10 EXPERT knitting hacks - tips and trick for better results

Рет қаралды 155,916

Күн бұрын

A massive list of secret knitting tips and hacks that really make a difference - even if you are an advanced knitter. Read the post on my blog: nimble-needles.com/tutorials/...
Support my work on Patreon: / nimbleneedlez
Knitting can be an expensive hobby. It can also be very difficult to achieve neater results. So, in this video, I want to show you some very simple knitting hacks. Tips and tricks that make a huge difference and are super easy to implement. All these tips focus on tools, so they don't actually involve any real knitting - yet they will allow you to knit faster, easier, neater, or better - or simply make the whole process that much more enjoyable!
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to the best knitting hacks
1:10 Create your own pattern viewfinder
2:34 Use filler rope to block tubular projects
4:11 Use interchangeable needles to knit with two different sizes/needles
6:42 Add eyelets to your swatches to mark the needle size you used
8:36 Use hair pins to organize your tails
9:21 Use stitch markers to organize your notions
11:35 Use stitch markers to count the smart way
14:48 Use mini needles and spare cords as stitch holders
16:30 How to avoid twisting your yarn
19:07 Use yarn labels
20:20 Bonus - start projects with the crochet magic ring
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Пікірлер: 581

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

☕ Support my work and become a patron: www.patreon.com/nimbleneedlez 🧑‍🎓Free knitting school: nimble-needles.com/learn-to-knit-for-beginners/ 🧶 My knitting tools: nimble-needles.com/wool-and-tools/my-knitting-toolkit-essential-items-i-need-for-every-project/ 👕 My patterns: nimble-needles.com/free-knitting-patterns/ 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nimbleneedlez/ And feel free to comment any time if you have a question. No need to be shy! :)

@nanastevens4094 Жыл бұрын

My favorite tip is putting a marker after first stitch and moving it over one stitch per row to keep track of rows. I have the attention span of a goldfish and have spent way too much time recounting rows !

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

same here. Or rather, my attention span isn't all that bad but I get distracted so easily it's not even funny anymore.

@TheTugboatgirl Жыл бұрын

Right!?! I had the head slap moment, it's genius. I wish I had thought of it a long time ago, instead of having to recount sleeves 3 times to get them right

@olduglyentwife5700 Жыл бұрын

I’m going to try this one!

@teceyS3 Жыл бұрын

Thanks~😊 that's a good one 😍🤩

@carlatrujillo9776 Жыл бұрын

@@NimbleNeedles oh look a squirrel!

@daniellebissonnette3304 Жыл бұрын

Lots of good tips. I crochet a chain with my long tails to make them shorter. They are easy to undo later to be used for sewing seams.

@niteflytes Жыл бұрын

I love this tip! Thanks

@galeem713 Жыл бұрын

I put my labels in my project bag. I buy mesh bags used for school projects to store my works in progress. They are semi transparent and I make a paper label with project name, type of needle and yarn. This way, if I want to make something quick, and the needles I want are not in the case, I can look at the cards hanging from strings on my bags and easily find the needle or pattern. I store my UFOs in a small bookcase with the tag hanging out. Works like a charm for me.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

thank you for sharing these further tips with us here, Gale!

@Mommamacnz Жыл бұрын

That's a brilliant idea.

@bluedingo1186 Жыл бұрын

Tying knots into the tail of a test swatch to indicate needle gage absolutely blew my mind! Every hack mentioned is so incredibly helpful and I will use them all from now on, but that one is the kind of hack that is so simple it is genius!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

you know what they say..often it's the simplest things that make the biggest difference ;-)

@TobyMax853 Жыл бұрын

The pattern viewfinder blew my mind. So simple yet so effective!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

it sure is. I mean, as I said, literally just two cuts and it makes all the difference!

@Kangaroocry1 Жыл бұрын

I'm with you on that. Simply fantastic

@amandah4834 Жыл бұрын

Just brilliant 👏👏👏

@margaretmcallister5422 Жыл бұрын

The viewfinder works on cooking recipe books and DIY instruction sheets too! Cross-craft hacks. I love them.😄

@DianaL647 Жыл бұрын

Norman, thank you so much for tip #9 twisting and turning work counter-clockwise. I always thought it was my knitting style but tried it today and it worked perfectly to fix the problem! My tip to share is about pattern repeats ... for example "repeat 8 times", I pin a lightbulb marker with 7 more markers hanging on it at the start of the first repeat, and remove one every time I start the next repeat. (Sometimes I then pin the one i removed at the start of the next repeat). When I remove the last marker hanging on the original marker, I know I've finished all the repeats. No need for counters or paper.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

that's a great addition! thank you :)

@KarinMurati Жыл бұрын

Wow, a great idea. Thank you. I will keep that in my mind for my next project.

