Knitting Machine Tips

I'm afraid to waste yarn

April 9, 2024
1 comments

Have you ever been afraid to start a project?
What could you do differently to get over that fear?

Reply below....

A fellow knitter, Beverly, recently contacted us and said "I want to knit a sweater, but I don't want to waste yarn".

My immediate knit-jerk (and smarty-pants) answer was: "How much are you going to waste by letting your expensive knitting machine gather dust?"
Plus .. even if your sweater isn't perfect (by your standards) it will keep someone warm

Here's a summary of our conversation and I'm happy to report that she is inspired and has a plan to get knitting.

KIN:

What do you want to knit?

Beverly:

Pullover, with an A-line shape, set in sleeves and "scooped" hem.

KIN:

Sounds like "Luna" would be a good choice.
With a Curved hem

KIN:

Do you have any special Fit issues?

Beverly:

Wider hips and sleeves are always too long

KIN:

The a-line shape of Luna will help and you can adjust the sizing to fit YOU.
PLUS Knit it Now patterns allow you to make the sleeves ANY LENGTH you want

KIN:

Will you have enough needles to knit Luna without seams?

Beverly:

I'll check my gauge when I build my pattern

KIN:

Chili has panels and may be a better choice

KIN:

What yarn fiber do you like? Cotton, Wool, Blends, Acrylic?

Beverly:

I only have Michaels nearby. Do you have a source for cotton on cones?

KIN:

Please don't limit yourself to yarn on cones. Most knitters have embraced using yarn in hanks, balls, and skeins. You'll have much better choices if you don't limit yourself to yarn on cones.
Also don't forget that cotton tends to be problematic (it tends to Bias ) so be sure and knit a large swatch.

Beverly:

I don't know what size yarn to ask for, and sizes 4/14, 2/28 mean nothing to me

KIN:

Here's some info about Yarn counts But very few people use these any longer. If using balled or skeined yarn, looking at the recommended gauge is more useful.
Explore the "Yarn Guide for Machine Knitters"

Beverly:

KIN:

You'll have to do some homework, but your Knit it Now pattern will give you an estimate. Here are some other "yarn needed" suggestions

KIN:

Bottom line
Practice your skills, make a plan and dive in ... what's the worst that can happen? You make something that someone can use and you'll build your confidence with your knitting.

Have you ever been afraid to start a project? What could you do differently to get over that fear?Reply below....

1 Comments

- Tina B
- April 10, 2024
When having a rare possibility to buy yarn in my favorite tysk fabriksale I am often buying novelty yarn with a lot of ideas, but no concrete project. But when planning there is always a possibility to find a better project to suit my prescious wool.