Know which way my knitting is going?

[Milims]

I've mastered that art of the one that goes knit a line then purl a line, so that if the lumpy side is facing me I have to purl and if the side with the "v"s on is facing me I have to knit. My problem is if I have to put it down how do I know if I'm to start off with a purl or a knit - especially in the middle of a line? I was doing really well until my mother rang..........

[Green Aura]

The side with the loose yarn on is the needle you're knitting onto. So if you hold the needles how you would normally knit - with the yarn in the usual hand, whatever faces you - Vs or loops will tell you what row you're on.

Hope that helps

[Milims]

Thank you GA. Just after I posted I had a look at some pics on the internet. If the last stitch was lumpy it's purl and if it's "v" shaped its knit! I've just finished knitting my first fingerless mitten - with ribbing at the top and bottom! Now all I have to do is knit another one and both my hands will be warm!

[Millymollymandy]

That sounds pretty clever Milims! I've just started knitting (again ) but this time I chose to do something really straightforward in stocking stitch (the fair isle effect coloured yarn makes up for it), otherwise it will never get finished and I've got too many half knitted complex things from decades ago sitting around taking up space!

[contadina]

Both useful tips. I'd love a checklist of common mistakes made by novice knitters.

The socks I'm knitting at the moment have caused me no end of trouble. First I couldn't get knitting in the round, until a couple of youtube videos put me straight. The pattern calls for knit two purl two and as its the first time I've purled I kept pulling the yarn from the wrong side. I worked it out about half way down the sock, but not before creating an interesting flared effect at the top. I'm not starting again or they'll never get finished before Christmas - I'm sure Contadino will love his slightly wobbly sock .

[Green Aura]

Well done all of you. We can start an Ish Knitting bee!

[Silver Ether]

Here is a great pattern for novice knitters... Bought this mag the other day for £1.00 as I liked the pattern... I find the mag has some nice bits but .... well thats up to you in you go and look on like for it ... website is the second link The pattern in the book I got was knitted in garter stich ... but I like the on in the link better...


http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/Recipes-Pa ... -shawl.pdf

http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/magazine.html

[Splottlings]

If you do a knit one purl one row and then do alternate stitches on the next line you'll end up with a pattern known as moss stitch, a really warm and cosy feeling layer is produced.

Enjoy your expermenting, knitting is such a joy.