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by Jenny K on April 12, 2013
Last week was the start of our sweater finishing video series where Kerin showed you how to set in the sleeves of a sweater. This week's segment entails a comprehensive look into the elusive collar! The first step to the collar will usually be picking up your stitches, which can be a bit tricky since you'll be working along straight and curved edges of the collar. Unsure of how to work a hemmed collar? Kerin covers that too! Check out Part 2 of our sweater finishing tutorial to learn how to pick up and knit a collar as well as how to sew down a hemmed collar. |
Category Archives: Tutorials
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by Jenny K on April 4, 2013
Although binding off that last stitch on your sweater is extremely satisfying, there is usually a bit more work left to do in order for that sweater to be truly finished. Whipstitching a hem, grafting at the underarms, and picking up stitches for a buttonband or collar – these are the smaller details that require time and attention but may not be the most familiar of knitting techniques. So what’s a knitter with finishing woes to do? Why ask Kerin, of course! In addition to designing patterns for our kits and collections, Kerin is also well versed in a huge range of interesting and unusual knitting techniques. So it only seemed fitting that as she was casting off a cardigan and planning out the finishing details to put everything together into a video tutorial series on sweater finishing. The first part of this series focuses on how to set in the sleeves ... |
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by Jenny K on January 22, 2013
It doesn't matter if you've completed over 200 pairs of socks (like the inspiring Frances Fisher, from last week's podcast) or if you have just finished your first pair - every knitter knows the magic that lies within a pair of handknit socks. These special handknits stand up to a lot of wear and tear, which means that more than likely you will eventually see some thin spots showing up and maybe even a few holes here and there. But just because one or two of your toes have started poking through small holes, that doesn't mean it's time to say "goodbye" to your favorite pair of socks - it just means it's time for a wee bit of darning! And to help you whip your next pair of socks back into working order, we have a handy video tutorial where Kerin shows you how to repair holes at the toe. |
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by Knit Picks Staff on January 15, 2013
Did you see? We now carry beads for you to add to your knitting! Beads add a wonderful element to knitted items. They add sparkle and drape to lace shawls, fancy highlights to handbags, and they stand out against plainer items to create something special. With this in mind, I wrote the Starry Stole pattern! This free pattern features a pattern of beads in a starry field on a background of simple stockinette stitch. |
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by Jenny K on January 15, 2013
Moving from a drop spindle to a spinning wheel can be a fun and exciting change - but if you are completely new to spinning wheels, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Not only are you changing from a small, portable tool to one that is larger and more stationary - but there is also a whole new world of terminology to learn. Although there are different styles and variations, the main parts and mechanics of a spinning wheel remain fairly consistent. So if you're new to scotch tension, break bands, and mother-of-alls; we've made a video tutorial that shows just how easy it is to assemble the Kromski Sonata spinning wheel. |
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by Jenny K on January 8, 2013
It was just about this time last year when I created a little list of crafting resolutions for myself. Looking back over my list just a year later, I have to admit that it felt pretty good to see my goals in relation to all of the things that I've been able to try over the past year. I've explored the world of crochet more and have a few projects under my belt (including an in-progress blanket!), I learned a lot about fiber and silk hankies, but my number one goal was to move from a drop spindle to a spinning wheel. And I'm pleased to report that I've utterly and completely gone head over heels for spinning! I'm collecting fiber just as fast as yarn, and having so much fun pairing my handspun yarns for special projects and gifts. If you're like me and are ready to (or have just made) the transition from spindle to wheel, but need a bit of extra guidance - be sure to check out Kelley's Wheel Spinning class! This 6-part video class covers everything from the basics to fiber choices and the mechanics of your wheel to spinning and plying. |
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by Jenny K on December 11, 2012
To say that this week's technique of the week was a treat to work on is an understatement - I am just pleased as punch at how this turned out! All of us loved the satchels that Pendleton designed for Knit Picks, so it was only natural that we adorned these chic bags with a wee bit of fiber love! Not only was this a super fun project, but it's also a speedy (and easy!) way to add a personalized touch to your Pendleton bag - especially if the bag is a gift for a friend or family member. In honor of our rather wet winters here in the Pacific Northwest, I needle felted a lil' cloud with multi-color raindrops onto the grey Pendleton satchel. And if the bag is a gift, I can totally see monogramming or spelling out the recipient's name onto the bag as a cute personalized touch. We even have a video tutorial that shows you just how easy it is to personalize your Pendleton! |
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by Knit Picks Staff on November 5, 2012
If you're looking to take the chill out of a November morning, the Lampwork Hat & Mitts set is a colorful way to do just that! The pattern includes instructions for the beanie-style cap and fingerless mittens. Each piece is also multi-sized and customizeable for a perfect fit. Though the patterning itself is simple, a spicy touch is added... |
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by Knit Picks Staff on October 29, 2012
Hi Knitters! This final edition of the sweater class is all about finishing. In this week's video and handout, I'll discuss weaving in ends, how to finish your turned hem, closing up the underarms, and working the neckline trim! Whew! Each step goes pretty fast, but make sure to take the time to do these steps right, as a well-finished sweater will look a lot better than one with sloppy finishing. Check out our tutorials on finishing, too--they'll give you a lot of information on how to execute the techniques discussed in this lesson. Finshing Tutorials Another resource I really like and use a lot is Nancie Wiseman's Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques, which is a wealth of information on every bit of swea=ter finishing you could imagine! And without further ado, here's your handout for this week: |
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by Knit Picks Staff on October 29, 2012
Ok, are we all ready to start swatching? Last week we discussed yarn choices and design dreaming, and this week we are going to solidify our yarn choices (if you haven't already!) and find the right needle to get the fabric that your design requires! I've done some extensive swatching (the results of which I share in the videos below) and have settled on knitting my Swish Worsted on US 6 Zephyr needles. Swatching can seem boring when you're itching to cast on a project, but it is one of the most essential parts of the design process, so it deserves a lot of time and attention! In this lesson, I'll be giving tips on how to swatch for the fabric your design needs, and then covering the measuring of gauge from your swatch, and the measurements needed for a succesful knit. All this information ins contained in the pdf linked below, which also has diagrams and blanks for you to fill in with your personal gauge and measurments. Don't worry if you're math-phobic; I've done my nest to keep it simple and to walk you through all the claculations step-by-step! Lesson 1: Swatching and Measuring Read on for more info and Videos... |
