Totally new... a question

#1

I’m proud to say I’m almost finished with my first project (no one will see it except me and my cat, but I’m pleased!).

Getting ready to start something else and have been reading on this wonderful site all the talk of tension, gauging, needle size etc. I have definitely noticed a relaxation in the tension of my knitting from the start of my project to the end. I was wondering what part of the stitching process controls the tension. I have no idea how I would go about making a tighter or looser stitch.

Any insight? Thanks.

#2

That’s a good question, but I don’t think there’s an answer. I believe the tension at which you knit is just there. You noticed a change in tension because you started out brand new and as you got better, you had better control and were probably more relaxed. I think it evolves for each person.

You can consciously control how tight or loose you knit, but it’s not a good idea to try, since it’s too hard to be consistent that way. I think it just comes with practice.

#3

I’ve found that if you change how you wrap the yarn around your “throwing finger” it changes your tension. For instance, I usually wrap the yarn around my index finger, but if I want the tension to be really loose I’ll wrap it around my middle finger. Or really tight, I’ll use my thumb.

But I agree that it’s really hard to change your tension on purpose. The only thing I ever use it for is tightly knitting ribbing on socks for my wiggly-toed, hole-inducing husband. (It lasts longer.)

#4

:::::thread hijack::::::

sorry!!! lol…but I see that you have a hole inducing husband as well. My FIRST pair of socks were for my DH, made with love at the pool in the summer…they are a holy mess now!!! and NOT the pure holy either…hehehe…

they are at the instep, and right where the boot meets the cuff…there might be more, but I’m terrified to look…is this the nature of the beast? or do I need to have tighter guage?