Some knitting advice please! | Gransnet (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between 4 ply and double knitting? ›

4ply yarn is 28 stitches and 36 rows, to 10 x 10 cm, over stocking stitch, using 31/4mm needles. Double knitting (DK) yarn is 22 stitches and 28 rows, to 10 x 10 cm, over stocking stitch, using 4mm needles.

In other words, ply is a measurement of how many strands of yarn are used to make one strand of yarn. A two-ply yarn is made of two strands twisted around one another. Three-ply is made of three strands, and a four-ply yarn is made of four strands. This super bulky yarn has 3 plies.

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It will feel more solid, and won't have as much drape. You can use a heavier yarn and bigger needles to make a larger size version of the pattern.

2 strands worsted weight = 1 strand chunky. 2 strands chunky = 1 strand super chunky.

Is worsted weight yarn the same as DK? No. Worsted is thicker than DK. Worsted is sometimes known as 10 ply yarn, while DK is referred to as 8 ply.

DK stands for double knit yarn or wool. You might still see the term "double knit wool" in older knitting patterns. Most modern patterns and yarns just use the initials DK. To understand what DK yarn is, first you'll have to know about ply.

Aran Vs Worsted Vs DK weight yarn

Aran yarn is a type of wool that is bulky and has a lot of texture. Worsted yarn is also a type of wool, but it is finer and less textured. DK yarn is another type of wool, but it is finer than worsted and has even less texture.

The yarn that UK knitters will be familiar with as '4ply' usually goes by the name 'fingering' in the US. You might also see it referred to as 'sock' or 'baby' weight because – you guessed it!

What ply of yarn is best for beginners? ›

There was a consensus among our experts that beginners should start with a thicker-knit yarn, anything from a medium size (known as worsted-weight) to a heavy, chunky yarn. “It's just a lot easier for beginners to see what they're doing when they're using thicker yarn,” says Heitmann.

Set-in sleeves are the trickiest of all. Of course, you can always knit your sleeves two-at-a-time! Most sweater patterns have some shape to them — a smaller waist, flared sleeves… You will learn how to do all of this just by following the pattern.

What is the first thing a beginner should knit? Some of the easiest projects for first-time knitters include scarves, baby blankets, and dishcloths. These patterns can be knitted up quickly and only require knowing one or two stitches, worked back and forth.

A potholder or dishcloth

Another classic and very useful thing to knit as a beginner are potholders or dishcloth. Why? First of all, they are very fast to finish. Then you can pick very inexpensive cotton or acrylic yarn (in fact it's recommended), and, they can be a more sustainable option.

The "sweater curse" or "curse of the love sweater" is a term used by knitters to describe the belief that if a knitter gives a hand-knit sweater to a significant other, it will lead to the recipient breaking up with the knitter.

Dropping a stitch, adding extra stitches, getting your stitches twisted, and not providing enough slack as you knit are all common mistakes first-timers run into. But don't let these fears stop you from honing your craft. The best part about all of these pitfalls is that they are preventable and fixable.

To start a pull skein, pull the yarn end out from the center of the left side. Then slowly pull the yarn end from the center of the right side. The one on the right side is the yarn end you will continue to use. It is important that the left yarn end be pulled free.

Knitting at a different gauge to the pattern affects yardage in these ways: If your gauge is looser than it should be, you'll make a larger item and use more yarn. If your gauge is tighter than it should be then your item will be smaller and you'll use less yarn (the problem that Lisa had).

What is another name for worsted weight yarn? ›

Commonly referred to as afghan yarn and aran yarn, worsted weight yarn sits in the middle of the yarn weight family and is often distinguished by a number 4 symbol on a yarn label.

Worsted Weight This is what is often considered ordinary knitting yarn. The gauge is roughly 5 stitches per inch on a size 7 or 8 needle. Some worsted may give a gauge of 4 or 4 1/2 stitches per inch and be knit on a 8 or 9.

2 strands of DK = Worsted or Aran. 2 strands of Worsted = Chunky. 2 strands of Aran = Chunky to Super Bulky.

Wool – Also known as the queen of yarns, this is the top choice of knitters for their projects. Obtained from sheep and certain other animals, it is one of the most durable fiber types.

Lace weight is the thinnest, lightest type of yarn. It's used mostly to knit lace shawls and scarves. To get the open lace effect, use a larger needle size. Super fine yarn includes sock and fingering yarn.

What are double pointed needles? Double pointed needles, as the name suggests, have points on both ends of the needle (rather than one, as for straight needles), and come in sets of 4 or 5. One needle is always empty as your right-hand needle, and the remaining 3 or 4 needles hold the worked stitches.

DK (double knit) yarn

Use a 4.0 mm (UK 8, US 6) and cast on approximately 38 stitches for stocking stitch. You may need to adjust your stitch count to accommodate the pattern you're using. For example, if your pattern has a 4 stitch repeat, then cast on either 36 or 40.

