Explore hints, tips and helpful advise to assist in your knitting. Purl Pointers, a continually updated collection of knitting knowledge.

• PURL POINTER #1
Checking Your Gauge

Checking your gauge can be a tricky proposition, especially with bulkier novelty yarns that tend to "move about." Here is a method we picked up from The Knitting Guild of America that helps with gauge checking accuracy:

-Knit up a gauge swatch casting on 20 stitches.
-Measure the width of the swatch.
-Take that measurement and divide it by 20.

This will give you the stitches per inch which you can multiply by 4 if you are trying to match a stated 4" swatch requirement.

• PURL POINTER #2
Determining yarn length on a long tail cast on...

One easy way to estimate the amount of yarn needed is to take the number of cast on stitches and wrap the yarn around the needle that number of times. The measurement will be a little longer than the actual amount required, but will prevent you from running out of tail yarn.

• PURL POINTER #3
Well Fitting Garments

Garment Fitting: Ever puzzled over the measurements on patterns and wonder if your garment will fit when it is done? Here are a few suggestions to follow when figuring the size of your finished garments.

First ALWAYS check your gauge and adjust needle size accordingly.

Measure a garment that fits you well and is of a similar weight and style to determine your finished size. In deciding which pattern size to make, most patterns will factor in ease. If you are a 34" bust, use the 34" bust size pattern specifications.

Then as you are knitting, hold your work up to the well fitting garment and check to see if your work parallels the measurement. Give yourself permission to adjust to mirror the well fitting garment. You'll love the results.

• PURL POINTER #4
Determining Needle Size

If you don't know what size needle to use with your yarn (ball band missing, whatever), lay two strands of the yarn next to each other and see which hole it will fit through on your needle/gauge check.  Whichever size hole the strands fit through should give you an idea as to what size needle would work with that yarn.  As always, knitters' choice to size up or down, depending on the desired effect.

• PURL POINTER #5
Garter Stitch Variation: The Brioche Rib

Looking for some garter stitch adventure? Try the Brioche Rib! This stitch has many different names: Prime Rib, Oriental Rib, Shaker knitting, and Fisherman’s Rib just to name a few. The name is not the only thing that varies. The Brioche stitch pattern itself can vary. However, the result is almost identical. The variations seem to depend on the number of stitches being used. Some variations require the number to be divisible by 3. Some require only an even number of stitches. 

The most commonly found variation of this stitch involves the following stitch pattern:
Works on an even number of stitches. (Not worked in the round)
Row 1: *Yarn over, slip 1 as if to purl, knit 1. Repeat from * across.
Row 2: *Yarn over, slip 1 as if to purl, knit 2 together. Repeat from * across.
Repeat only row 2 for pattern. 

With this variation you will be working on more stitches than were cast on, so you'll need to consider this when planning gauge. Work the last row by eliminating the yarn overs and simply purling 1 and knitting 2 together across. After that row you can bind off in a regular knit 1, purl 1 ribbing pattern. This fabric is very stretchy, so bind off loosely.

Another variation of this stitch looks like this:
Knit the first row. Next and every following row: *K1, knit one stitch into the row below, repeat from *, end with K2. 

Knitting in the row below is not as hard as it might sound! I found this variation used in the pattern Fourteen by John Brinegar. This is a free pattern that uses Rowan Big Wool or Rowan Big Wool Fusion. You can find this yarn at String of Purls. Try it out!

• PURL POINTER #6
Worry Free Long Tail Cast On

Tired of having to redo a long tail cast on repeatedly until you end up with just the right tail length? Instead of tying your slip knot in the middle of your yarn leaving a long tail (hence the name) that may or may not be the correct length…Use both ends of the ball of yarn! Tie one end of the yarn to the needle leaving a suitable length for weaving in or seaming the project. Then, instead of using the tail to cast on the stitches, use the other end of the ball of yarn. Cast on the desired number of stitches, then cut the yarn you wrapped around your thumb (or the left needle) when you’re done. Make sure it is long enough to weave in later. Continue knitting with the yarn that created the new stitches. You will end up with two extra pieces of yarn to weave in, but you will never have to worry if you left enough tail for your cast on. It will also save on a lot of wasted time and yarn!

