Tag: knit
tutorial: judy’s magic cast on
While Judy’s Magic Cast On (aka JMCO) is one of my favourite techniques, it’s taken until now for me to write about it here. This cast on was introduced to many knitters by Judy Becker in the Spring 2006 edition of Knitty, as a technique for toe-up socks. As with many ideas it developed a…
the simple magic of tubular bind-off
Little details can transform a simple item into something very special. A tubular bind-off can take a humble 1×1 rib edging and turn it into a finished and sophisticated feature. It sounds tricky and complicated, but is straightforward once you break down the steps. One quick word of warning — you do need to be…
knitting stripes, a tip to “carry up”
The first time I worked a project in stripes I was confused what it meant to “carry up”. How did I do that? My sole reference book at the time simply stated: “Wrap the working yarn around the other yarn(s) every 2-3cm (1in). Make sure the yarns do not pull.”[1] Did I twist the yarns…
three tips: join being careful not to twist
There are six simple words that strike dread every time, “join being careful not to twist”. My brain groans and sighs with an “I know!” and I set out to make a careful join. I rarely get it right on the first try. Or the second. For instance, take this lovely foundation chain of over…
book review: Shawl Geometry Series
There are numerous variables for a knit shawl design, whether created from the first stitch or a pattern. It doesn’t matter where one starts in the process–yarn, gauge, or stitch pattern–each one increases the complexity. That is before adding in the most important choice, shape. That’s where Holly Chayes revised Shawl Geometry Series books come…
two book ideas for easy crafting
I love challenging myself with complicated designs, though I also take great joy in the beauty found within simple patterns. After a long day I don’t always want to knit another garter stitch washcloth, it’s nice to have easy to work patterns on hand. The two books in today’s post fit this basic criteria. Drop-Dead…