Double decreases are commonly used in many knitting patterns (especially lace). In its most basic terms, a double decrease removes two stitches from the stitch count of a particular row by taking three stitches and turning them into one stitch.

Q. The process of arranging two sets of yarns together to make a fabric is called ginning.

Aran yarn is slightly thicker than worsted-weight yarn, and knits up at a gauge of 16-18 stitches per 4 inches on 5mm needles. Worsted weight yarn, on the other hand, is slightly thinner and knits up at a gauge of 18-20 stitches per 4 inches on 4.5mm needles.

What happens if I use DK instead of aran? ›

DK yarns are thinner than Aran yarns and are often used for projects that require lightweight yarns, such as a summer sweater, cap, accessories or children's clothing.

Chunky Yarn is medium weight yarn, this yarn is generally 12 ply but could go up to a 16 ply, Great for knitting and crocheting Sweaters, Cardigans, accessories etc, Needles and hooks required for this yarn are generally 5.5mm - 9.5mm.

The thickest yarn weight currently is Jumbo or 7 weight. These super thick yarns are used in any big stitch projects or for arm knit or crochet. Jumbo yarn works up super fast into big stitch cowls, scarves, hats, or blankets.

For the best results replace a DK yarn with a DK, a chunky with a chunky etc. It is possible to adapt a pattern for a different thickness of yarn, it will need quite a bit of maths and rewriting, so you might be better looking for a similar pattern for the thickness of yarn you have.

5 ply and 6 ply yarns are also known as Sport weight. These yarns are often baby knits, and lightweight garments as well as thicker socks.

Medium sizes are generally the best for beginners. This means you should look for a width size of six (4mm), seven (4.5mm), or eight (5mm). For length, a 10-inch needle is usually a good starter size because they'll be small enough to handle easily.

Aluminum needles are the most widely used knitting needles and are much stronger than any of the other materials. These needles are perfect for all types of thread. These feather-light knitting needles with their conical tips are particularly suitable for working with fine wool.

Ribbon yarn or single ply yarns will not split because there are not multiple plies which have the potential to split. Non-superwash wool yarn tends not to split because wool has an almost velcro like quality to stick to itself.

Standard 4 Ply knitting wools and yarns are usually knitted on a US 3 needle but always check the pattern or yarn instructions as this will vary dependent on stitch pattern used, style of garment and also the density of fabric required.

The more plies, generally the stronger and more even your yarn will be. Those of you who have worked with singles (a single strand of yarn that may be twisted but is not plied with another yarn strand) will know that if you pull too tightly on the yarn that it will come apart.

How long does it take to become a good knitter? ›

Some may take 40 to 80 hours of practice to get reasonably good at knitting. But if you have a good instructor or colleague who will guide you and correct your “form” and mistakes in real-time, you will progress much faster (and get things right the first time instead of establishing bad habits).

We all know that being able to knit is a wonderful skill in itself, but there are actually so many other skills we develop along the way! Good things come to those who wait. Not all projects can be made in a weekend, but there's nothing wrong with that.

Knitting requires a lot of fine muscle control and coordination, quite a lot of mental focusing, patience, and perseverance. Without those, you won't be able to finish any larger work. Don't be afraid, if you are lacking in one area or the other.

Knows a lot of knitting techniques, and is able to look up and learn the few unfamiliar stitches/techniques required for a pattern with ease. The overall stitch definition of the finished projects is consistent and even. Things like ladders, curling, or puckering are no longer an issue and don't require much thought.

A lace stitch sweater. Lace stitch creates fabric that looks like lace, holes and all. It's challenging to make deliberate, “stable” holes in knitting without everything unravelling. Some people even think this is the most difficult type of stitch.

A typical knitter is working in the 34 – 38 stitches a minute and newer knitters are in the high 20s to low 30s depending on how much they are knitting.

Definitions of knitter. someone who makes garments (or fabrics) by intertwining yarn or thread. type of: needleworker.

The rhythm of knitting helps with serotonin release. This is the chemical transmitter that helps regulate anxiety, happiness, and mood. There is a strong connection between knitting and the feelings of calm and happiness in the brain. The social aspect of knitting can also lead to better mental health.

Therapeutic knitting has been connected to combatting depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, eating disorders, and chronic pain, proving that a wide variety of people could benefit from it.

Dropping a stitch, adding extra stitches, getting your stitches twisted, and not providing enough slack as you knit are all common mistakes first-timers run into. But don't let these fears stop you from honing your craft. The best part about all of these pitfalls is that they are preventable and fixable.

What are the two types of knitters? ›

In knitting, there are two basic styles of technique: the English method and the German or Continental method. The only real difference lies in how the yarn is held. With the English method, the working yarn is held in the right hand; with the Continental method, it is held in the left.

An average knitting speed is around 20-30 stitches per minute. If you've been wondering how to increase your SPM (stitches per minute), there are a few tips you can try: First, focus on optimizing your movements — try to find the smallest amount you can move your hands and needles and still achieve a stitch.

Garter Stitch

The garter stitch is one of the most common and most basic knit stitches.