• PURL POINTER #7
Ripping Out Mohair

Freeze your garment overnight before trying to rip out mohair or other fuzzy yarns. This will help tame the tendency of fuzzy yarns to stick together. You can also do this if you are knitting with mohair and simply don't like the little fuzzies (that's the technical term, really...) that fly around and tickle your nose while you're knitting.

• PURL POINTER #8
What To Do With Scrap Yarns

• Roll it up and use it as packing material when shipping a package to a fellow knitter. They will be delighted when they find colorful stuffing instead of plain old bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts.
• Fill a clear vase with coordinating scrap yarns. Use this as a centerpiece in your home. It is a great conversation starter and shows everyone what you love!
• Paint with yarn. CO 100-120 sts on Size 11circular needles. Use whatever colors you have leftover, scraps from other projects, discount yarns. Choose coordinating colors or just use everything. Knit the whole thing in garter or stockinette stitch. Knit no more than 2 rows of each yarn before switching to another yarn. Hold two yarns together to change the effect. This is a great way to use up scrap yarn. Any level knitter can attempt this project!

• PURL POINTER #9
Contain the Uncontainable

One characteristic of some yarns, especially bamboo, is that it does not like to stay in a nice neat little ball. In fact, this yarn is so beautifully silky, several rounds of it can fall off the ball at once while knitting. A simple, money saving way to contain this yarn is with a coffee can! If you have pets or curious tiny fingers about the house, cut a hole in the lid and feed the yarn through it before starting the next ball of yarn. The yarn will roll harmlessly round and round as you knit.

• PURL POINTER #10
Kids Play Time or Project Blocking Time?

Ever find it frustrating to find a good surface for blocking? Do your knees complain every time you have to pin that project to the carpet? The latest thing in blocking tools might surprise you. A child’s interlocking foam play mat is the perfect solution! These foam squares link together to make any size surface you need. These can be purchased in kits of 25 square feet in color or in plain white. Lay it across your dining room table without fear of pins damaging the finish. When you’re all done, put it on the floor and let the kinds crawl across it! It’s durable and reusable and very flexible to meet your every blocking need!

• PURL POINTER #11
Homemade Yarn Bobbins

Those long ends that you’re saving for seaming later in a project can be a real drag…especially as they drag along behind your project or get tangled in your knitting bag. Find a plastic bread bag closure tab. Wrap these ends around it to keep them nice and tidy until they are needed for seaming.

• PURL POINTER #12
FELTING TIPS

Felting depends on the combination of detergent, hot water, and agitation to shrink the fibers.

• No knots! Work in all ends.
• Put in washing machine on small load setting, HOT water wash.
• Add small amount of laundry detergent (about 1 tablespoon).
• Put in some old jeans or something bulky enough to bump against item to be felted during wash.
• Put small items in a lingerie bag or pillow case.
• Run through regular cycle.
• If not felted enough after first wash, repeat without detergent additional times.
• When felted to desired size, allow it to dry. This can take several days.
• If it is a hat, put it on while damp to shape it and let it dry. (You can let it dry over a bowl to help it keep its shape.)
• If it is a bag, put it upside down over a box of the right size. Cover the box with a plastic bag before putting the felted bag on to dry.

• PURL POINTER #13
Goin' Fishin'

If you need to block lace or are worried your finished project will end up with points along the edge from tacking it down during blocking...use fishing line! Fishing line is an inexpensive tool for blocking. Simply feed it through the edge of your knitted piece to be blocked with a needle. Instead of pinning through your knitting, pin the wire in a line Use one tack at each end or several tacks down the length of the wire. It will prevent your knitted project from getting an unwanted pointed edge during blocking.

