Knitting Notions and Purls of Wisdom

Learning to knit only involves five steps:

1. Making a slip knot
2. Casting on your stitches
3. Learning the Knit stitch
4. Learning the purl stitch
5. Binding off

Once you know these you are ready to go!  The next few blogs will go over these techniques to help you get started with the wonderful world of knitting!  But first I thought I would share with you some great things to know as a beginner.

• Remember Rome was not built in a day...so take it slowly with some patience...before you know it you will get the hand of the knit and purl stitch
• Try both English and Continental style knitting to see which you prefer
• Learn a few ways to cast on to see how this process works and how different cast on's have different looking edges
• Once you feel comfortable with your knit and purl stitch, try a small project...there is no need to try cabling or lace now because it will just overwhelm you
• Before you start your project, read through the knitting pattern completely to ensure you understand all of it
• Always knit a swatch before you start a new project...there is nothing more frustrating than spending hours knitting a sweater and then finding out it is either ten times too big or ten times too small!  Also, with your swatch you can learn how to bind off your stitches.
• If your first project requires a few balls of the same coloured yarn, be sure to check the dye lot to make sure they match
• Do not stress if you run into problems...remember even the most experienced knitters have issues from time to time

When you are a beginner you may not realize the pros and cons of different knitting needle types.  Matter of fact when you go to buy your first pair you may be confused by the different types starting back at you from the shelves.

There are three basic types available:

• Metal - These are the traditional needle type. They are the heaviest and do not bend easily.  They are perfect if you tend to have a really tight tension as you do not have to worry about accidentally snapping a needle in half. (This may sound funny...but I know of someone who knits so tightly that they have trouble getting their stitches off their needles...I guess they are pretty wound up and the tension is coming out in their tension?)  Metal needles are very slippery so you will find that your stitches slip off the ends easily...this is one reason I would not suggest a beginner to use these.  When you are more advanced in your knitting technique you may like the way the stitches slip easily off the needle...it means you can knit super fast!  Metal needles are not that great to use with smooth yarns such as merino, cashmere, etc may slide off too easily!  One little benefit of metal needles is that you really hear the "click, clack" of your knitting...it really helps for those of us who use their knitting as meditation (maybe this is not working yet for my friend with the really, really, intensely tight tension?).

• Plastic - These are cheap and very easy to use.  They are light weight and great for people with arthritis.  These needles are also flexible, but sturdy.  You can easily use most yarn types on plastic needles...though you may still find them too slippery for some smooth yarns.

• Wood - This is the latest craze in needle type.  They have a fabulously warm feel to them when you are knitting.  Wooden needles are great for smooth yarns and perfect for all knitting skill levels.  You can choose between a variety of woods, for example bamboo, rosewood and surina wood.  Some wooden needles are highly smoothed (ie. rosewood) and do not "grab" the stitches as much as bamboo or surina needles.  So keep this in mind when choosing which wooden ones you would like to use.  Also, wooden needles in smaller sizes can accidentally snap, so you will want to take care when using them.

My personal favorite is wooden needles. I like them the best because they are the most comfortable (I find metal really harsh  and hard on my joints...I do have some carpal tunnel issues still).  I also like wooden because they are more environmentally friendly (I try to avoid any excess exposure to plastic...don't think I am a freak...I have just read too many scientific reports and books on the negative effects of plastic on the body and the environment...I am a "greenie"). 

Regardless of my opinion, I suggest you try all of the types before you settle on one.  You need to find the one that you love the most because it will mean you enjoy your knitting even more!

Some of us journal and some of us don't.  But if you want to journal I thought I would share the type of stuff I think is worth keeping track of:

• Title of the Project/Pattern and Where You Got the Idea From
• Type of Yarn Used and Amount
• Colour of the Yarn
• Crochet Hook Size Used
• Gauge/Tension of the Project
• Recommended Care Instructions for the Yarn
• Any Problems with the Pattern or Any Pattern Adjustments
• Notes on Anything You Liked (or Didn't Like)
• A Photo of the Finished Item
• Any Issues After You Started Wearing the Garment (ie.  Did the yarn bloom a little or a lot? or Did you find the yarn could handle being in the washing machine? or Did the colour bleed heaps?)

I had someone ask me about tension and knitting gauge importance because they are (in their own words) "genetically programmed to never knit a swatch."  This friend is a new knitter but just does not want to mess with swatches at all....so I told her that if she was that dead set against knitting a swatch, then the best course of action is the following:

• Stick to projects where tension does not matter (ie. scarves, pillow cases, afghans and shawls)
• Do projects where you can get away with it if the size comes out too small or too big (ie. baby or kid's clothes)
• Start knitting what ever project you want, but measure your tension about 10cm into the project and if the tension is wrong, FROG IT, Rip it out and start over....hopefully the second time you get it right...if not then I really hope the third time is a charm!

