Knitting - help and advice super thread!

Princess Peach · 08-11-2012 10:18pm

I am also a fairly new knitter, so my tip is for anything on a pattern you don't fully get, type it into Youtube :P I don't know the moss stitch so I found you a video on it. You can learn everything.

Hope it helps, if not maybe a better knitter will come on the thread with actual advice :pac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpQiQ2je0bg

Das Kitty · 09-11-2012 12:21am

Lyaiera wrote: »

I'm planning on doing my first bit of knitting tonight. I've been watching these youtube videos. I plan on making [url=
http://creativeyarn.blogspot.ie/2008/01/emerald-greenhandwarmer.html]this pair of gloves[/url] (from an Irish site which is a bit of a coincidence.) I think I have it clear but where it says on the moss stitch,

Does that mean knit a normal knit stitch and the a purl stitch right next to it?

Yes.

All you have to remember is to bring your working yarn around to the correct side (ie, if you're going to knit, it should be behind, purl, in front) prior to making each stitch. It's annoying to begin with but you get into a rhythm. If you don't you'll be picking up random stitches all over the shop or have holes in your piece.

Lyaiera · 09-11-2012 1:50am

Das Kitty wrote: »

Yes.

All you have to remember is to bring your working yarn around to the correct side (ie, if you're going to knit, it should be behind, purl, in front) prior to making each stitch. It's annoying to begin with but you get into a rhythm. If you don't you'll be picking up random stitches all over the shop or have holes in your piece.

Thanks.

I seemed to have been a bit ahead of myself, though. I've been able to get the first row onto the needle, but the actual knitting bit is still hard, most I've managed is about three or four stitches before I pull everything off or it goes awry.

Das Kitty · 09-11-2012 1:53am

Lyaiera wrote: »

Thanks.

I seemed to have been a bit ahead of myself, though. I've been able to get the first row onto the needle, but the actual knitting bit is still hard, most I've managed is about three or four stitches before I pull everything off or it goes awry.

Try some different cast on techniques. Some are easier to knit from than others. I like the "long tail" the only downside being that you need to make sure your 'tail' is long enough. I do 2cm per stitch I need to cast on.

Check out youtube. I learned all my knitting from youtube.

wmpdd3 · 10-11-2012 10:51pm

Longford Lass wrote: »

Hi guys.
Bit of a cheapskate here I know but I'm looking for your suggestions on where the cheapest place might be to source some wool.
I'm looking for some of the Can Can/Loopy etc for scarf making.
Would obviously prefer to support local or at least Irish if they're reasonable competitive but please feel free to post some other suppliers too.
Cheers folks xx

Where are you?

Obviously bricks and mortar shops will save you shipping, but online you have:

https://www.google.ie/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&ie=UTF-8#q=buy+wool+online&hl=en&prmd=imvnsfd&source=lnt&tbs=ctr:countryIE&cr=countryIE&sa=X&ei=vMueUJOoL4iHhQfx5YCABw&sqi=2&ved=0CBQQpwUoAQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=3532422783684789&bpcl=38093640&ion=1&biw=1280&bih=675

Most are around the same price, its just shipping that differs.

Further afield you have http://www.yarn-paradise.com/

But the shipping is very high.

janmaree · 17-11-2012 10:04pm

I just ordered online today from "deramores" in UK. Prices were displayed in euro and shipping is free on orders of €50 or more. I needed enough yarn to do a crochet tartan rug so my order came out at €53 but even if it had been for less, the shipping is €5.95 and honestly, I have paid FAR, FAR more in the past. Their prices seemed very good and the choice of brand and colour is huge. Just mentioning it in case it's of use to someone.

Queen-Mise · 21-11-2012 12:20pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Further afield you have http://www.yarn-paradise.com/

But the shipping is very high.

I need some super chunky wool - but I don't know which of the products is super-chunky

I am looking at the yarn tags on the website - which one would be closest? There is a Bulky, Super Bulky & a Winter Yarn.