@sandrakfriel4342 Жыл бұрын

what a great idea!

@judyparrish9019 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant!!!

@giraffeyjackie Жыл бұрын

When going too buy buttons I always take a piece of yarn of my project with the number of knots /buttons needed tied in it...that way I don’t need too drag my fresh knitted project around the shops ❤

@Peg-ee5ei Жыл бұрын

I have been knitting for 60 years, and I am absolutely thrilled at the number of tips I have gleaned from this video. I have found, that in many cases, I can simply use a contrasting color of yarn as a stitch marker. Kind of barbaric, I know. But it has worked for me for a long time. Thank you for all of this wonderful information! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

why barbaric, I would call it smart and frugal :) happy to hear my video was able to be of help to even such a seasoned knitter

@herigoldify Жыл бұрын

Hi Peg, I do exactly the same!!!!

@Peg-ee5ei Жыл бұрын

@@herigoldify "Necessity is the mother of invention." -Plato

@Petticca Жыл бұрын

Thank you for fantastic tip about alternating the direction when turning the work. You've given me an answer to an issue I've had for so many years. I often had to stop and 're-twist' my yarn, as the ply would be separated. I now understand why that happens and that I need to pay attention when turning my work. I am so grateful to understand that. This will take a lot of the frustration out of working with certain delicate yarns. Yay!!! Thank you!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

awesome! Do, however, be aware that this is one of many problems. So they way you wind and unwin your skein, the way you knit, the ply of your fiber, all that matters. So, e.g. your win your skein clockwise, but do a centerpull. But then you turn your work counter-clockwise after every row -> balanced yarn. But, then through continental knitting, you add a counter-clockwise twist to the weft = unabalanced yarn. However, if you would then continue doing Fair isle and twist the strands every couple of stitches clockwise, it would be balanced again. ...So i am saying..it can quickly get super complicated ^^

@eleanork3692 Жыл бұрын

If using 2 yarns at a time thread through a large button to keep them from tangling. I will also put them in separate bags. Thanks Norman. Loved all of your tips! Genius

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

that's a great tip!

@nicolejosan6364 Жыл бұрын

to prevent tangling when using 2 yarns at the same time, simply place one yarn to the left and the other to the right of you.

@CraftyVegan Жыл бұрын

My hack is that I use those tiny hair rubber bands (or silicone bands rather) as small stitch markers. It’s like $5 for 1,000 of them! And they come in all different colors, so I can use different colors to block off different sections like if I’m doing cable patterns on sleeves and chest of a sweater.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

that's a wonderful tip to add. thank you :)

@andreadalton5549 Жыл бұрын

Hello from the USA! I only discovered your channel a week ago but I've been binge watching ever since. I wish I'd had this sort of instruction resource available when I first started knitting (and crocheting) 50 years ago. Everything I've learned has been self taught from books & experimentation. I consider myself an advanced intermediate level. I've even designed from scratch a few of my own hats, scarves, shawls, and a couple of sweaters. While I've always found needlework rewarding, it has often been a struggle to learn new things without seeing an actual demonstration. I can only imagine how much further along my skill level would be if I'd had your tutorials available. Your explanations are so thorough, and your demonstrations so well filmed, that I believe even a complete novice could move along improve rather quickly by watching you. I know I've learned things in the last week that will definitely help improve my abilities. Thank you so much for being here and sharing your knowledge! 👍👍👍

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

thank you so much andreas. That, at least has always been my goal: to let even a newbie progress quickly to a point where they can knit with joy

@yarnwitch Жыл бұрын

I was so floored at the hair clip to store your yarn hack. That solves my yarn storage struggles so much!

