Sandra's Designing Blog

This is an exclusive area of my web site where you can find out more about my knitted designs, what inspires me, how I work and what I like (and don't like) to design. 
 
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Category: Knitting Tips

  1. Get your 5 page guide on "Achieving a Professional finish for your knits"

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    Subscribe for your Free Guide Today! 

     Achieving a Professional Finish for your knits.
    Subscribe to get the Guide Today
    My story:
    As knitters or knitter/designers we don't start off knowing how to make our knits look professional. I took up knitting seriously around 12 years ago and whilst I was practising knitting I sold my knitted accessories on Etsy (I also designed my own so as to avoid any copyright infringements).  I also worked for a company called "Wool and the Gang" who back then employed knitters to knit up their kits so they could sell the creations on line.  I started off knitting the Zion hat a simple stocking stitch hat, knit in the round using chunky yarn, knit up really fast so was a good little earner. But.... I wanted a challenge so moved on to a colourful cowl, This was knit flat, garter stitch with stripes in chunky yarn. Once the cowl was knitted, the cast on edge and the cast off were joined and the side seam joined (the wrong side was then hidden inside the tube) and colourful yarn was woven through the garter stitch stitches.

    Interesting challenge........but I wasn't happy and Wool and the Gang wasn't happy. My chunky seams were totally horrible, so messy and well, chunky.  Within days of receiving them, Wool and the Gang returned them to me and said the seams needing redoing. This was the hardest knitting lesson learnt. I did do as they asked, I couldn't afford not to. They had a tutorial which once I undid all the seams (and the extra weaving)  I followed  and I was amazed! The tutorial is here.
    These are 3 cowls with the seams redone.
    What I'm trying to get across from my story is that as a knitter you don't automatically know how to get that polished look, so you can gift or sell your work or even feel proud to wear it.

    How many of you have finished garments in your stash and they just need seaming?
    How many of you have WIP's and are not happy with the picking up you did round the neckline so you have simply just put it away?

    Well now is your time to rectify that.

    Pick up the guide and see what area you are struggling with, Zoom in on solving that issue, watch the videos and tutorials I suggest and get back to me with successes and failures ( I will follow up on the failures to make sure we have a success!).

    Any of these techniques can be practiced on swatches, so pick up 2 swatches you have and have a go at seaming or picking up stitches. or even blocking!
     
    In this guide, you will find detailed instructions on how to tackle common knitting challenges, tips for perfecting your projects, and recommendations for tools and resources that can support your knitting journey. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter, these tips will help you achieve a polished, professional finish that you can be proud of.

  2. Why do we use stitch markers?

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    For people new to knitting, maybe you've looked at pretty charms like these ones below and thought why do we use them in our knitting?
    Woop! New products just landed in my web site. Pretty charming handmade stitch markers. Just so happy to see these in my store. I’ll be adding them as extra options with kits etc but in the meantime you can browse and buy now.

     

     Stitch markers are essential tools in knitting and crochet projects used to mark a specific point in your work, helping you keep track of pattern repeats, increases, decreases, or any other significant points. The markers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different preferences and project needs.

    Here's a breakdown of the two main types of stitch markers:

    1. Ring Stitch Markers:

      • These are circular markers that can be slipped onto the needle.
      • Ring markers are typically made of plastic, metal, or rubber and come in various sizes to accommodate different needle sizes and yarn weights.
      • They're easy to move along the needle and can be used repeatedly across different projects.

    2. Lobster Claw Clasps (or Clip-On Stitch Markers):

      • These markers have a lobster claw clasp attached to them, allowing you to clip them directly onto the stitches in your work.
      • Lobster clasps come in different shapes and sizes, but they typically have a small, spring-loaded mechanism that opens and closes the clasp.
      • They are handy for marking specific points in your project, especially when you need to move the marker frequently or when working with delicate stitches.
      • Lobster clasps are also versatile and can be used as progress keepers or to mark the beginning of a round or row or to make the right side of the work.

    The choice between ring stitch markers and lobster claw clasps often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your project. Ring markers are great for general use and can easily slide along your needles, while lobster clasps provide a more secure attachment and are ideal for marking specific stitches or points in your work. Ultimately, both types serve the same purpose of helping you keep track of your stitches and pattern repeats as you knit or crochet.
    Browse the new stitch markers