The Super Bulky looks closest to me: http://www.yarn-paradise.com/alpine What do ye think?

This is the Bulky: http://www.yarn-paradise.com/alpaca_bulky To be honest - this looks very thick to me also.

The patterns I will be following are using 10mm needles

Queen-Mise · 21-11-2012 1:28pm

Lyaiera wrote: »

Thanks.

I seemed to have been a bit ahead of myself, though. I've been able to get the first row onto the needle, but the actual knitting bit is still hard, most I've managed is about three or four stitches before I pull everything off or it goes awry.

This is the video I used on youtube to learn how to do it again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9hv44QwQ-A

.

I think she is very good. I learnt how to knit as a child but had everything forgotten.

wmpdd3 · 21-11-2012 2:54pm

Queen-Mise wrote: »

I need some super chunky wool - but I don't know which of the products is super-chunky I am looking at the yarn tags on the website - which one would be closest? There is a Bulky, Super Bulky & a Winter Yarn.

The Super Bulky looks closest to me: http://www.yarn-paradise.com/alpine What do ye think?

This is the Bulky: http://www.yarn-paradise.com/alpaca_bulky To be honest - this looks very thick to me also.

The patterns I will be following are using 10mm needles

Always go by the picture showing a strand of the yarn and the suggested needle size. The first yarn shows a 9mm needle, so I thing that would be fine with you pattern.

The second is only suggested for 6 mm, much too thin.

If you're anywhere near Tramore in Co, Waterford, theres a wool shop there that does bulky yarn for a pittance. ie €3.99 per 100g.

I usually use 15mm plus needles.

Queen-Mise · 21-11-2012 5:28pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Always go by the picture showing a strand of the yarn and the suggested needle size. The first yarn shows a 9mm needle, so I thing that would be fine with you pattern.

The second is only suggested for 6 mm, much too thin.

If you're anywhere near Tramore in Co, Waterford, theres a wool shop there that does bulky yarn for a pittance. ie €3.99 per 100g.

I usually use 15mm plus needles.

Thanks for the info. Blooming heck the cost of shipping for that site is huge - 90 euro worth of yarn, and 70 euro for shipping :eek:

It is probably still cheaper though than buying wool over here. The bargain wool is so cheap. Might take a look again later on with fresh eyes and fill the shopping cart again.

wmpdd3 · 24-11-2012 1:07am

Not really, not for synthetics, local shops are probably better. Theres a place mentioned on this thread in an industrial estate in Dublin thats great value.

But I find the 100% wool/ merino / cashmere is very good value

Queen-Mise · 25-11-2012 11:20pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Not really, not for synthetics, local shops are probably better. Theres a place mentioned on this thread in an industrial estate in Dublin thats great value.

But I find the 100% wool/ merino / cashmere is very good value

I am after buying a few different bits of wool on Ebay - will be interesting to see next week what the wool will be like. Got some good bargain though on some of it.

I bought some of the Japanese Noro wool - I am really looking forward to knitting with it.

kiwipower · 26-11-2012 3:37pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Wow, I never heard that but I just did a few rows of baby socks and it works fine. Much easier than the 4 open ended needles.

My 4mm circular needles are the stiffest ones so I'll steep them in hot water before I knit the other sock! You really need them to be very flexible.

I had not hear of soaking needles.
Are they bamboo?
Im having trouble with a set I bought recently off Amazon.co.uk, the plastic at the needle end keeps snapping and I've had to cut parts off and re-glue them a few times. Would soaking help stop this from happening?

WWLDD · 26-11-2012 4:58pm

Hi guys,

I want to get my mother the sarah lund jumper from the killing.. but the bloody thing costs 280 Euro online! http://www.sarahlundsweater.com/buyone.html

Can anyone suggest where I can get this jumper knitted for me?
I have researched the full pattern and all materials required.. I just cannot knit myself! I can provide these if required and will pay someone to do this for me?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

PremierMoment · 26-11-2012 5:46pm

Hi there,

There is a knit group that join in Crumlin library, some of them are really expert and maybe they will be happy to do it for you.

