I am a rookie who is experimenting with creating swatches of different stitches and patterns, just for practice (and because I’m intimidated by anything more complicated than a scarf). Right now, I am using a perpetual calendar, 365 Knitting Stitches a Year, which I got as a gift.
I am simply stumped with the instructions for this stitch, Cross 2 Back (or Cross 2 Front). The instructions say to knit into the back (or front) of the second stitch on the LHN, then knit the first stitch, slipping both stitches off together. I just can’t make this work – is there a video on this site or somewhere else where I see what I’m doing wrong? Thanks for any help.
I looked for a video on this site for that stitch but didn’t find one. Maybe someone will come through for you with one. But I can try to explain it a little.
Cross 2 Front: This is the easiest. It seems weird, but it works if you just do it. As you look at the stitches you are ready to knit, skip over the first one and knit into the second one just like a normal knit, but don’t slip anything off the LH needle. Then go back to the stitch you skipped and knit it just like normal. Now slip both stitches off the needle at the same time. You made a miniture cable like twist. When you get a row of these lined up they begin to look neat.
Cross 2 Back: Do you know how to knit into the back loop of a stitch? This is what you do, but instead of knitting into the back loop of the first stitch, you skip the first stitch and knit into the back loop of the second stitch on the LH needle. Again this seems impossible at first, but just do it, and it can be done. (See below if you have not done a ktbl.) Then don’t slide it off the LH needle. Now bring the tip of the RH needle around the end of the LH needle, so that it is in front, and knit the stitch you skipped in the normal way and slip both stitches off the needle.
If you have not learned to knit in the back loop, try it on a test swatch, just doing it into the first stitch at first. I could describe it as a normal knit with this exception… Instead of inserting the RH needle tip into the front of the stitch, like you do for a regular knit, insert it into the back leg of the loop on the needle. Think of it as being like inserting the RH needle into the stitch as if to purl, but instead of on the near side of the needle, do it behind the needle (on the side away from you). Then yarn around and knit the stitch from that position. This twists the stitch.
Get someone to read these instructions to you as you work if you find it hard to read while you do it. I find that helps me. I hope this helps.
Thank you very much for the quick response. I have figured out knitting into the back of a stitch. My problem with the cross stitch is that the yarn gets so tight, I can’t move it anymore. So, I’m definitely doing something wrong. I’ll print out your detailed instructions, and hopefully that will help!
Try pulling the first stitch you knit of the Cross 2, whether in front or back, out a bit with the RH needle before going on to the second stitch. Maybe that will help. Tight knitting is not a problem of mine. LOL I’m a loose woman.
LOL! I don’t hold the yarn in my right hand in the orthodox way, so I think I tend to knit with more tension than most knitters – although it works for me.
For experimenting with new stitches, do you recommend using bulky yarn and larger needles or the opposite? I’m using inexpensive acrylic worsted with 8 and 9 needles right now.
I like bigger needles, so I’d suggest worsted weight and size 10/10.5s or bulky yarn on 11s for samplers. The larger needles make bigger stitches and keeps them from being too tight, which helps with those twist or cable stitches.
Boy, a youtube for knitting instructions would be absolutely great. The videos I have watched have helped me understand a lot easier than looking at a drawing or actual photo in a book or online. I am also ‘experimenting’ with stitches I have not done in the past on swatches, find it challenging and fun, and the videos at hand have been helpful. I have yet to knit into the back of a stitch, but will make that a next try. Think I’ve mastered the knit-into-the-stitch-below, a few more intricate patterns and having the time of my life. This forum has been invaluable to me and thanks for all the wonderful posts with questions I too have and the answers that follow. Wanda
I would be perfectly happy with your acrylic worsted and size 8 or 9 needles. I’d say try the bulky and the worsted and see which YOU like best for your samples. Merigold
(See below if you have not done a ktbl.) Then don’t slide it off the LH needle. Now bring the tip of the RH needle around the end of the LH needle, so that it is in front, and knit the stitch you skipped in the normal way and slip both stitches off the needle.