Tag Archives | knit along

Learn to Knit – Learn the Garter Stitch

Do you want to learn to knit the garter stitch?

Did you put “Learn to knit” on your 2017 list of goals?  The garter stitch is one of the easiest stitches to use for making blankets, scarfs, and lots of other fun projects.  The garter stitch is made using the basic knit stitch.  Aside from learning to cast on the knit stitch is usually the second stitch knitters learn.  The garter stitch is made by knitting every row.  It is perfect for watching TV while knitting.  You don’t have to worry about counting stitches or getting lost.  In these photos below I will try to explain how the stitch is made.     I used a bulky yarn and a size US 10 1/2 knitting needle ( 6.5mm) below.  Using this size needle and yarn weight I later went on to cast on 35 stitches and made a nice scarf.     *Please note:  I am knitting in the continental style below.  I find this style to be easier for those who crochet (right handed) and want to learn to knit. I think this is because the yarn is held in the left hand.  Since crocheters have already learned to hold the yarn in their left hand and control the tension this is a natural transition.  That of course, is just my own opinion.

 

Garter stitch

Knit Gart Stitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garter Stitch

After you have cast on the stitches called for in your pattern you are ready to begin.

  1. Just as in the knit stitch the yarn will be coming from behind your needle (photo 1)
  2.  Insert your empty needle from the left to right  (Photo 2)
  3.  Pull yarn thru with needle  (photo 3 and 4)
  4. Slip off your needle   (Photo 5)
  5. Repeat for all stitches on your needle  (photo 6)
  6. Turn work
  7. Repeat 1- 6

That’s it!  You are knitting the garter stitch

Photo 1:

Knitting needle

Yarn behind knitting needle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 2:

Knit stitch needle position

Inserting needle to work knit stitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 3:

knit stitch

Getting ready to pull yarn thru needle to knit stitch    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 4:

Knitting

Knitting stitch – pulling yarn out thru front 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 5:

slipping stitch off needle

slipping stitch off knitting needle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 6:

knit garter stitches

working garter stitches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to see a video tutorial I have uploaded one to my YouTube Channel  the “All Crafts Channel”  Click below to enjoy it.  Please share this post with others who enjoy knitting or want to learn to knit.   Please leave any questions or comments below.  Enjoy!

Facebookpinterestyoutubeinstagram
Continue Reading

Bernat Stitch-Along / Final Clue and Reveal

The Bernat Stitch-Along is now complete.   Today I share the final clue.  I can’t believe how quickly has passed.  Here we are four weeks later and the final clue is now being revealed.   I love the fact that there was no seaming of pieces in this beautiful blanket.  Each week’s clue has built on the previous clue until today the final blanket is revealed.

Bernat Stitch-Along Knit Blanket

Bernat Mystery Stitch Along – Knit blanket

 

Each week in this Stitch-Along I have shared a different clue.  The result has been that you were able to learn  how to knit new stitch design and for others who were already familiar with these patterns you were able to practice these stitch techniques.  The Stitch-Along has also allowed me to be able to share some tips, tricks, and techniques I use to simply the knit patterns.   I have made every effort to be able to demonstrate the techniques in a way that even beginners can have success.  Remember, just like any other skill knitting takes practice.  Don’t give up or get discouraged if it was a little challenging for you.  These designs and techniques are new to many people. With practice and patience,  you will be able to master any knit design.

Be sure to take plenty of breaks so that you don’t fatigue your hands.  Also, taking breaks will ensure that you are fresh and ready to knit.  I know knitting can be addicting and I struggle to remind myself to get up after 20 minutes or so and stretch my hands and maybe walk around the room.

