Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Hey Knitters, What Do You Want to Learn?

by 13 Comments

It’s been a long time since I was a beginning knitter. And while there is always more to learn I feel pretty comfortable offering advice and knitting tips for people.

I’ve decided I want to start (probably restart, if I’m being honest) doing a technique Tuesday post, where I talk about something related to the actual how of knitting.

I could write about all sorts of things, of course, but I’d really love to know what you want to know more about.

Need help deciphering stitch patterns, reading a pattern, choosing a size? Want advice on using different kinds of needles and why you’d want to use different kinds? Something else I haven’t thought of?

I really want to know. Drop a comment below to let me know what you want to learn (anything from different cast ons to how to knit a sock to whatever’s on your mind) and I will make every effort to address all your questions on upcoming Tuesdays.

As usual, thank you all for your support, for reading and for your feedback!

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Comments

  5. I need to go back to the beginning! I’ve been asked to crochet or knit hats for NICU and nursery babes and although I adore crochet, I think knit might be more appropriate for fit and warmth.

  7. I like to see how you do the knit in the front and back/ and purl in the front and back. I’m not sure if i’m doing those increases correctly.

  8. I would love to learn brioche knitting. I need to understand the how’s and why’s of it, not just the mechanics.

  10. What is the correct way to change the color of yarn when knitting. It would be extremely helpful if the technique is also easy.?

  12. I’ve been knitting for decades and always make my own patterns, but have never learned how to do raglan sleeves. Also, would love tips on buying yarn that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

  13. Adjusting a pattern to increase or reduce the size. I am currently knitting gift bags and want to make some quite a bit larger

Have you read?

Book Review: Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit & Crochet Blankets

Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four. 

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

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