WWLDD · 26-11-2012 9:18pm

I'll look them up, thanks.

briscotti · 27-11-2012 9:37pm

Hi all! I am working on a sweater pattern by Tivoli. The front side is going well but I would like to take a break from that piece and begin to work on the sleeves on seperate needles.

I am confused by one part of it and was hoping someone here may be able to offer me some advice / help on how to do this bit? I have written it out below and marked what I am ok with in green, and the bit I don't understand in red. I would be very greatful for any help and thank anyone who can help greatly in advance

With 7mm needles cast on 31 stitches and K8rs
Change to 8mm needles and wk as follows:

Row 1: (RSF) Knit to end.
Row 2: Purl to end.

Then the bit I don't understand / Can't get my head around:
Rep the last 2rs AT THE SAME TIME inc 1 st at each end of the next row and every foll 4th and 6th row alternatively until 51sts working inc sts into st.st.

briscotti · 27-11-2012 10:23pm

WWLDD wrote: »

Hi guys,

I want to get my mother the sarah lund jumper from the killing.. but the bloody thing costs 280 Euro online! http://www.sarahlundsweater.com/buyone.html

Can anyone suggest where I can get this jumper knitted for me?
I have researched the full pattern and all materials required.. I just cannot knit myself! I can provide these if required and will pay someone to do this for me?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

I know someone who knit this up.
I can ask her on Thursday if she would be interested though I have a feling she has a LOT of projects on at the moment.
No harm in asking though!?

phormium · 27-11-2012 10:52pm

Ok it means keep knitting one row plain one purl, that is your background pattern and when the first two rows are done, on the next row increase one stitch at each end of it, then again after three more rows so you are doing it on the next fourth row. Then knit 5 rows as normal and increase again on the sixth, then back again to increasing on the fourth row. It's a bit awkward to keep track of, you will increasing on 10 rows in total alternating between doing it with 3 rows and 5 rows between increases.

I am sure that is as clear as mud! (I just happened on this forum, I have never posted here before so am not familiar with your level of knowledge on knitting so excuse me if I have assumed too much or too little knowledge on your part

briscotti · 27-11-2012 11:08pm

phormium wrote: »

Ok it means keep knitting one row plain one purl, that is your background pattern and when the first two rows are done, on the next row increase one stitch at each end of it, then again after three more rows so you are doing it on the next fourth row. Then knit 5 rows as normal and increase again on the sixth, then back again to increasing on the fourth row. It's a bit awkward to keep track of, you will increasing on 10 rows in total alternating between doing it with 3 rows and 5 rows between increases.

I am sure that is as clear as mud! (I just happened on this forum, I have never posted here before so am not familiar with your level of knowledge on knitting so excuse me if I have assumed too much or too little knowledge on your part

Thank you so much for getting back to me :-) Perfect timing too, i'm just at that point now - here goes nothing!...knitting??

WWLDD · 28-11-2012 10:20am

Thanks Briscotti! Let me know if your friend has the time for this project!

Cheers.

mahamageehad · 06-12-2012 12:30am

I've recently started knitting having not done so since I was a child!

Now I've made 4 hats which I am very proud of (will put in other thread in a min) but I may be over my head with the current pattern.

I don't think that there's anything too complicated in this pattern but I can't actually figure out what it means coz of how it's written so any help is greatly appreciated! It's point three that I'm stuck on!

* Using provisional cast on method cast on 146 stitches.
* Work 10 rows stocking stitch.
* Increase 1 stitch at the beginning of this row, then every 16 rows twice, every 6 rows twice, every other row 2 times as follows: work 2 sts, m1, work to end- 154 stitches.

