

Went on YouTube as soon as I read about it! Seem to be three main methods: two needles and a lot of over / under twisty stuff going on, the crochet chain, and using a knitting needle and a crochet hook at the same time! 

I can do a crochet chain but that's my limit. I'll have a play: was thinking of doing fronts and backs all at once, so it's going to be a loooong cast on ... 

wondercollie

I loathe the provisional cast ons, tried both the crochet and the faffing about version.  
The next shawl I knit, I'm skipping it and doing a loose cast on.

Savvy_Sue

wondercollie said:

I loathe the provisional cast ons, tried both the crochet and the faffing about version.  
The next shawl I knit, I'm skipping it and doing a loose cast on.

  useful to have an opinion: I must admit the one with two needles and lots of twisting about looked complicated. 

When I get to knitting the tension square I'll give it a go. However I have now cast on the entire neck bands, all in one rather than two pieces. I think each row (400+ stitches) is going to be more than one evening's work (I usually watch TV for an hour each evening, and that's my knitting time!) 

Am I the only one who really dislikes finishing mid row?

nursemaggie

If you keep stopping in mid row it does not give the same neat finish but there are times when you have to do it like when the phone rings. I always finish my row before going to bed because it is going to be some time before I pick it up again.

Savvy_Sue

nursemaggie said:

If you keep stopping in mid row it does not give the same neat finish but there are times when you have to do it like when the phone rings. I always finish my row before going to bed because it is going to be some time before I pick it up again.

Yes, I can see that. I think I will avoid stopping at the front, keep going until I'm on the sleeve or back edge ... 

Shropshirelass

Could I ask for advice please?
I've been knitting for 60 years, mostly for family, and more recently for DGD and myself. I used to knit jumpers for DH, until he put on weight, and the jumpers I made became heavy for me to handle on the needles, and also stretched a lot when washed. This last has not put him off though. His current favourite jumper is one I knitted about 5 years ago, now completely shapeless, it has stretched in all directions, and from a distance looks like chain mail. I knitted it in stocking stitch into the back of the purl stitch row (don't know the correct term), but I thought this was less likely to stretch.  He has now begged me for another, as he thinks they are warmer than bought.
Could anyone advise as to a good yarn to use, containing a fair proportion of wool? Any other hints would also be appreciated. TIA. Sue

Savvy_Sue

Shropshirelass said:

Could I ask for advice please?
I've been knitting for 60 years, mostly for family, and more recently for DGD and myself. I used to knit jumpers for DH, until he put on weight, and the jumpers I made became heavy for me to handle on the needles, and also stretched a lot when washed. This last has not put him off though. His current favourite jumper is one I knitted about 5 years ago, now completely shapeless, it has stretched in all directions, and from a distance looks like chain mail. I knitted it in stocking stitch into the back of the purl stitch row (don't know the correct term), but I thought this was less likely to stretch.  He has now begged me for another, as he thinks they are warmer than bought.
Could anyone advise as to a good yarn to use, containing a fair proportion of wool? Any other hints would also be appreciated. TIA. Sue

I can't help with yarn suggestions, might help if you said what you tend to use now, and how you wash and dry them? 

However I would recommend circular needles! You'll find the weight of the wool sits in your lap rather than on the needles, and you just go back and forth. 

It can be a bit of a faff - for example my posts above about the Front Bands of my latest cardigan mention 440 stitches, so I am forever pushing along the cable - the knitted stitches to stop them bunching too close to the point of the needle, so they don't fall off, and the yet-to-be-knitted stitches towards the point of the needle. But there is no way I could hold an adult garment on straights. 

I started with a cheap bamboo set from Amazon but soon upgraded to KnitPro interchangeable needles. https://knitproneedles.co.uk/ I like the wooden needles, but I do have one set of metal. Avoid the acrylic: one of mine broke. :-( 

However you might find non-interchangeable better to start with: the joint between the needles and the cable isn't always easy to get 'tight', and they start unscrewing themselves. As long as you get the right length of cable - it doesn't matter if it's too long when you're going backwards and forwards, but if it's too short it's a bit of a disaster. 

I will say that I wouldn't be able to do those Front Bands all in one without interchangeables. The kits come with extenders, and I've had to use those for the first time! I did try knitting the first row using just one long needle, but it was too tangled, so I'm now using two. Much simpler. 

nursemaggie

I've been knitting for 70 years but I am at a loss as what you actually want. Have you ever watched how he puts a jumper on your DH may be the problem. I think drying them flat may help too.

Shropshirelass

I don't think the problem is washing, i treated this jumper as I normally do, i.e. washed by hand, dried flat during first 2 years or so, then when it was no longer 'best', washed in machine, still dried flat.
I like to use DK, and I have a 4mm circular needle, it's square, but nice to use. It's the yarn I'm not sure of, some types seem to be less stretchy than others, and some are silky, I find them difficult to keep firm.
I'm not able to get to a proper wool shop, not only because of lockdown, but the nearest is over 25 miles away, so can't compare yarns. I usually buy online.
I will (surreptitiously) watch himself putting his jumpers on and off, there may be something there! 

Savvy_Sue

Yes, DK, but what composition? I can't wear 100% acrylic for example, but when my mum knitted me jumpers in it I think they were stretchier than natural yarns. 

just avoid mohair, you can shrink that by looking at it!