@alizaras Жыл бұрын

When I need to be mindful of how much I knit, like "I just need to knit for 10 rows/2 inches before I start decreasing" or I'm working on a project where it seems like I'm knitting and knitting and make no progress, I always put a stitch marker on the row below where I started that session. That way I can easily see how much I've knitted since I started or last measured the project. It's also a great tip if you tend to knit for hours without taking breaks/stretching/refilling the coffee cup, you can clearly see when it's time to take a break

@katherinebrown7621 Жыл бұрын

Wow thank you for including the bonus crochet magic loop trick. I’m more of a natural crocheter than knitter, but I love knitting in the round. I hate the first hour of knitting in the round though precisely because it is so difficult to start. I felt like a cheat when I used the magic loop from crochet to get the stitches onto the needles in the first place, so I am very happy to see it being endorsed by a knitter. 👍🏻

@BeeBee123ist Жыл бұрын

Strangely enough, I came up with quite a few of these myself over the years so they are Great! Bulb markers are a godsend. In Elizabeth Zimmerman & Barbara G Walker’s day they used safety pins 😁

@karendavis7278 Жыл бұрын

Your hack about putting the Chiaogoo connectors on a light bulb stitch marker is the BEST hack! I use small tins to hold my notions and I attached adhesive magnet strips in these tins. They keep my needles, pins and t-pins, plus magnetic stitch markers and light bulb stitch markers in place. They even hold my scissors in place. But those connectors always make me nervous. Now they are safely on my stitch markers.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

and it's so simple right? i mean,, once you know it you feel like: why haven't I thought about that before? :) At least, that's how I felt!

@aileenmoreilly Жыл бұрын

I bought my own Knitters Journal and first thing I do is staple the ball band or label that came with the yarn to a new page. It's been a game changer for me. I also love how it's building into a memory book for me! Love the content.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

that's a great tip!

@niteflytes Жыл бұрын

Awesome tip!!!

@lelou12 Жыл бұрын

I do this too! Along with a strand of the yarn that i attatch to the label. This way, if I want to buy more, I can take the label to the store and make sure the color matches well!

@frances7885 Жыл бұрын

I have been knitting for 60 years and I have learned so much from watching only 2 of your videos. Currently I am recovering from hand surgery, I wore out my left thumb and had my hand reconstructed. My fingers are itching to get a hold of some yarn. I can finally do a simple stocking stitch but the tension is awful. You inspire me, thank you for your channel.❤ I will continue my hand therapy and then follow your method of creating a heel on a sock.

@karynkaschalk2944 Жыл бұрын

Have faith in your recovery. It's a long road but I can now knit without pain. I do stretch after each knitting session

@frances7885 Жыл бұрын

@@karynkaschalk2944 thank you, Karen, I will. I also stretch out and take breaks, I’m still doing my therapy exercises. I guess you must also have had hand surgery. How nice to knit without pain. Arthritis is often overwhelming, we are lucky to have talented surgeons. @OmaFrann

@christymasher Жыл бұрын

My favorite is winding the yarn around the label. Great tips in the whole video

@squitten. 7 ай бұрын

Literally every single hack my jaw dropped. You are a genius. Omg I’m going to use ALL of these!!

@galeem713 Жыл бұрын

Putting a stitch marker between lace repeats when you cast on or increase. Makes lace simple.

@bluenun668 Жыл бұрын

I've been knitting for almost fifty years and outside of the basics, I'm self-taught from books. Your tips are new to me and ground-shakingly amazing!!! Thank you so much.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

It's my pleasure ❤️

@carollizc Жыл бұрын

I always save ball bands to give with a knitted garment that I'm giving away.. I'm glad that you included that tip. Also, I'm always encouraging people to learn to knit, so the ball bands can also provide inspiration: many of them include a free pattern that is pretty beginner-friendly. As well, if they like the way their gift looks and feels, they know which yarn to buy to create their own garment. Another inexpensive hack I use is safety pins. Small ones can be used as stitch markers, while I use nappy pins and kilt pins (both available at dollar stores) as stitch holders. Thanks for all the tips and tricks, they can make knitting so much more pleasant when you're sitting up late two nights before Christmas, trying to get that last gift finished.

@gina2797 Жыл бұрын

My hack is running markers for row counts. I drape yarn between stitches and flip it every 5 or 10 rows. It's how to get socks and sleeves the exact same size. It's also good to keep track of pattern repeats. Just count ladder rungs to see when to flip. BTW, Norman's Patreon is worth EVERY PENNY, especially for advanced knitters.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

thank you gina for that testimonial

@sandrakfriel4342 Жыл бұрын

@@NimbleNeedles

@queenopearls Жыл бұрын

Gina, I love this idea, thank you so much!!

