How to Knit Like a Pro
Most of you know how to knit, but we can all use some tips to make our work look its very best!
There's knowing how to knit and then there's knowing how to knit, if you get my meaning. There are the basics (tying your slip knots, casting on, making knit and purl stitches, casting off -- well, you get the idea) and then there are all those little hints and tips that make your knitting look professional -- like something that came from a store, or at the very least Grandma's knitting needles.
The good news is that there are a lot of little tips and tricks that can teach you how to knit like a pro, and most of them don't require any major changes to what you're already doing. Just one or two tiny alterations can make world of difference in knitting.
Tip #1: Knit the first stitch of every row and purl the last, regardless of what your pattern says.
This is how to knit a nice, finished edge on both sides of your work, instead of that bumpy, loopy business you get when you're knitting everything according to the pattern. It doesn't matter so much if you're knitting something to join to something else, but on things like afghans, it makes a world of difference to have those neat edges.
Tip #2: Weave loose ends into the work -- but knot them, too.
Some people will tell you not to bother tying knots in your work, just to weave in the loose ends. Others live and die by those knots and won't recommend anything else.
If you're someone like me, you're just too paranoid not to tie a knot: I won't risk my careful work coming undone. But just trimming the ends leaves an ugly bump, frayed edges, and the potential for the knot to work loose. Tie your knots, but then use a needle to weave the loose ends along the side of your work.
Tip #3: Keep your yarn clean.
Sounds like a no-brainer, but it seems like once you learn how to knit you want to do it all the time -- snacking in front of the television, in the backyard, on the bus. It's really easy for a ball of yarn to roll away on you and get gross and dirty, and the last thing you want is a finished project with smudges of dirt worked into the seams. Take the time to clean it now and you'll thank yourself later.
There are a lot of ways to keep your knitting professional and strong, but these are my three favorite tips. Just working them into your repertoire will show you how to knit like a pro in no time at all!