If you are "anti-knitting-a-swatch" then I suggest keeping a knitting journal so that you remember your tension for particular yarns for projects you do later...or stick using the same yarn all the time....this way you could get away with only knitting one swatch or using the same tension for later projects.

For those of you interested in learning to knit, you only need 2 things to get you started:

• one pair of straight knitting needles in one of the middle sizes (For example, try a size 5mm and avoid anything below a 4mm...you do not want to cramp your knuckles with super thin knitting needles for your first attempt at knitting).  I would suggest wood or bamboo needles to start with.  I personally cannot stand knitting with aluminum needles so I never suggest using them...but if you really want to try them first go right ahead.  I think bamboo and wood are just so much nicer to work with.  If you happen to find a great bargain on plastic ones then these are also ok to start on.


• a ball or skein of worsted weight yarn that is smooth and even in texture (it is much easier to see stitch definition on this type...avoid any overly furry or slub yarns because you may not notice if you drop stitches or you may just find the yarn frustrating to work with as a beginner). Be sure to pick a yarn you love in a colour you love!

I would suggest avoiding acrylic yarns for learning to knit because it may be too scratchy for your liking.  When you start pick a soft, smooth yarn that you will enjoy working with.  You do not have to spend much for your first yarn...you want to be frugal, not cheap.  You want to make sure you enjoy knitting before filling your home with yarn.

I think it is good to start with knitting a swatch first and then move on to a simple project like a scarf or a vest that requires little (if any) shaping.  So, other tools you will find useful are a pair of scissors and a yarn sewing needle.  This will help you finish your first swatch and project.  You may also need a crochet needle...but it depends on the exact first project you try.  I will help you learn the stitches and get you knitting (and purling) soon.

The following is a list of common abbreviations used in knitting patterns.  This will helps us get ready for upcoming projects. Please let us know if we have forgotten any by adding in a comment below this post. 

alt	alternate
approx	approximately
beg	beginning/begin
bet	between
CA	colour A
CB	colour B
CC	contrasting colour
cn	cable needle
co	cast on
cont	continue
dec	decrease/decreases/decreasing
dpn	double pointed needles
fl	front loops
foll	follow/follows/following
inc	increase/increases/increasing
k	knit
k2tog	knit two stitches together
kwise	knitwise
LH	left hand
lp(s)	loops
M1	make one stitch
MC	main colour
p	purl
patt	pattern/patterns
pm	place maker
p2tog	purl two stitches together
prev	previous
psso	pass slip stitch over
pwise	purl wise
rem	remain/remaining
rep	repeat/repeats
red st st	reverse stockinette stitch
RH	right hand
rnd	round/rounds
rnds	rounds
RS	right side
sk	skip
skp	slip, knit, pass slip stitch over
sk2p	slip one stitch, knit two stitches together, pass slip stitch over
sl	slip
sl1k	slip one knitwise
slp1	slip one purlwise
sl st	slip stitch/stitches
ssk	slip one st, slip one st, knit the two slip stitches together
sssk	slip one st, slip one st, slip one st, knit the three slip stitches together
st	stitch
sts	stitches
St st	stockinette stitch
tbl	through back of loop
tog	together
WS	wrong side
wyib	with yarn in back
wyif	with yarn in front
yfwd	yarn forward
yo	yarn over
yrn	yarn around needle
yon	yarn over needle

My friend told me this joke the other day...

A cop car chased a speeding car and when he caught up with it he saw a women inside knitting.  He began to yell to her "Pull Over! Pull Over!."  The woman yelled back to him "No!  It is a cardigan!"

Do you have any other knitting jokes??  Please let us know below in the comments.

Stitch definition is how clearly you can see individual stitches in a worked fabric.  For example, knitting with cotton yarns usually gives you great stitch definition where you can easily see all of the stitches.  Knitting with mohair results in a fuzzier fabric where the stitch definition is not as easily distinguishable.  Some natural fibres can be felted which disrupts the stitch definition where they are less distinguishable.

Not too long ago I was at the doctor's for a check up and found out that I had Carpal Tunnel syndrome.  The doctor uttered those unimaginable, dreaded words...."You must take a break from knitting and crocheting!"  

My Carpal Tunnel is related to my pregnancy but I know many people develop it as a result of repetitive finger and thumb motions.  When I got home that day, I quickly researched what causes carpal tunnel and what can be done about it because I could not imagine not being able to knit or crochet!  


Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by abnormal pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.  The median nerve rests in the "tunnel" shaped structure called the Carpal Tunnel.  This tunnel is filled to the brim with tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and the median nerve. There is not much room left so when any of the structures in this "tunnel" become enlarged and swollen, pressure is exerted onto the median nerve which results in pain, burning, numbness, tingling or weakness.  These symptoms can progress to the point where an individual loses strength in their hand as well as possibly losing the ability to make a fist or pick up objects.  