@irenitele8497 Жыл бұрын

I do that as well specially when knitting shawls or something with so many stitch count. I didn't know how to describe it you did it wonderfully. Thanks

@dianelakata1308 Жыл бұрын

Just joined the patreon crowd!! Looking forward to all those great ideas and skill- building

@AsanariaMason Жыл бұрын

You can also use a plastic pocket for a book, just cut one side and the bottom so it can go over the page. I prefer white board markers to a sharpie because then it is easier to erase and reuse - though in this case it is also good to use a post it to mark where I am when I leave it for a bit. The viewfinder is a great idea

@YukonRoseinLV Жыл бұрын

I always place a stitch marker every 10 stitches when casting on! I lose count so easily during cast on, that's the only way I've found to keep an accurate count. I'm still pretty new to knitting, so I appreciate any tips, and get so excited when I see a tip that I'm already using in a video!

@sarahprudhomme6324 Жыл бұрын

Loving the tip about using 2 different needle tip sizes for stockinette to fix tension issues. This is something I'll have to play with for sure.

@Eucis93 Жыл бұрын

A simple tip I have is to just use regular paperclips as stitch markers or progress markers, they’re also great for holding your cast-on ends just like the hair clips 😊

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

yah, there are many other things to use as stitch markers!

@KarinMurati Жыл бұрын

@@NimbleNeedles Bobby pins, for example 🙂

@darthmaum Жыл бұрын

I find the ordinary paper clips tend to catch in the yarn

@ruthspanos2532 Жыл бұрын

Rubber hair bands for fine hair come in large quantities with lots of colors. Great for repeated lace patterns.

@JnkyrdDoll Жыл бұрын

Your hot water tip for circular needles just made my day! I found a couple skeins of yarn that I thought would make a lovely hat but by new 9mm cable was too stiff. Now I have a new project! Thank you for being here for me 🤗

@janemarriott3389 Жыл бұрын

Several of these will become lifesavers. Bravo, my friend!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

I sure hope they will, Jane

@elisekt1860 Жыл бұрын

The book marker idea was just what I needed when doing magazine or book patterns!

@EvieO1950 Жыл бұрын

So many useful tips. Several I didn’t know about and will now be using. I use a balloon to block hats but I’ll be getting some foam to use for other edges. Thanks!!!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

yeah, balloons work work nicely for hats (though it's a bit difficult to handle at time)...but for a sweater, etc, I personally think it's the only viable alternative to buying a sweate rblocking board which is upwards of 200 USD

@larissarosa7688 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips. Loved the idea of making a card stock marker for the pattern. When I’m traveling and prefer not to carry extras, I just screen shot the pattern and then edit with the marker by crossing out the rows finished ;). Happy knitting.

@meridethsmith4740 6 ай бұрын

Loved all your knitting hacks. I love your accent and it's so easy to understand your instructions. Thank you for being out there to keep us knitters inspired.

@annwooten9561 Жыл бұрын

This is the single most helpful video I’ve ever seen! Been knitting many years, and so delighted to learn your trick for counting rows knitting in the round! I use little sewing clips like you use the hair clips to manage tails. Little clip also holds yarn in place when I change colors. Thank you!

@manus21 Жыл бұрын

Some of my favourite Hacks: When I am working with a ball of yarn that gets loose or untangled (especially when I am traveling) I put the yarn ball in a cut pantyhose - everything keeps neat and I can still knit easily, without knots and loose yarn. Not really a hack, and I guess most knitters are doing it, but still: Keep a journal of your projects. Either on ravelry or a small book. Especially for measurments that are always the same (how long is your foot? how long are your arms,...). And if you have the budget, I can really recommend buying some Knitting Barber Cords. They are really helpful when it comes to putting stitches on hold or trying on a sweater while knitting. Makes the process much faster and more convenient.

@michellecollins-betz9724 Жыл бұрын

Thanks to you Norman and everyone for the great tips hacks and other helpful information, I’ve been knitting for over 40 years but still find learning these tips helpful ❤️❤️❤️ 😊

@ainsleyhilliard Жыл бұрын

I’ve been knitting for a while, and crocheted for years before that, and the top of picking up stitches with a crochet hook just blew my mind! I’ve never thought of that, it seems so much easier!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

It sure is. I feel you also have more control over the picking up and don't end up fishing for that yarn!

@judyparrish9019 Жыл бұрын

I do that when picking up stitches along the sock heel flap to start the gusset. I can pick up 3-5 stitches with the crochet hook then transfer them over to the knitting needle instead of one stitch at a time.😊

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

@@judyparrish9019 you can also use a tunesian crochet hook for similar results :)

@misselanys1219 Жыл бұрын

Crochet magic circle hack is sheer genius! Good to know about center wind twisting and how to avoid the twist problem while CO long tail. Nice hacks!