In fact looking down further through the pattern it's going to be difficult because of the chatty style it's written in!

I wouldn't mind but I bought this book specifically for this pattern! Thanks guys!

wmpdd3 · 06-12-2012 1:35am

* Using provisional cast on method cast on 146 stitches.
* Work 10 rows stocking stitch.
* Increase 1 stitch at the beginning of this row, then every 16 rows twice, every 6 rows twice, every other row 2 times as follows: work 2 sts, m1, work to end- 154 stitches.

Cast on using a crochet hook (really easy, makes a lovely edge for the hat)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3J-sUx_whE

do 10 rows of purl

Next row (row 11) , knit or purl 2 sts, then make 1 stitch then knit till end.

Do this on row 27 and then row 43

and then on row 49 and then row 55

and then on row 57 and 59

you should have 154 stitches after all this.

Thats the best I can make of it, though I may be wrong.

ValerieR · 08-12-2012 10:40am

* Increase 1 stitch at the beginning of this row, then every 16 rows twice, every 6 rows twice, every other row 2 times as follows: work 2 sts, m1, work to end- 154 stitches.

[/QUOTE]

At the 11th row, increase by one stich at the beginning of the row by knitting 2 stiches, make 1, and work to the end of the row.
You do this every 16 rows twice, then every 6 rows twice, then every 2 rows using the same technique.

Hope this helps
v

mahamageehad · 08-12-2012 3:50pm

Thanks a million guys!

kiwipower · 10-12-2012 2:18pm

I'm having trouble with my 2.5mm circular bamboo needle. The cable keeps cracking and breaking at the end of the needle. I have been able to repair it by gluing the end back onto the needle but now the cable is getting to short to hold my project.

Would anyone know where I could pick up another length of cable to attach to the needle ends?

Cheers
KP

mahamageehad · 10-12-2012 3:08pm

kiwipower wrote: »

I'm having trouble with my 2.5mm circular bamboo needle. The cable keeps cracking and breaking at the end of the needle. I have been able to repair it by gluing the end back onto the needle but now the cable is getting to short to hold my project.

Would anyone know where I could pick up another length of cable to attach to the needle ends?

Cheers
KP

I'm afraid I can't help but I've had that same problem with all my bamboo circular needles!

If it helps try and get a metal one the next time. I think the problem is that the bamboo ones that I've had tend to have a hollow line whereas the metal needles tend to have a solid plastic line and that doesn't break as easily! Any time I looked up getting cable to attach they seemed expensive and when I glued it it just kept breaking so I gave up and got metal ones- no problems since! I think theoretically you could use anything smooth and cable like of the same width or smaller right? Maybe see is there anything available in a DIY shop?

kiwipower · 10-12-2012 4:33pm

mahamageehad wrote: »

I'm afraid I can't help but I've had that same problem with all my bamboo circular needles! If it helps try and get a metal one the next time. I think the problem is that the bamboo ones that I've had tend to have a hollow line whereas the metal needles tend to have a solid plastic line and that doesn't break as easily! Any time I looked up getting cable to attach they seemed expensive and when I glued it it just kept breaking so I gave up and got metal ones- no problems since! I think theoretically you could use anything smooth and cable like of the same width or smaller right? Maybe see is there anything available in a DIY shop?

Thanks mahamageehad,
I would agree with your theory about the solid versus hollow line. I think when the knitting is in my handbag/backpack the line is being folded and pinched at the end of the bamboo.

Unfortunately I'm three quarters of the way through the body of a 4ply lace jumper, with the sleeves still to go. I cant find 2.5mm metal needles in the west and would also be concerned about changing tensions if I swapped to metal needles now.

Tried one DIY shop in Templemore, in castlebar this evening so going to go craft shop hunting.:cool:

greeneyedspirit · 17-12-2012 4:20pm

kiwipower wrote: »

Thanks mahamageehad,
I would agree with your theory about the solid versus hollow line. I think when the knitting is in my handbag/backpack the line is being folded and pinched at the end of the bamboo.

