Step by step knitting

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the craft knitting originate from?

There are many myths and theories on the origins of knitting, Knit-easy a Knitter's Guide to Success has a comprehensive background on knitting, the history of knitting and how and when the many techniques where developed..

What is the difference between continental and English style knitting?

Both continental and English style knitting are explained in knit-easy, it is
usually the knitters preference as to which suits them best. Many new knitters find it easier to learn using the English method as the continental method requires more co-ordination using the left hand, for skilled knitters they find using the continental method faster.

Why are there so many different ways to cast on?

It is important to learn the various techniques to casting on to ensure the right
start to your project.

I can only cast off using the decreasing method, are there other
ways to cast off?

As per casting on there are many techniques to casting off, it depends
on the pattern and the finish you need as to which technique is best.

I have just learned to knit where can I find quick and easy knit
patterns for beginners?

There are many patterns freely available on the internet, when you receive
your copy of Knit-easy you will also receive many free bonuses including a resources directory to help you find suitable patterns for your needs.

What do I do when I drop a stitch?

Knit-easy not only explains how to knit, but also how to recover after
errors are made.

I found a great pattern but they don’t have it in my size, can I
change the pattern to suit my needs?

Knit-easy has a complete section on customising patterns, including how to measure and fit as well as the many things you have to consider when changing a pattern to suit your needs.

My pattern recommends a particular brand yarn which is expensive,
can I use an alternative brand of yarn?

Yes, you can use an alternative brand, Knit-easy explains what you need to
consider when substituting yarn.

Can I use other materials, besides yarn, to knit items?

Knitting is such a versatile art, today people are using all types of materials
to knit, including wire to create beautiful jewellery, once you learn the basics
of knitting how you apply these techniques is entirely up to you, you are the artist and owner of your project.

Why has knitting become so popular today?

Knitting has gone through many phases of popularity, at one stage almost
a dying art, however today more and more people looking for an outlet for their
creativity, and knitting being so simple to learn, as well versatile it is fast becoming
the choice of many, men, women and children. The reasons they learn how to knit vary from need to support family, or finding their own creativity to helping others in their community,

After you get your first casting done ?

How do you do the second part by putting on the opposite needle? I am having extreme difficulties with this maneuver I do have a book on how to knit for beginners but I cant seem to get this part of it.

Knit-easy doesn't only explain it but it also demonstrates how to do it with step by step instructions and illustrations for each step.

Knitting with circular needles

How do you go about knitting a little pouch for your mobile phone or just to hold a few cards? I can't seem to find any sites that teach how to do that circular knitting thing!

Knit-easy doesn't just show you how to knit with circular needles, but also how to customise your patterns which is a must learn as all mobile phones differ in size and shape.

Why do I get tension wrong

There are many reasons you can be getting your tension wrong, you maybe holding the yarn to tightly or not tight enough, you maybe using the wrong size needles for the yarn you are working with Other reasons could be changing tension whilst you are knitting, i.e. pulling your yarn too tightly after each stitch or not pulling your yarn enough. Inside Knit-easy we explain and illustrate the techniques to hold your yarn something that many books have not covered.

It is very important, when learning to knit, to also understand your own knitting style, we all do differ. If you find the stitching is too loose then maybe you need to switch to smaller needles to get the correct tension for your knitting style.

There is so much more to be aware of all of which is explained and illustrated inside knit-easy.

Will it have easy to read step-by-step "How To Knit" instructions, as well as patterns with simple directions, that I won't have read over & over to comprehend what is is I am attempting?

Knit-easy doesn't just include instructions it includes illustrations for each step - many find it easier to follow the illustrations and refer to the instructions later. It also includes 4 free patterns ideal for beginners, and then when feeling more adventurous check out the resources directory which has links to hundreds of free patterns - you determine your next project, use Knit-easy as your guide and enjoy.

I have never mastered how to adapt a pattern to the yarn. In other words, I buy some yarn (or spin some) that I really like and find a pattern I really like. The problem is that the gauge is different. There has got to be an easy way to adapt.

There are many things to consider when adapting yarn to a pattern, Most patterns are designed to suit a particular yarn by the makers of the yarn. You have to compare your yarn to the recommended yarn, ensure you use the correct needles for your yarn - which may be larger or smaller than recommended by the pattern, then you also have to calcuate the number of stitches per row, how many rows per inch (cm) and on completion calculate how much yarn you need before you start to make the item. This is explained in more detail Inside Knit-easy.

What are some easy patterns to do while just learning to knit?

The simplest and easiest items for any new knitter is to start with items that require little to no shaping, ie. squares or rectangular shapes like scarves, no complex stitching or techniques just row after row of the same thing until you reach your required length. Knitting squares, often referred to as test swatches, is something all knitters do over and over again to work out their guage, knitting style and perfect their techniques prior to attempting anything complex. The best part is your squares can all later be sew together to make a blanket or shrug nothing is wasted.

I am having trouble decreasing the knit by knitting 2 together. How do you do it exactly?

Knitting 2 together is similar process of knitting 1 stitch. However you put your needle into the second stitched to be knitted then feed it through the first stitch, yarn over and loop through both stitches. Many get confused and try to put the needle into the first stitch then the second stitch.

How do put the needles back in stitches that have come off?

How to recover dropped stitches is stepped through and illustrated in Knit-easy, but we go one step further we also demonstrate how you can pick up stitches from several rows back (no more holes in your knitting).

How do you make the first stitch?

The first stitch is always a slip knot - this way you can tighten the yarn at both your tail end and your yarn end. This is explained and illustrated in Knit-easy

Which method of cast on is suitable for this particular piece of work?

There are many ways to cast on, which one is suitable for your project is hard to determine, however inside Knit-easy many ways to cast on, is not only explained and illustrated, but when to use each technique is also explained.

Is there an easy way to "hide" all those loose ends when knitting with different colors?

I love working with colours, and creating funny, funky characters, or just decorative designs to what could otherwise be a plain item. It is for this reason that Knit-easy explains step by step with illustrations the art of intarsia/entrelac, how to have the back of your item looking just as fantastic as the front without knots and loose ends.

How and what are you suppose to do with a guage? and swatch??

Gauge and swatches are important, these are your tests to calculate what style of knitting you have, if you knit "loosely" then use smaller needles, if you knit tightly then use larger needles. Don't rip out or toss your swatches, save all your test squares and later sew them together into a shrug or blanket as a testimonial to your knitting learning experience.

Getting started.I don't know where to start. Help!!

If you have a particular question you would like to ask, please send an email to anna@easy-knit.com. I can’t promise to respond directly to all your questions however will give priority to those who have “Red Hot Question” in their subject line.