Stitch-Along / This  Week’s Clue:

This week the clue shared was a border.  Not just a plain border but a beautiful cable border.  The techniques that were used allowed us to attach the border without sewing.  You can get this week’s written pattern and charts from Joann’s website.  Be sure to select the clue for either the crochet or knit design depending on which you are completing.   Here is the link:  Weekly Clues

For the blanket border,  we will be using a cable needle or hook.  I prefer to use a hook, especially for beginners.   In this week’s video tutorial I show you some tips on how to evenly pick up stitches over a long area.  I share how I divide the area up and then pick up the stitches.  I also share how I ensure I am picking up the correct stitches.   Since the pattern is made without seaming we will be picking up stitches as we go along.  The process is divided into 2 steps.   (picking up the stitches and then adding the border).

I created a mini-swatch of the previous week’s patterns so that I could better demonstrate how to add our border.  Using the full size blanket would not have allowed me to show the entire piece within the view area of my camera.  I thought that using the mini-blanket would be a good way to demonstrate where to begin, how to divide my spaces for picking up stitches and to add the remaining border areas and in which order.

Any of the knit designs shared during the first three weeks can be used for creating other size blankets as well.   Just be sure to keep in mind the pattern repeat and then cast on enough stitches to get the desired width of your blanket be sure that number can be evenly divided by the number of your stitch pattern repeat.

Thank You

I want to thank Joann’s Craft and Fabric store  for allowing the great honor of serving as your knit host.  If you haven’t participated in this Stitch-Along there is still plenty of time.  The videos and patterns will be available at the Stitch Along site:  Stitch Along Info Site   Joann’s has also created a special Facebook event page.  This page is being shared by both knitters and crocheters.  This is a fun community where you can ask questions, share your process, encourage others and receive inspiration.   Facebook Stitch Along Page

If you are a visual learner or would like to see a this week’s clue demonstrated please pick on the video below.

 

If you enjoyed this Bernat Mystery Blanket Stitch-Along please be sure to post a comment here and on the Facebook event page.  This will let our sponsor Joann’s Craft and Fabric store know that you appreciated this Stitch Along.   It has been so much fun to be a part of this Stitch-Along.  I love to knit and to be able to share the joy of knitting with others.  Thank you and enjoy your beautiful blanket.  : )

Facebookpinterestyoutubeinstagram
Continue Reading

Bernat Stitch Along, Revealing Clue 3

The Bernat Stitch Along is now in its third week and it’s time to reveal clue 3.  This week’s clue reveal is a beautiful honeycomb pattern.   You may have seen this pattern used in various knitting projects.  Although it isn’t often shared on social media this pattern is really pretty.   The pattern is a 4 stitch repeat.   I have gone back to the color yarn I used in week 1.  The Bernat Stitch Along is really coming along now.

Knit Honeycomb pattern

Clue 3 of the Bernat Blanket Stitch Along

 

Why use a cable needle?  Our instructions call for using a cable needle or hook.   This stitch can be made without using a cable needle however,  the cable needle/hook is an easier and more secure way to ensure you don’t drop any stitches.  (Dropped stitches can be a hassle to pick up).   Some may think that using a cable needle is a slower process but in the end, it can save your from countless dropped stitches and headaches.   If you are an advanced knitter you can create the stitch without using a cable needle or hook.  For beginning or intermediate knitter I recommend using the cable needle.   Once you have mastered the stitch if you want to try creating the pattern without a cable needle that is also an option.   You will just have to be careful that you do not drop any stitches as you work.

This pattern is created by alternating the direction in which the stitches lean.  From left to right and right to left.  By working these stitches in different directions you create the honeycomb pattern.   You can choose to work from either the written pattern of the charts.   Some people prefer to work from written patterns and others from charts.  Either way, we have you covered.   To download all needed info including shopping supplies, patterns, video links or other pertinent information please visit:  Bernat Stitch Along Info   There are some colors that are exclusive to Joann’s Fabric and Craft stores.  You can purchase your supplies at your local Joann’s store or go online to Joann.com

I really like this pattern and it has inspired me to create a knit pot holder.. maybe with a couple of little bumble bees attached to the top.  I am thinking of using some cotton yarn in a honey color.  I think that would make a fun housewarming present.   I hope that you will find the Bernat Stitch Along a great way of adding new techniques to your knitting skills.