Unfortunately I'm three quarters of the way through the body of a 4ply lace jumper, with the sleeves still to go. I cant find 2.5mm metal needles in the west and would also be concerned about changing tensions if I swapped to metal needles now.

Tried one DIY shop in Templemore, in castlebar this evening so going to go craft shop hunting.:cool:

Try thisisKnit in Dublin, they have an online shop, where they also sell wooden fixed (and interchangeable) circular needles: http://www.thisisknit.ie/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=355_383_388
I ordered from them a few weeks back, and delivery to Galway was 2 days, so they're quick...

kiwipower · 18-12-2012 3:29am

greeneyedspirit wrote: »

Try thisisKnit in Dublin, they have an online shop, where they also sell wooden fixed (and interchangeable) circular needles: http://www.thisisknit.ie/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=355_383_388
I ordered from them a few weeks back, and delivery to Galway was 2 days, so they're quick...

Thanks greeneyedspirit will check them out when I'm back in Ireland.

On another note

Just flew Dublin to Wellington NZ thru abu duabi singapore & Brisbane. With my 2.5mm cane circular needles sticking out of my handbag. Not a word said by anyone!

Quackles · 28-12-2012 12:57pm

Hi folks! So excited to find knitters on boards

Ok I've a question. I got Kate Davies' Colours of Shetland book for christmas and the wool to make one of the items in it, really nice wool and pattern, and I really want to do it justice. The items are knitted on circular needles. I have a set of Denise Interchangables but they start at 3.75mm.. all the patterns in the book which I'm looking at knitting call for 2.5-3mm needles of various lengths. For the two jumpers I'm looking at knitting, it would involve the purchase of 6 new circs and possibly a couple of sets of DPNs! Do any of the interchangeables work in those smaller sizes, or do I just need to go ahead and suck it up and buy a wad of new single size circular needles?

bluemetwo · 04-01-2013 9:47pm

I'm looking for a free online pattern to knit an Aran dress for a 6-7 year old. Does anyone have a link to one. I don't need a list of sites with free patterns, I can find them myself. Just wondering if anyone knows of a pattern without me having to search through sites. Thanks in advance.

wmpdd3 · 06-01-2013 1:35am

Not free, but for ~€3

http://www.etsy.com/listing/114084565/vintage-1970s-knitting-pattern-pdf-to?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=pattern+for+aran+childs+dress&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=IE&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=pattern+for+aran+childs+dress

bluemetwo · 06-01-2013 8:52pm

Thanks, that looks a nice one. Am gonna be knitting it for someone elses daughter so will see if she likes it

Pandalaura · 18-01-2013 1:06pm

Hi there,
I am knitting a doll from jean greenhowes traditional favourites knitting patterns, but unfortunately the section I need next has been made illegible. Im wondering if anyone knows the section for basic sleeves in this book?

thanks

contrary · 19-01-2013 12:50pm

Pandalaura wrote: »

Hi there,
I am knitting a doll from jean greenhowes traditional favourites knitting patterns, but unfortunately the section I need next has been made illegible. Im wondering if anyone knows the section for basic sleeves in this book?

thanks

I have that if you want to pm

aknitter · 26-01-2013 11:09pm

Can anyone recommend a good chunky wool to felt with - I have a pattern for a bag and want to try felting.
Thanks

mahamageehad · 27-01-2013 1:55am

aknitter wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a good chunky wool to felt with - I have a pattern for a bag and want to try felting.
Thanks

Do you not need special felting wool no? I have 4 50g balls of black felting wool here and not a notion what to do with it!

aknitter · 27-01-2013 8:52pm

The pattern I have in mind is uses an American Lionbrand yarn thats 50% wool and 50% acrylic(can't go buying in more for the minute just had 3 balls of a silk/cashmere blend arrive from Hong Kong DH is convinced my stash is like the tribbles from Star Trek!).
From what I've read it seems that any 100% wool yarn that has not been treated so its machine washable should felt. And you know yourself some will work out better than others

Gormal · 27-01-2013 10:31pm

bluemetwo wrote: »

I'm looking for a free online pattern to knit an Aran dress for a 6-7 year old. Does anyone have a link to one. I don't need a list of sites with free patterns, I can find them myself. Just wondering if anyone knows of a pattern without me having to search through sites. Thanks in advance.

