Mastering the art of knitting requires proficiency in picking up and knitting stitches. These techniques are indispensable for creating seamless garments and repairing damaged fabrics. Armed with these skills, you can confidently tackle complex knitting patterns and elevate your knitting projects to new heights. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of picking up and knitting stitches, providing step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and clear illustrations to guide you along the way.
Picking up stitches involves creating new stitches along an existing edge or opening. This technique allows you to add borders, fastenings, and decorative elements to your knitting. To pick up stitches, insert your knitting needle into the edge of the fabric, grab a loop of yarn, and knit it onto the needle. By repeating this process along the desired length, you can create a row of new stitches that seamlessly integrate with the existing fabric.
Knitting the picked-up stitches is the next step. Once you have picked up a row of stitches, you can proceed to knit them as you would any other row in your knitting. Work the stitches in the desired pattern, whether it’s stockinette, garter, or a more complex design. As you knit each stitch, ensure it’s securely attached to the next, forming a continuous row of stitches. By mastering the art of picking up and knitting stitches, you can transform simple knitting projects into intricate works of art, showcasing your knitting prowess.
Basic Knit Stitch: The Foundation
The knit stitch is the most basic stitch in knitting and forms the foundation of all other stitches. It’s characterized by a “V” shape that creates a soft and stretchy fabric. To knit a basic knit stitch, follow these steps:
- Insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle from back to front.
- Make sure that the tip of the needle is below the stitch you want to knit, just below the top loop.
- Hook the yarn from the back onto the right-hand needle by wrapping it clockwise around the tip.
- Pull the hooked yarn through the stitch on the left-hand needle.
- Slide the new loop off the left-hand needle and onto the right-hand needle.
- Slip the stitch on the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 1-2 for each stitch on the row.
- Identify the dropped stitch. This is usually the first stitch in a row, where the yarn has slipped off the needle.
- Insert the crochet hook into the “V” or “U” shape created by the dropped stitch.
- Hook the yarn and pull it through the loop on the hook.
- Slip the new loop onto the working needle.
- Knit or purl the new stitch as usual.
-
Make a Yarn Loop: Create a small loop with your yarn, holding it between your thumb and forefinger.
-
Place Loop on Needle: Slide the loop onto your knitting needle from the tip towards the center.
-
Cross Yarn Ends: Cross the working yarn end (the one that’s attached to the yarn ball) over the non-working yarn end (the one that’s loose).
-
Tighten and Secure:
Method Instructions **Lighter Grip:** Hold the working yarn end lightly and pull on the non-working yarn end to tighten the knot. **Tighter Grip:** Hold the working yarn end firmly and use your thumb to secure the crossed yarn ends by pressing them together towards the needle. -
Adjust Loop Size: Once the slip knot is secured, gently slide it down the needle to adjust its size. The loop should be large enough to comfortably cast on your first stitch.
-
Slip the First Stitch: Slip the first stitch on your left-hand needle to the right-hand needle without knitting it.
-
Knit the Second Stitch: Knit the second stitch on your left-hand needle.
-
Pass the First Stitch Over the Second Stitch: Pass the first stitch over the second stitch off the right-hand needle.
-
Slip the New Stitch Back to the Left-Hand Needle: Slip the newly created stitch back to the left-hand needle.
-
Repeat Steps 2-4: Repeat steps 2-4 until only one stitch remains on your left-hand needle.
-
Cut the Yarn and Pull It Through the Last Stitch: Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about a few inches. Pull the tail through the last stitch to tighten the bind-off and secure it.
- Slip the number of stitches you want to increase onto the cable needle, holding them in front of your work.
- Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
- Transfer the stitches back to the left-hand needle, knitting them into the current stitch.
- Continue knitting across the row.
- Cast on an even number of stitches.
- Row 1: Knit all stitches.
- Row 2: *Slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in front of work, knit 2 stitches, knit 2 stitches from cable needle;* repeat from * to *.
