Daily Knitter Blog

Hey all you knitters out there, it’s time to treat yourselves. Add another helpful tool to your knitting basket called the knitting register. This tool is perfect to use to while knitting those long scarves, over size blankets or eyelet laced shawls.

Simply slide the knitting register onto one of your knitting needles sizes up to 6.5mm (US 10 ½).  The register has a small window display that allows you to see the number of rows counted. All you to do while using this knitting instrument is to turn the dial or wheel of the register once you finish or complete a row of knitting. Another feature of the knitting register is that you can reset the number back to zero after knitting 99 rows.

In addition to counting your rows, the knitting register can keep track of pattern stitches and rows decreased or increased. For example, decreasing or increasing rows when shaping sleeves or V-necklines sweaters. For all the benefits, the knitting register basically cost less than a ball or skein of yarn. No more loosing count of rows or constantly writing down the number rows to keep count when knitting your favorite garment.

The triangle ribs stitch is a fun and interesting pattern stitch to knit. This pattern is knitted in a stockinette stitch that is reversible.  The triangles are defined and visible on both side of a garment. Knitting the triangle ribs pattern stitch is an excellent choice for creating or designing a blankets, scarves, vests or even sweaters.

 Work a Multiple of  8 stitches

 Knit a swatch gauge of 4 x 4 inches or 5 x 5 inches

Triangle Ribs Pattern

Row 1 Work on the right side (rs) of garment: *P2, k6; rep from * to end of row.
Row 2: *P6, K2; repeat (rep) from * to end of row.
Row 3: *P3, k5; rep from * to end of row.
Row 4: *P4, k4; rep from * to end of row.
Row 5: *P5, k3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 6: *P2, k6; rep from * to end of row.
Row 7: *P7, k1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 8: *P2, k6; rep from * to end of row.
Row 9: Rep row 5 to end.
Row 10: Rep row 4 to end.
Row 11: Rep row 3 to end.
Row 12: Rep row 2 to end.

Repeat rows 1 through 12 for pattern.

Buffy Ann Designs (BAD) has come up with the Yarn Cozy, a unique product for knitters who want their yarn  covered and intact.  The Yarn Cozy resembles a hand muffler or warmer with an opening on both sides. This product comes in multiple colors and designs such as hearts or flowers. For example, knitters can possibly to match the color of yarn used for their knitted project.

Yarn cozy slips over a ball of wound yarn and allows for a knitter to  easily pull yarn from both ends. This allows for knitting two pair of socks or gloves at one time.  The yarn cozy works exceptionally well for knitters who like to use a knitting ball winder to shape all types of yarn into balls.

However, yarn cozies also work well on yarn bought at craft stores so long as it is not a bulky or heavy ply yarn that will not fit into a Yarn Cozy.  For example, a soft light weight ply baby yarn works fine in the Yarn Cozy.

Another reason the Yarn Cozy is a good product is that it keeps your yarn clean. For example, when your ball or skein of yarn falls on the floor, it can pick up all kinds of debris. No worries if it covered by a Yarn Cozy.  Also, the Yarn Cozy keeps your favorite cat from playing, attacking or destroying when she or he tries to use your yarn as yarn frizz bee. For instance, this product makes it much more difficult for your cat to unwind because it can be contained in a Yarn Cozy.  For those of you who want more information about the Yarn Cozy go to BuffyAnnDesigns.com

In addition to the Yarn Cozy, Buffy Ann Designs has another knitting product that is useful while knitting in a dimly lighted area or for those who have difficulty seeing stitches.  The Stitch Light is a small, compact light that looks and is shaped like a small camera. It has adjustable lens to control the level of  light you need ranging from bright, normal or flashing light. 

The light features a zoom in, zoom out dial which is adjustable up to a 120 degree. The stitch light has a hinged adjustable plate that is used to place on a table or any other flat surface.  However, the Stitch Light also has an adjustable strap attached to the light so that a knitter can adjust the level of the light flow low or high depending on how close or far a person knits away from his or her body.  Check out the Stitch Light at BuffyAnnDesigns.com

Overall the Yarn Cozy is a good product to purchase.  The Dailyknitter.com gives this product a 4 ½ out of 5 knitting needles.

* Pattern and product reviews receive a rating in knitting needles. The lowest rated reviewed patterns and products receive a 1. The highest rated reviewed patterns and products receive a rating of 5.

Don’t try to deny it. Almost all of you, whether you are a beginner or an advance knitter, love to hear interesting and exciting knitting news and events. The news can be the events happening at craft stores or on the latest buzz on the Internet. Some knitting news include art shows that displays the latest fashion, information where to find free patterns, news about different yarns on the market or charities that need help with knitted craft donations.

However, some knitters like to communicate via the internet in knitting community forums or chat rooms that are located on websites.  Regardless, of the how you get your information there is a website that offers a variety of knitting news called Topix.com.

This website provides knitting news on subjects about starting you own knitting groups, provides information on organization that knit hats for cancer patients and also provides comment and discussion pages. On the other hand, this website gives constant news on real time up to date news on ever day events from the United State and beyond.

The Box Stitch is similar to the Double Seed Stitch because of its pattern. However, the Box stitch is knitted in the shape of small boxes or squares, instead of small clusters of stitches. This stitch is knitted over an even number of stitches and the rows that begin and end the same way. This stich is use for its thickness and texture. Thus, you can use the Box stitch to knit heavy garment like sweaters, scarves, blankets or even a jacket coat. Therefore, the box stitch is a simple stitch for beginning knitters to learn and use when knitting their favorite garments.

