Top Tips from the KAL Cast On
March 07 2017 – thisisknit
We had a fantastic afternoon in the shop on Saturday, when we officially kicked off our Spring KAL with a bunch of lovely knitters and a healthy dose of sugar and caffeine!
For many of us swatching was the order of the day, and there was some cajoling, coaxing and convincing to be done about the merits of the task. My own swatch showed just how crucial an exercise it is - on the recommended 3.5mm needles I was no where close to hitting the 23 st tension required. My own version of Carpino will now be knit on 4mm needles.
There were a number of other techniques discussed and demonstrated during the afternoon so, for the benefit of those who couldn't be there, here are some helpful links to tutorials on the topics that were raised.
Swatching
The SSK Decrease.
Short Row Shaping
Blocking (this post is about lace knitting, but the principles are the same: soak, squeeze, shape and leave to dry)
Joining to knit in round, being careful not to twist (an example on DPNs, but equally applicable to circular needles)
Spit splicing (it's magic - really).
By the way, it's not too late to join in the KAL antics. Anyone who completes their KAL Sweater in TIK Yarn before Saturday 13th of May will be in with the chance to win some of our fabulous prizes. Thanks again to everyone who came along and we hope to see you at our next meet up on Saturday 1st April, if not before!
For many of us swatching was the order of the day, and there was some cajoling, coaxing and convincing to be done about the merits of the task. My own swatch showed just how crucial an exercise it is - on the recommended 3.5mm needles I was no where close to hitting the 23 st tension required. My own version of Carpino will now be knit on 4mm needles.
There were a number of other techniques discussed and demonstrated during the afternoon so, for the benefit of those who couldn't be there, here are some helpful links to tutorials on the topics that were raised.
Swatching
The SSK Decrease.
Short Row Shaping
Blocking (this post is about lace knitting, but the principles are the same: soak, squeeze, shape and leave to dry)
Joining to knit in round, being careful not to twist (an example on DPNs, but equally applicable to circular needles)
Spit splicing (it's magic - really).
By the way, it's not too late to join in the KAL antics. Anyone who completes their KAL Sweater in TIK Yarn before Saturday 13th of May will be in with the chance to win some of our fabulous prizes. Thanks again to everyone who came along and we hope to see you at our next meet up on Saturday 1st April, if not before!
2 comments
Hi girls. I have decided to do carpino instead of nogat. Can i knit it with the same yarn
Hi Carol – all four of the KAL patterns are knit in 4ply yarn, so you should be able to use the yarn you have for Carpino too. Just be sure you like the fabric you are getting when you swatch :) Here are a few versions on Ravelry, using Malabrigo Sock, just so you get an idea of how the fabric looks :)