- Continue alternating Rows 1 and 2 until the desired length is reached.
- Bind off all stitches.
- Locate the edge of the fabric where you want to add stitches.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the fabric, from back to front, at the desired location.
- Pick up a horizontal strand of yarn from the edge of the fabric.
- Draw the picked-up yarn onto the left-hand needle.
- Transfer the picked-up yarn to the right-hand needle.
- Knit the picked-up stitch as you would a regular stitch.
- Repeat steps 2-6 to pick up additional stitches.
The knit stitch can be used to create a variety of different fabrics, from simple stockinette stitch to more complex patterns. It’s a versatile stitch that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced knitters.
Picking Up Dropped Stitches
Losing a stitch or two is an all-too-common occurrence in knitting. The needles can slip or a cat might playfully bat the yarn, resulting in a few missing stitches. Fortunately, it’s not a knitting catastrophe but an opportunity to learn a valuable technique: picking up dropped stitches.
There are several ways to do this, depending on the circumstances. The most common method involves using a crochet hook to create a new loop on the needle. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
For more complex dropped stitches, consider using a lifeline. This is a strand of contrasting yarn woven through a row of stitches below the dropped stitch. This can help you retrieve the dropped stitch as it marks the exact location you need to pick up.
The following table summarizes the steps for picking up dropped stitches using a crochet hook:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the dropped stitch |
| 2 | Insert the crochet hook into the “V” or “U” shape |
| 3 | Hook the yarn and pull it through the loop |
| 4 | Slip the new loop onto the working needle |
| 5 | Knit or purl the new stitch as usual |
Knitting into Chains: Expanding Your Stitch Count
Expanding your stitch count through knitting into chains allows for greater versatility in your crochet projects and opens up a world of intricate possibilities. Here’s a detailed guide to help you master this technique:
Step 1: Prepare the Foundation Chain
To create a foundation chain, use a crochet hook to make a series of slip knots, building a chain of desired length. Ensure that the chain is taut and secure to prevent stitches from inadvertently slipping off.
Step 2: Insert Hook into Chain
With your yarn securely attached, gently slide the crochet hook into the first chain from the hook (the second chain in the foundation chain). This action creates an opening for the next step.
Step 3: Yarn Over and Pull Through
Holding the yarn firmly, wrap it once around the crochet hook, creating a loop. While maintaining control of the hook and yarn, insert the hook back into the same opening you just created and pull the yarn loop through the chain. This motion creates the first stitch in your knitted row.
Step 4: Continue Knitting into Chain
Repeat step 3 for each subsequent chain in the foundation chain, working from right to left. Ensure that the stitches are uniform in size and tension to achieve a consistent and durable result.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare a foundation chain of desired length. |
| 2 | Insert the hook into the first chain from the hook. |
| 3 | Yarn over and pull through the chain to create a stitch. |
| 4 | Repeat step 3 for each chain in the foundation chain. |
By following these steps, you can successfully knit into chains, expanding your stitch count and adding depth and texture to your crochet projects.
Creating a Slip Knot: The Starting Point
The slip knot, also known as the running knot, is the foundation for all knitting projects. It’s a simple yet essential knot that creates a loop on your knitting needle, onto which you’ll cast on your stitches.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Congratulations! You’ve now successfully created a slip knot, the starting point for your knitting adventure.
Binding Off: Finishing the Edge
Binding off is the final step in knitting, which secures the edges of your fabric. Here’s a detailed guide to help you:
Advanced Technique: Stretchy Bind-Off
For added elasticity, you can use the stretchy bind-off technique:
| Steps | Actions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Knit 2 stitches |
| Pass the first stitch over the second stitch | |
| 2 | Lift the first stitch over the second stitch |
| Knit 1 stitch | |
| Repeat | Repeat steps 1-2 until all stitches are bound off |
Increasing Stitches: Broadening Your Fabric
Increasing stitches is a technique used to broaden your fabric by adding new stitches to a row. It’s a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of projects, such as creating garments with shaping or adding decorative elements to your knitting.