It’s not too late to join the Bernat Stitch Along.  The videos and instructions are still available for everyone to download and watch.  Joann’s has also created a special Facebook event page.  That page is being shared by both knitters and crocheters.  On that page you can share photos of your progress, ask questions and be inspired by others.  Visit the page today and be sure to like it.  Here is the link:  Bernat Stitch Along Facebook Page

I have uploaded a  YouTube Video tutorial for visual learners or if you just want a refresher on knitting the honeycomb pattern.   I go stitch by stitch and explain how to create this pattern.   Just click on the video box below to watch the full tutorial.   Be sure to share the video and this post with  your friends and family.

Facebookpinterestyoutubeinstagram
Continue Reading

Bernat Stitch Along is Here! Today I share the first clue

The Bernat Stitch Along is Here!  It has finally arrived.  Today I share Week 1 / Clue 1 of the Bernat Mystery Blanket Stitch Along.   If you haven’t purchased your supplies yet it isn’t too late.    Just visit your local Joann Fabric and Craft Store or go online to:  Joann.com to purchase your Bernat Blanket yarn today.  There are some colors that are only available thru Joann retailers.

Here is a sneak peek at the clue.   As you can see it is a beautiful diagonal rib design.  DO NOT be intimidated by this pattern.  It is created using only a Knit and Purl stitch.  It is just the sequence of those stitches that creates this beautiful pattern.  The great thing about this blanket is that there is no sewing.  It is a knit as you go.  One of my least favorite things is having to seam pieces together as finishing them.  This blanket design eliminates that.   Once you’re finished other than sewing in any tails you will be ready to enjoy your blanket.  That is my kind of knitting fun.

If you have been wanting to learn to knit I would recommend you watch the videos.  I knit Continental style which I believe is an easier style for crocheters to use when learning to knit.  Since most crocheters (ok, right handed people) already hold the yarn in their left hand and continental knitting requires you to hold the yarn with your left hand you are already ahead of the tension game.   Meaning you are already used to having the working yarn on your left hand and controlling the yarn tension with your left hand.  It might make it easier to learn.  I also think it is a much faster knitting method once your learn and build speed.   The most important thing is not to be intimidated.  Knitting just like crocheting merely requires some instruction, patience and practice.   In no time you will be a pro.  Don’t give up!

week-1-clue-1

knit_along_week1_final-jpg Bernat Stitch Along – Week 1 Clue 1

Bernat Stitch Along Supplies and Info:

As you can see I have chosen the Teal color for my first week’s clue work.   I love how soft this Bernat Blanket Yarn feels.  It reminds me of a soft mini-marshmallow.   When you visit the Joann website you will be able to download the written pattern along with the knitting charts.  Here is the link:

Joann supplies and info page     The yarn supplies needed for the knit and crochet versions are different so be sure to check the version that you are going to be following.  Both blankets are completely different so if you crochet and knit you can choose to do both.  There is no repeat.   I also wanted to remind everyone that Joann’s has created a special Facebook event page for both knitters and crocheters.  There you will be able to see and post photos, share your progress, and ask questions.  It is a fun community and a great way to get support and help each other on this adventure.     Here is the page:   Bernat Stitch Along Facebook Page   I will also be posting some updates on my own Facebook Fan page.  Please be sure to visit my page and become a fan.  I also will be doing some Facebook Live videos for you.   Click here to become a fan:  All Crafts Channel Facebook Fan Page

Some of your favorite  knitters and crocheters  will also be participating and blogging along.   Kristin Magnus of Good Knit Kisses  will be knitting along and sharing her progress with all of you.   Sarah Zimmerman of RepeatCrafterMe  will be stitching the crochet version and sharing her experiences.  I hope you will join me and all of the knitters and crocheters who  are participating.  It won’t be any fun without you.   I will sign off now to give you a chance to go and watch the video on YouTube or you can click on the video below.   Good luck!

 

Facebookpinterestyoutubeinstagram
Continue Reading