techniques

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Cast-Ons

June 18, 2008 in TKGA, techniques by lauren | No comments

One of the things I’ve noticed while doing the research for the TKGA Level 1 is that cast-ons are often given different names in the various reference books. I figured it would be useful for me, and maybe for others, to list the cast-ons I used, what names they’re known under in the books I’ve looked at, and any notes. Of course, this is really only useful if you have at least one of the books, for which I make no apologies.

Knitter’s Stanley Vogue Notes
knit, p40 knitted, p73, fig 2.27 knitting-on, p27 a bit lacy and loose, but quick and you don’t waste any yarn
cable, p40 cable, p75, fig 2.35 cable, p26 firmer than knit cast-on; my default.
— thumb, p67, fig 2.9 double cast-on - thumb, p 25 similar results to long tail
long tail, knit, p38 German, p68, fig 2.12 double cast-on, p25 looks best when followed by a purl row
long tail, purl, p39 — — combine with knit version for in-pattern cast-ons
tubular, p42 two-strand tubular, p78, fig 2.41 — good for k1, p1 rib or seed stitch
— stockinette-stitch tubular cast-on, p79, fig 2.44 tubular: version B, p 27 use for k1, p1 rib

I think it’s an interesting comparison. No wonder it’s sometimes hard to figure out what knitters actually mean by any given term.

Bibliography:

Knitter’s

The Knitter’s Handbook: Essential Skills & Helpful Hints from Knitter’s Magazine, 2005, XRX Books.

Stanley

Knitter’s Handbook : A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Techniques of Handknitting, Montse Stanley, 1993, Reader’s Digest.

Vogue

Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book, 2002, Sixth & Spring Books

Knitting Technique sites

January 21, 2008 in knitting, techniques by lauren | 1 comment

I found myself adding sites to my bookmarks list, and then thought, how silly. It’s not much more work to blog them, and then others might be interested as well. So here is a listing of a few web sites with knitting techniques of various sorts. The order is reverse alphabetical.

Techknitting
Technique discussions and illustrations for more advanced knitters. Good if you want to know the pros and cons of different techniques, could be a little overwhelming. Best read with knitting pins (needles) and yarn in hand, to try things out.
Sweaterscapes
I found this one when looking for a tutorial on shaping necklines with short rows. Tutorials on changing designs, intarsia knitting, i-cord, etc.
StudioKnits
This is a complete book, online or available on CD. There are over 38,000 words and 300+ custom knitted illustrations adding up to the equivalent of more than 190 letter-sized pages contained within. Lots of colour photos, which is good.
KnittingHelp
Lots of videos on all sorts of knitting techniques, illustrated in both continental and English knitting styles.

Of course, I have multiple books as well, but sometimes one of these sites puts things in a different way that makes more sense.