@egoreknits Жыл бұрын

That tip about using a different needle on one end or marking the wrong side needle is great. That would have been so helpful when I was first learning to knit. 🧶 I have made my own "needle minders" by using number beads and a lobster clasp. They are similar to stitch markers but you attach them to each project to remind you what size needle you were using.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

that's a great tip as well! thank you for adding it

@user-co7jt6sk8z 9 ай бұрын

I enjoy this video very much then

@boymeetsyarn Жыл бұрын

Love the tips about using different needle tips to keep track of the right and wrong sides, and about keeping the Chiaogoo connectors on a lightbulb safety pin! I often use those lightbulb pins instead of the tightening keys and end stoppers on interchangeable needles. 1- I usually don’t have to look for them. 2 - They give you a bit more leverage when tightening or loosening a needle tip. 3 -They’re much quicker to put on and off than the end stoppers, and if the cable is long enough, you can connect both ends for extra security without having to mess with that tiny double-ended screw connector. 🙂

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

heh...i sometimes also do it...tho more out of necessity. haha! ;-)

@knitfix_S Жыл бұрын

What a useful video ❤️! Thank you for the inspiration 👍🏻 I use bobby pins (yes, those small hair pins) or paperclips (preferably those coated in different couloured plastic) as stitch markers. I tend to lose stitchmarkers, so I feel it is a waste of money to buy dedicated stitchmarkers (although they are much prettier) and I just use what I have at home anyway. I started knitting some 40+ years ago, so over the years I have used many things for this. Bobby pins and paperclips proved to be most durable, even if a project ended up as a UFO for some time. I did use some contrast coloured thread, but as I never knotted it into a loop, some of those got lost 🙈 I find stitch markers, or row markers especially helpful when I do cables. After such a long time of knitting, I do of course know how to read my knitting, but with cables, I still find it hard to see, which row exactly was the one where I did the cable. So I put one stitch marker at one of the purl stitches next to my cables, only in the row where the cables happen, and that makes it especially easy to count the rows.

@kraklowm 8 ай бұрын

I've been kitting for a VERY long time (more than 50 years!) and I didn't know ANY of these hacks! Hopefully I will remember at least some of them the next time I need them. Thank you!

@JennySimon206 Жыл бұрын

Omg the hair clips on the tails of yarns is so simple and brilliant. I cut two slits in the yarn label and wind enough yarn around it to do a wraps per inch test later on. That way I have a scrap of the yarn and the label for future reference. I also inventoried my yarn and supplies into a spreadsheet so I can see what I have when I'm in a store or browsing patterns.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

that's a very nice tip and new to it. thank you for adding it

@sharontabor7718 Жыл бұрын

Can't find a stitch marker? Convert that orphaned earring by closing the hoop. Needle storage: Choose a ziploc bag at least 1/2 the height of the longest needles. Cut a piece of cardboard the width of the bag. Write a needle size on each side of the cardboard, insert it into the bag, then the corresponding needles per side. 2 sizes per bag, and the ziploc will keep the needles from falling around when it stops at the tall needle. You can store dpns, circular and straights in the same bag.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

thank you for adding these tips, sharon

@TheTugboatgirl Жыл бұрын

I have been knitting for 40? Years and some of these tips are ones I use but I'm really blown away by the I never even heard of. Thank you so much for them. ❤️ the great tips

@danschuldanschul1750 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Norman for your informative knitting videos. I can add two hacks that I did not see in your video or in the comments. 1. Especially when traveling by plane, I carry a nail clipper to cut yarn (in addition to finger/toe nails). Airport security allows nail clippers, but might not allow scissors. Many men carry and use nail clippers. I don't know why women don't use them. 2. Especially for small, improvised projects (socks, slippers, hats, neck gaiters, etc.) when traveling by air, consider using wooden chop sticks as knitting needles. When traveling I often eat Chinese fast food, and if you rub the sticks against each other to get rid of splinters and irregularities, chop sticks make good knitting needles that airport security never notices. Thanks again, Dan

@darthmaum Жыл бұрын

also clover makes a nifty yarn cutter pendant cutter that works on zip ties, too

@rchasle Жыл бұрын

I'd never heard of those! They're very pretty 🥰 I normally use thread snips and I've not been forbidden to board with them so far.