• PURL POINTER #14
Curly Circulars

If all life's problems were so easy! Dip your needles' flexible section into boiling water before use, and hey presto! If it is already in the works, try steaming the needle gently over a kettle.

• PURL POINTER #15
Why go circular?

• PURL POINTER #16
Knitting is cheaper than therapy!

• PURL POINTER #17
Determining yarn length on a long tail cast on...

One easy way to estimate the amount of yarn needed is to take the number of cast on stitches and wrap the yarn around the needle that number of times. The measurement will be a little longer than the actual amount required, but will prevent you from running out of tail yarn.

• PURL POINTER #18
Loose Stitches Between Knits and Purls

You may find if you switch from a knit to a purl there is somehow extra yarn causing a loose stitch. When you start to purl, move the stitches closer to the tips of the needles. This is make that stitch tighter.

• PURL POINTER #19
Pesky Stitch on a Cable

When knitting a cable pattern (or on one side of a single line of knit on a purl background), you may find that the change in tension between the K and P gives you a loose stitch. You can pull the yarn tightly at this stitch each row to help fix this. However, you can also knit into the back of that stitch on every row. It will twist the stitch, but it will also close it up. You can also ladder down to a stitch that was missed in this manner to fix it and ladder back up with a crochet hook.

• PURL POINTER #20
Knitting and Purling Backwards

Sounds crazy, right? If you've recently worked an entrelac pattern or are considering doing so, you may appreciate the benefit of this skill. Entralac patterns can involve turning the work after only very few stitches every row. Instead of turning your work, try knitting and purling backwards. It means no more turning and potentially can make your project go faster! For a detailed explanation visit Knitting Tips and Techniques. This link also has videos to show the each process.

• PURL POINTER #21
Get Organized!

Wondering what to do with all your knitting gadgets? If you find yourself rummaging through the bottom of your knitting bag to find a stitch marker or row counter, here are some ideas for managing the bits and pieces of knitting. Go to your local outdoor sports store and find a small tackle box. Often these tackle boxes have adjustable compartments. They come in small sizes that can be carried in a knitting bag. They also come in larger sizes that open up with multiple levels. Use one for home and one for knitting about town. You might also wish to use a small cosmetic bag to carry with you instead. These often come free with purchase of cosmetics and zip closed.

• PURL POINTER #22
I Have an Organizer. Now What?

What will you need when knitting about town? Here is a list of essential knitting "gadgets" we recommend not leaving home without!

• scissors or yarn cutter
• stitch markers: these often come in their own small plastic bag
• row counter
• crochet hook: a medium size (E-I) will work for most projects; useful for fixing dropped stitches
• needle gauge: for checking needle size and stitch gauge
• tapestry needle and large needle threader
• cable needles (if you have started doing cabled projects)

• PURL POINTER #23
Starting a New Ball of Yarn by Maggie's Rags Website

Leave about 6-8 inches of yarn hanging down from each of the balls. Just continue knitting across the row. When you're done, pull up any looseness where the ends are hanging down and weave in the yarn end on the back of the fabric. I like to weave in the end by zig zagging along the back of one row of stitches. Be sure to do this loosely (it helps to stretch the knitting to make sure it's loose enough). Finally, trim off the remaining yarn.

You can also begin a new ball of yarn at the edge of your knitting where a seam will be sewn. After seaming, weave the ends into the seam.

• PURL POINTER #24
Free Knitting Demo Videos

Knitting help is just a click away. Stumbled across an unfamiliar stitch in a pattern? Can't remember how to K2tog? KnittingHelp.com offers free videos in both English and Continental style knitting. These helpful videos cover everything from basic stitches, to cast ons, and binding off.

• PURL POINTER #25
Casting On Too Tightly

If you need to loosen up your cast on, you can try two methods. First, space your stitches out along the needle as you cast on, don't jam them up tight against each other. Second, use a single needle 1-2 sizes larger than the one you plan to use for your project.