6. Using a Cable Needle
The cable needle technique involves using a small needle to temporarily hold stitches while you work with others. This method is commonly used to create cables but can also be used for increasing stitches. To knit with a cable needle:
The cable needle method is particularly useful when you need to increase stitches in the middle of a row, as it allows you to isolate the stitches you want to increase without affecting the surrounding ones.
| Method | Technique | Steps | Advantages |
|—|—|—|—|
| M1 | Knitting into the same stitch twice | Simple and quick | Can create a visible increase |
| M1L | Lifting a loop from the knit stitch below | Creates a less noticeable increase | Requires more precision |
| M1R | Lifting a loop from the purl stitch below | Similar to M1L but on the purl side | Useful for increasing on the wrong side of the work |
| KFB | Knitting into the front and back of the same stitch | Creates a wider increase | Can be used to create decorative effects |
| PFB | Purling into the front and back of the same stitch | Similar to KFB but on the purl side | Useful for increasing on the wrong side of the work |
| Cable Needle | Using a small needle to hold stitches temporarily | Allows for precise increases in the middle of a row | Requires additional tools |
Decreasing Stitches: Shaping Your Creation
1. Basic Decreases
Knit two together (K2tog): Slip two stitches to the right-hand needle (RHN), knit the first stitch, then pass the knitted stitch over the second stitch.
2. Single Decreases
Slip, slip, knit (ssk): Slip one stitch to the RHN, slip the next stitch to the RHN, then knit the two slipped stitches together.
3. Double Decreases
Knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (k2togsso): Knit two stitches together, then slip the second stitch over the first knitted stitch.
4. Triple Decreases
Slip knit pass two (skp2): Slip one stitch to the RHN, knit one stitch, pass the slipped stitch over, then knit two stitches together.
5. Yarn-Over Decreases
Yarn-over slip stitch knit two together (yo ssk): Yarn over, slip one stitch to the RHN, slip the next stitch to the RHN, then knit the two slipped stitches together.
6. Lift and Knit Decreases
Lift and knit (liftek): Lift the second stitch over the first stitch with the left-hand needle (LHN), then knit the lifted stitch.
7. Specific Examples of Decreases
| Technique | Description | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| K2tog | Knit two stitches together | K2tog |
| Ssk | Slip, slip, knit | Ssk |
| K2togsso | Knit two together, pass slipped stitch over | K2togsso |
| Skp2 | Slip knit pass two | Skp2 |
| Yo ssk | Yarn-over slip stitch knit two together | Yo ssk |
| Liftek | Lift and knit | Liftek |
Combining Stitches: Exploring Different Textures
8. Cable Knit: A Warm and Intricate Pattern
Cable knit is a timeless knitting technique that creates raised and twisted patterns on fabric. It involves crossing stitches over one another to form intricate cables. This technique requires patience and attention to detail, but the results are stunningly warm and textured. Cable knit is often used for sweaters, scarves, and hats.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to knitting a basic cable stitch:
Variations on Cable Knit
There are countless variations on the basic cable stitch, each creating a unique texture. Some popular variations include:
Cross-Cables: In this variation, the cables cross over each other, creating a more intricate pattern.
Reverse Cables: This technique creates a textured stitch where the cables appear to be pushed down into the fabric.
Combination Cables: Knitters can combine different cable patterns to create even more complex textures.
| Cable Knit Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Cross-Cables | Cables that cross over each other, creating intricate patterns. |
| Reverse Cables | Textured stitches where cables appear to be pushed down into the fabric. |
| Combination Cables | Combining different cable patterns to create complex textures. |
Troubleshooting Stitches: Resolving Common Challenges
Unable to Insert the Needle into the Stitch
* Ensure the needle is the correct size for the yarn weight.
* Check if the stitch is twisted or too tight.