Knit a Sample Swatch

Cast of a multiple of 4 + 1 stitches because the stitch pattern repeats. For example, 4 x 4= 16 + 2 extra stitches giving a total of 18 cast on stitches.

Pattern Stitch

Multiple of 4 + 2 stitches

Row 1: K2, * P2, K2*; repeat from the *.

Row 2: P2, *K2, P2*; repeat from the *.

Row 3: repeat row 2.

Row 4 Repeat row 1.

Repeat rows 1 through 4 for pattern.

After you’ve finished knitting some garments you must wash or press them before giving them as a gift or wearing.  Typically, you wash or press the garment according to the instructions of the yarn.  However, if you do not have the packaging that came with the yarn here is a simple blocking technique to use.

1. You want to pin the garment to a flat padded surface right side up.

2. Place your pins along the body of the garment about 1 to 2 inches apart. However, do not pin the ribbing of at the bottom of a sweater or pullover.

3. Place extra pins at the shoulders and underarms to secure the garment together.

4. Pin alongside of the ribbing of your sleeves and necklines directly in the fabric.

5. Occasionally check the measurements of the garment to make sure the stitches and rows match the garment and the pattern.

6. If your garment has sleeve or is knitted with 2 front sections then block them separately and measure them occasionally as well.

7. Fill your water bottle with cold water and spray the garment evenly.

8. Allow the garment to dry completely and away from any direct heat.

Finding the gauge for your knitted project can be complicated, if you do not know what to do. As you see on patterns the numbers of cast on stitches are given, this is done by the designer before the garment is made. Regardless of what the designer creates, he/she has to calculate the gauge for all stitches and rows that complete a knitted sweater, hat, shawls, or sets.

1. Knit a 4” x 4” inch square called a swatch or a swatch gauge using the same yarn you intend to knit your garment.  However, if you knit a larger swatch, then use a tape measure to measure out a 4 x 4 inch area.

2. Wash and treat the swatch according to the instructions on the package.

3. Let the swatch dry completely.

4. Count the number of stitches in your 4 x 4 inch swatch. For instance, you might count 20 stitches along the width of your swatch. However, depending on the number of stitches cast on your knitting needle you might count more stitches. In that case measure, tape and pin a 4 x 4 inch square of fabric.

5. Divide the number of stitches by the width of your swatch to equal the stitches per inch. For example, 20 stitches /4 the width of swatch = 5 stitches per inch. Example 20/4=5. The calculation represents stitch/inch.

6. Count the number of rows and do the math. For instance, you might count 13 rows by the length of your swatch. However, depending on the number of rows knitted and the size of the knitting needles you might have more rows.

7. Divide the number of rows by the length of the swatch this will equal the row per inch.For example, 13 stitches /4 the width of swatch equal 3.25 stitches per inch. Example 13/4=3.25. The calculation represents stitch/inch.

Every individual who knits completes the craft differently than another knitter. For instance, some knitters might knit more or less stitches and rows when making the garment causing it to be knitted too big, lopsided or too small. That is why it’s important to knit a swatch gauge. Regardless of how you complete your knitting project, do not forget that the type of knitting needles used is also an important factor when making a swatch gauge.

1. Knit a 4” x 4” swatch or square using the same yarn that you are going to use for your project.  For example, cast on 20 stitches on an empty knitting needle and knit approximately 10 rows in the stockinette stitch. Stockinette stitch consist of knitting one row and purling the next.

2. When you are finished, dampen or wash your sample swatch before measuring and blocking it. Do this according to the manufacturer’s instruction on the label. Then allow the swatch to dry. Treat it like you would treat you finished garment.

3. Look at the label on the package of yarn to match the stitch and rows per inch gauge recommended for the yarn that you purchased (instructions). If they match your stitch and row count then you are ready to start knitting.

However, if they do not match, and you have too many stitches and rows, then you are knitting too tightly. For those who knit tightly you will have to use a larger knitting needle to get the correct gauge. On the other hand, if you have fewer stitches and rows then you are knitting too loosely. Then you have to use smaller knitting needles.

Tips

If you are knitting a garment in stockinette stitch, cable stitch or ribbing you need to stretch out the swatch before measuring.

You can purchase a swatch gauge counter at your local craft store, if you do not want to count the number of stitches and rows.

The Wager Welt stitch is a very neat and pretty stitch and from the look of the pattern it’s not easy to tell the number of knitted rows from the number of purl rows. However, in the past some knitters referred to the stitch as the Puzzle Stitch or the All Fools’ Welt.  This unique stitch resembles a rib stitch and is used to knit scarves, headbands and also hats. knitters interested in using this stitch may question The try to figure out one important question to complete their project: how many purl rows are worked over an 8 row pattern?  

There’s no need to keep counting.

The answer to the question is only 1 purl row throughout the Wager Welt Stitch pattern.

Cast on any number of stitches that you desire even or odd

Row 1: Start on the right side (rs) and knit to the end of the row. Turn.

Row 2: Purl to the end of the row. Turn.

Rows 3 to 8:  Work the same as the first row.

Repeat rows: 1 through 8 for pattern.