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Cheat Sheets for Hand Manipulation

June 11, 2025
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Stop Counting Needles: Use These Cheat Sheets Instead

Ever feel like you’ve been doing things the hard way? You’re not alone. When it comes to hand-manipulated stitch patterns — like cables or lace — one of the biggest hassles is needle counting. Over and over. And over again.

If you’re working with a non-patterning machine (or even if you just love hand manipulation), we’ve got a simple printable tool to help: Cheat Sheets for Hand Manipulated Stitch Patterns.

What are Cheat Sheets?

These downloadable guides are designed to match your machine’s needle pitch (distance between the needles). Just print the right sheet for your machine, place it behind your needles, and you’ve got an instant visual guide to help with needle selection.

Use them for:

Cables
Lace
Any stitch pattern requiring hand selection

Compatible with machines that have 3.6mm, 4.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, 8mm, and 9mm spacing, these cheat sheets save time and reduce errors — especially when repeating motifs or working across long needle beds.

A Hidden Gem for Hand Manipulation

These handy tools are easy to overlook — they’re tucked away in the store and made for a specific task. But once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever did hand manipulation without them. (And if you're a member, they're already included!)

There’s also a detailed video tutorial showing exactly how to use them.

Benefits

Eliminates repetitive needle counting
Speeds up hand-manipulated techniques
Printable and reusable
Fits a wide range of machine types
Free for Knit It Now members

Give Them a Try

If you love experimenting with stitch patterns — or just want to make life easier — grab these cheat sheets and keep them handy at your machine.

Download Your Cheat Sheets

FAQs About Hand Manipulation Cheat Sheets

What are cheat sheets for hand manipulation in machine knitting?

They’re printable guides sized to match your machine’s needle pitch. Slip them behind the needles to help align and select stitches accurately when doing hand-manipulated techniques like cables, lace, or textures.

Who should use these cheat sheets?

They’re perfect for anyone using a non-patterning machine or doing hand manipulation. If you’ve ever counted needles more than twice in one row, these are for you.

Which knitting machines are compatible?

The cheat sheets work with machines that have 3.6mm, 4.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, 8mm, or 9mm needle spacing — covering most popular models.

Are the cheat sheets free?

Yes! They’re free for all Knit It Now members. If you’re not a member, you can purchase the set for just $4.99.

Is there a video that shows how to use them?

Yes — there’s a helpful tutorial that walks through how to print and use the cheat sheets effectively.