* Try using a crochet hook to gently loosen the stitch.
Dropping Stitches
* Hold the yarn taut while knitting, especially at the beginning and end of rows.
* Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first and last stitches.
* If a stitch does drop, use a crochet hook or knitting needle to retrieve it and reconnect it to the working yarn.
Stitches Too Tight or Loose
* Adjust the tension on the yarn by holding it more loosely or tightly.
* Use needles of the appropriate size and material for the yarn used.
* Experiment with different knitting techniques, such as continental or English style.
Stitches Not Forming Correctly
* Ensure the needle is inserted correctly into the stitch.
* Check the stitch pattern instructions to verify the type of stitch being created.
* Practice knitting different stitch types to improve your dexterity.
Yarn Tangled or Knotted
* Identify the source of the tangle or knot and carefully untangle it.
* If the yarn is severely tangled, rewind it into a ball or skein.
* Use a yarn swift or ball winder to create a smooth, tension-free yarn supply.
Yarn Splitting
* Use needles that are sharp enough to pierce the yarn without damaging it.
* Hold the yarn taut while knitting and avoid excessive pulling or tension.
* Consider switching to a higher-quality yarn that is less prone to splitting.
Incorrect Stitch Count
* Count the stitches carefully at the beginning and end of each row.
* Use stitch markers to mark every 10 or 20 stitches for easier counting.
* If you suspect an incorrect stitch count, re-knit the section or consult the pattern instructions.
Unwanted Holes or Gaps in Fabric
* Ensure the stitches are picked up correctly and that there are no missed stitches.
* Adjust the tension on the yarn to create even, consistent stitches.
* Use a crochet hook or needle to tighten any gaps or close any holes in the fabric.
Experimenting with Different Needles and Yarns
Choosing the right needles and yarns is crucial for achieving the desired look and feel in your knitted stitches. Experiment with the following factors to find the combination that best suits your knitting style and project.
Yarn Weight and Thickness
Yarn weight refers to its thickness, which is typically measured in ply or weight numbers. Thinner yarns require smaller needles, while thicker yarns require larger needles. Using the correct needle size will ensure that your stitches are neither too loose nor too tight.
Needle Materials and Tips
Needles are available in various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Each material has its own unique properties that will affect the feel of your knitting. Additionally, needles come with different tips, such as pointed, blunt, or double-pointed, which can influence the way you knit stitches.
Determining Needle Size
To determine the appropriate needle size for your yarn, consult the yarn label for recommended needle sizes or use a gauge swatch to test different sizes. A gauge swatch is a small knitted square that allows you to measure the number of stitches per inch or centimeter. The ideal needle size will produce a gauge that matches the pattern requirements.
Yarn Texture and Fiber Type
Consider the yarn’s texture and fiber type when choosing needles. Smooth yarns, such as cotton or bamboo, glide easily on metal or plastic needles. Woolly yarns, such as wool or alpaca, benefit from wooden needles that provide warmth and friction.
How to Pick Up and Knit Stitches
Picking up and knitting stitches is a technique used to create a new row of stitches along the edge of an existing fabric. This technique finds application in various knitting scenarios, such as creating borders, shaping garments, or repairing holes. The resulting row of stitches can be further worked in any stitch pattern to extend the fabric or enhance its design.
To pick up and knit stitches, follow these steps:
People Also Ask About How to Pick Up and Knit Stitches
What is the purpose of picking up and knitting stitches?
Picking up and knitting stitches allows you to create a new row of stitches along the edge of an existing fabric, extending the fabric or enhancing its design.
When is it necessary to pick up and knit stitches?
Picking up and knitting stitches is commonly used to create borders, shape garments, repair holes, or add detailing to knitted fabrics.
How do I determine the number of stitches to pick up?
The number of stitches to pick up depends on the desired width of the new row and the stitch gauge of your fabric. You can estimate the number by measuring the length of the edge where you want to add stitches.