I know this is a tunic, but you could add length to make a dress, it's sort of a-line. If you'd like the pattern pm me.

Neadine · 27-01-2013 11:19pm

aknitter wrote: »

The pattern I have in mind is uses an American Lionbrand yarn thats 50% wool and 50% acrylic(can't go buying in more for the minute just had 3 balls of a silk/cashmere blend arrive from Hong Kong DH is convinced my stash is like the tribbles from Star Trek!).
From what I've read it seems that any 100% wool yarn that has not been treated so its machine washable should felt. And you know yourself some will work out better than others

The Lionbrand do 100% wool that felts really well, maybe too well, so you need to take that into account for sizes etc.
The 50/50 doesn't felt at all.
I tend to stock up when I'm in the States, or have family send some home!

Gormal · 28-01-2013 2:42pm

In relation to felting. how much does it shrink or do you swatch a piece first?

I've some 100% handspun scottish yarn hand that my mum gave me and have been wondering how to use it. I had bought yarn before, but after I noticed it was 'superwash' coated *sigh*, so never felted it but made some slippers all the same.

Neadine · 28-01-2013 2:49pm

Gormal wrote: »

In relation to felting. how much does it shrink or do you swatch a piece first?

I've some 100% handspun scottish yarn hand that my mum gave me and have been wondering how to use it, I had bought yarn before but after I noticed it was 'superwash' coated sigh, so never felted it but made some slippers all the same.

In my experience the shrinkage varies from brand to brand, so it's hard to tell. Only 100% wool, hand wash only felts.

aknitter · 28-01-2013 11:41pm

I suppose a swatch is the way to go but I think it would be such a waste to put on the washing machine for a swatch - I have no intention of hand felting!

Neadine · 29-01-2013 12:10am

aknitter wrote: »

I suppose a swatch is the way to go but I think it would be such a waste to put on the washing machine for a swatch - I have no intention of hand felting!

Just put the swatch in when you are next doing a load of laundry, it doesn't have to be a hot wash, just don't use fabric softener, or washing detergent that has a fabric softener in it.

aknitter · 29-01-2013 6:37pm

Ah good idea, will go that thanks Neadine, half my washes are done with out fabric softner anyway as my son is allergic. On to swatching!

blahblah06 · 31-01-2013 11:25am

Hi there
I'm looking to get some hats made up from scratch and wonder is there any companies out there that can do this?
Talking 100 plus?

aknitter · 31-01-2013 3:39pm

Neadine thanks for that - just felted a swatch and its turned out great - didn't shrink as much as I thought it would.
In the end I went to my local yarn shop and bought a yarn they recommended Rosarios 4 50 gram ball €2.99 or 2 for €5

j@utis · 05-02-2013 5:44pm

blahblah06 wrote: »

Hi there
I'm looking to get some hats made up from scratch and wonder is there any companies out there that can do this?
Talking 100 plus?

do you have an example picture of the hat you're looking to be made? or more details on pattern, size, yarn, plain or multi color etc?

I've made this set for my other half last year:

eviltwin · 08-02-2013 12:55pm

Help :eek:

I'm in the middle of knitting a jumper and having a look at the pattern I have realised that I have made a mistake.

Instead of casting on 72 for the back, I cast on 92.

How do I work out now how many extra stitches to cast on for the arms so they don't look too small for the body of the jumper???

Knitting - help and advice super thread!

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