I’m a crocheter. I’ve crocheted since I was 10 and recently started teaching a small class at work and absolutely love it.
A co-worker (my boss) knits and she talked me into learning So, I started a few days ago, but I just can’t get beyond the first couple of rows. It looks absolutely horrible! My stitches are all over the place and the ends are loose. I searched this forum and found some tips on the loose ends (I’m about to watch a video on that too), but my issue is more with my stitches being different sizes.
I want to knit tight b/c that’s how I crochet, but I don’t know if that’s right? wrong? should I start loose to catch on first? my first few stitches after casting on look great, but then they get longer and the “purl part” on the back just gets higher and higher. It’s very inconsistent. I’ve tried holding several different ways and found a way that I feel comfortable and stayed consistent on my technique the last few swatches I did.
Ugh. I’m just frustrated… what am I doing wrong? is it tension?
I know exactly what you’re saying, anniedee. I also learned to crochet at a very young age and tried to learn to knit years ago, but wasn’t very successful and gave up. I recently decided to give it another go and am really enjoying it this time. I also crocheted very tightly, too tightly to be able to get the gauge right for garments, and am determined that won’t happen with my knitting! My best advice is to just keep trying. Keep the tension issues in the back of your mind but don’t obsess too much about it while you’re learning. Your stitches will even out and as you become more comfortable with the movements of knitting, your tension will even out also.
Don’t worry about your tension for now, just get used to making the sts. With some practice they’ll get more even and you’ll get a smoother tension. If they’re still loose, you can always go down to a smaller needle size. What CO are you using - just a loop around the needle? That’s easy to do but can result in very loose strands of yarn when you knit on the first row. So try another method, knit or cable or even long tail and at least the edge should be a little neater.
I’ve only used the long tail method and I’m doing continental b/c it’s easier for me to hold it that way from crocheting. The first couple of rows are definately the “loosest”. I usually just rip it out after 5-6 rows b/c I get frustrated! But, I switched to some cotton yarn which seems to be easier than the acrylic. The ends aren’t great, but I’m happy with my swatch
It’s much less frustrating if you don’t keep starting over, just keep going. If you want to rip it out and reuse the yarn later, fine, but it feels like you’re not getting anywhere if you keep ripping it.
Your sample looks fine, everyone has uneven tension when they first start - it gets better.
Hi AnnieDee…
Just had a look at your photo stream and fell in love with your crocheted bunny and eggs. They are so fine! Love your fabric flowers as well.
I think, upon seeing the swatch you have posted, that the difference in your tension is possibly caused by the difference in the type of stitches you are using.
First you did garter stitch and then you did stocking stitch… the garter had no purl in it and can knit up looser than the st st.
If you just keep at it, I’m sure, before you know it, your knitting will be just as fine as your crochet… I also think your co-workers are lucky to have such a good crocheter there to teach them that wonderful craft.
TEMA:thumbsup:
I forgot to say that crochet and knitting together in one outfit are to die for… so beautiful to see a sweater with crochet trim - just adds that little pizzaz!
TEMA:knitting:
With Continental knitting, it’s mainly how you hold the yarn. Most Continental knitters drape the yarn around the index finger. I guess that’s the correct way to do it. I learned differently. The gal who taught me how to knit learned this from her German grandmother. I drape the yarn over my middle finger then hold it tightly between my ring and little fingers. You could try that. It works well for me because I have my index finger free to push stitches off the end of the left needle. I can lift the yarn with my index finger and quickly swing it over the needle to do a rib stitch, knit 2, purl 2.
Sometimes it has to do with the yarn you use. I’ve been knitting with Caron one pound yarn lately for charity mittens. The stitches are very uneven. I tried and tried to get it right last week and finally gave up. When I knitted with a Caron baby sport yarn after that, my stitches were perfect. Knitting with wool yarns instead of acrylics can sometimes make a big difference. If you want to practice, you can make yourself a nice scarf using either garter stitch or a combination of garter and stockinette.
So, I started a few days ago, but I just can’t get beyond the first couple of rows. It looks absolutely horrible! My stitches are all over the place and the ends are loose. I searched this forum and found some tips on the loose ends (I’m about to watch a video on that too), but my issue is more with my stitches being different sizes.