My Creative Blog

I have been teaching myself how to knit. I started teaching myself to knit around 12 years ago, but it has really taken off lately for me and I feel like I owe that to the fact that there are so many resources online now. So to help others who may be trying to learn or who would simply like to learn a new technique, I have put together this page of links and how-tos on some of the most useful tips, tricks, and stitches I have found in my knitting journey.

Continental vs English Knitting – Something I didn’t know my first time around with knitting is that there are different kinds of knitting styles. I have found that I favor continental because some of its techniques more closely match that of crocheting, which is what I know best. I think finding this out has also helped me tremendously this time around with knitting.

“Magic Loop Method” – This is very handy, especially if you have invested in circular needles and don’t want to invest further in having every size of dpns you might need or simply because working with dpns can be difficult, especially as a beginner knitter.

Double Pointed Needles – Working with double pointed needles (DPNs) can be a bit daunting, but thanks to this video, it made it a much easier concept to grasp for me.

Knit Cables – This is actually a link to a free pattern, but it was very useful in teaching me how to create cables. I highly recommend it as a great beginner pattern for anyone interested in trying knit cables.

Tip-Top Toes
Demystifying Toe-Up Socks – A couple great resources for working on socks from the toe-up or just the wrap and turn technique in general.

Binding Off – Different techniques for binding off your knit project, including a stretchy bind-off and icord bind off.

Check back often as I will be adding more to this page. If you have any tips or tricks you find useful, please feel free to share them in the comments!

Bonus:

Some of my favorite tools of the trade:

Clover Interchangeable Circular Knitting Needles “Takumi Combo” Set – The best investment I ever made in my knitting journey. They offer a great range of sizes in needles and cables and the bamboo is really great to work with, especially as a rather novice knitter.

Embroidery scissors – They are super sharp and great for cutting yarn, and you can get them in some very pretty designs. I for one like my tools to be pretty. 🙂

Stitch Markers – Useful when working in the round or to mark stitches for later work. I usually prefer clay ones on Etsy, but I have some of these adorable heart ones, as well.

Yarn Bowl – Of course useful for holding your yarn while you work so it doesn’t roll all over the place. I prefer wood bowls as they are sturdier and won’t break as easily.

OttLite Lighting – These lights are great because they really brighten up your workspace making it easier to see your stitches especially when working with darker yarn.