The most common cause of Carpal Tunnel syndrome is repetitive motions when the hand is flexed at the wrist.  These motions exert pressure on the carpal tunnel area and the tendons and ligaments react by swelling, thus putting pressure on the median nerve.  


Causes of Carpal Tunnel syndrome include prolonged computer keyboard typing, driving long distance, use of tools, fluid retention, cysts, tumours, wrist fractures and arthritis.  In my case, the swelling associated with pregnancy caused my Carpal Tunnel.

Some theories state that some individuals might be at higher risk of developing Carpal Tunnel syndrome due to their genetics.  Basically, their genes determine the size of the Carpal Tunnel therefore some of us may just have a smaller amount of "room" in our tunnel compared to others.


In my case I was told to use a wrist splint to keep my wrist mobilized.  This gives the area a good rest and kept me from doing anything that may irritate the condition.  I also used this when I slept as I found that I would wake up with that infamous "pins and needles" feeling in my hand.  

The doctor advised me to do some stretching and isometric exercises to help the wrist and prevent the condition from worsening.  He also mentioned that when I do start my knitting up again, that I should take frequent breaks.

I did some research to find what other things have worked for Carpal Tunnel sufferers who are knitters and crocheters.  One site recommended that you keep several projects going at once that used different gauges and types of yarns and needles....I was really happy to read this suggestions as my husband always laughs at how many projects I have going at one time.  He always asks..."why do you not do one at a time?"...I told him he just would not understand unless he learned to knit!


Another suggestion for when your pain is really bad, is to do a project that uses an elastic yarn versus a non-elastic yarn until the pain subsides.  You can also use circular needles versus straight during a really painful time with your Carpal Tunnel.  Circular needles tend to take the weight off your hands and wrists in comparison to straight needles.

Other suggestions include knitting and crocheting in a warmer room as you are more likely to develop joint stiffness in cold environments.  Also, improving ones posture and making sure you are not bending your wrist too much while knitting and crocheting can help avoid putting too much pressure on the area.


Remember knitting and crochet should be beneficial to your health...not harmful!  So if you are experiencing painful episodes in your hands and wrists like I did, then you should see your doctor to be properly diagnosed.  

Thankfully, in my case, my symptoms should start subsiding now that I have had my gorgeous little one.  So I will be able to continue my knitting and crocheting soon....I just have to first figure out how to do it without falling asleep (since I am bit sleep deprived at the moment!).

I guess it is only natural that knitting has some superstitions around it.  The one that always has intrigued me is known as "the boyfriend's sweater curse."

Basically, this curse states that if you give a hand knit sweater or jumper to your significant other, you significant other will leave you.  There are versions to this curse that state that your partner will leave you while you are still knitting the sweater.  


With some research I found that the following ideas surround the origins of this myth:

• With all the time and money you put into making a sweater for your boyfriend, you may get very emotional and touchy if they do not appreciate it or wear it enough for your liking....therefore tension is created in the relationship which may "unravel" your special bond
• Maybe because of the hard work and emotion attached to making a sweater, you may just remember a break up with someone you knitted for?  If this is the case, then everyone would have a "boyfriend sweater" story to tell...which would prolong and heighten the idea of this curse
• Giving a hand knit sweater too soon in a relationship (or before a relationship is "serious" enough) may put too much pressure on the receiver, therefore scaring them off.
• Is it possible that since some people take a long while to knit their sweater, the relationship just has run its natural course and has come to end just at the time you happen to finish your project?
• I think if you are going to knit your significant partner a sweater, make sure it is stylish and something they will want to wear.  You do not want to give them a dreaded "Christmas themed" sweater or a colour that they would never wear normally.  You need to make sure it is something that they will wear in public without worry.  If you give them something hideous, they will not want to wear it and may leave out of guilt...or you may start arguing because you feel they did not appreciate such a heart-felt gift. 

Ideas to break the curse involve asking your significant other to share in planning the project by letting them choose what they want made.  This will help you gauge whether the gift is a good idea or not because you will be able to see their response and commitment to the idea.

I am not sure about this curse because, to be honest, I have not knitted my husband a sweater before.  Maybe I am superstitious but cannot admit it to myself?  I think it is more that I love knitting lacey, girlie projects and I know that my husband will want a simple, dark coloured jumper (which I might find a bit boring to do right now?).  Or maybe I should just knit him a scarf, hat or gloves and see how that goes first?  (He has been asking me to make him something lately...so I think I will give it a go and just make him that plain charcoal colours jumper he wants!)



Just a thought...if you are trying to get rid of your partner...maybe you should hand knit them a sweater and see if this makes "getting rid of them" easier?  This could be an easy method to use for breaking up. (I think in this case you should make sure you do not get too far along in actually making the sweater)

I would love to know your stories and thoughts on this curse!!  Please comment on this blog or start a new forum topic to share your tales.