@nikkigbsd Жыл бұрын

I just finished a small project with velvet yarn. Tip #9 Yarn balance made my item look "delightfully homemade" but I'm a trooper and ready to try again with better ⚖️. Thank you!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

yeah, a friend of mine always said "not only the liver grows with challenge" :P

@diliaelenagarcia5742 Жыл бұрын

Norman I’m really happy that found your KZfaq Channel!! I’ve been knitting for some years in a particular Continental Style that grabs the stitch from behind for both, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Even though I still consider that stile the easiest of all, the patters are made for the other conventional knitting stiles. I didn’t wanted to change my stile because the other looked so outward! But when I saw you knitting, it looked so elegant and natural that I finally decided to change to the conventional Continental style in the way you do il. Congrats for your excellent channel!! 🥰🥰🥰

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

happy to hear you like my channel so much. And also glad to hear I can be part of an exciting new chapter in your knitting journey!

@flourchylde Жыл бұрын

What a great video, Nathan. I also count in 2s and 3s when I knit. I loved the idea of placing the interchangeable cords in those little hidden pockets. Thanks for that. After I finish a project, I attach a small picture of it to the yarn label and then attach the label with a hair clip to whatever amount of the accompanying yarn I have left. I then throw all of my leftover yarn balls into a large basket. You'd be surprised at how often I have had to dive into that basket over the years to retrieve a certain yarn ball to lengthen sleeves or make repairs. I did, however, recently de-stash that rather large basket and used almost all of the leftovers to knit a queen-sized blanket of mitered squares. It is one of my proudest and most time-consuming knitting achievements.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

that reminds me of a rather big waste bin here in my storage room, haha :P One of these days I'll find the time... :P

@diamondringirl Жыл бұрын

lots of awesome tips Norman. thank you. i use those cheap plastic sleeves from the dollar tree and put my pattern in. when i'm done with a row i can use marker to mark off the row or add any other tips on my pattern as i go. then when i'm done, i can use an alcohol pad to wipe the sleeve clean, they are cheap enough that i don't expect them to last forever but i get a few uses from one. i truly loved the tips for the Chiaogoo needles also. those little connectors can get lost easily.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

they sure do. Funnily enough I was looking for an old swatch just this morning and couldn't find it. and as I emptied my huge scrap bin, what did I find? two connectors mixed in the trash O_o

@larissarosa7688 Жыл бұрын

Yes, please! Would love a tutorial on how to continue the picked up stitches that started with the magic circle! Thanks in advance!

@majasmagic Жыл бұрын

Me too I've always had a problem with the small circle icord

@Jedapoo Жыл бұрын

😳 cutting out paper to make a pattern guide is AMAZING!

@heysartre Жыл бұрын

A recent hack that I came up is to clip together 2 stitch markers with different colours and use one colour for an increase round and the other for normal round (which is often the case with knitting in a round). This way if I put down my project and come back I can immediately see if I am on increase round of normal. Also use a lot of notes as you go if you alter the pattern or use your own.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

that's a nice addition!

@clarefriend1376 Жыл бұрын

I’m an experienced knitter but I did not know about many of these. I found this very useful. Thanks.

@hilarycohen1470 11 ай бұрын

LOVE the hair clips hack! Changed my life.

@ejd52 Жыл бұрын

Lots of clever ideas! Thank you.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

my pleasure, liz!

@ApathySun Жыл бұрын

THE SWATCH TIP IS LIFECHANGING I cannot tell you how many swatches I have knit just to forget what needle size I used.

@teceyS3 Жыл бұрын

I'm an advanced beginning knitter~ the tips here are wonderful! My favorite way to mark the beginning and end rows of repeats in lace, is to use those little rounded safety pins/stitch markers, to put one through both sides/loops of a stitch, on the front of my work (as you illustrated in your video)~ that way I can see exactly what row/repeat I'm on, in my lace pattern 😊 Also, those crocheted rings make awesome stitch markers 😉

@skyllalafey 9 ай бұрын

I'm still trying to progress from beginner to more intermediate projects, but I still got a lot of education from this video! Especially about the long tail cast on splitting the yarn into threads... that's been driving me mad, so I'm thrilled to now know how to avoid that issue.

@jeanscully8511 Жыл бұрын

Hi Norman! As usual, another useful video with wonderful tips. I am so happy to be one of your patrons, because I've learned so much from your videos already. My addition to your tips would be that you can use interchangeable needle cables for long-term stitch holders as well! I am knitting a sweater with an unusual construction that required multiple parts to be on hold, some of them quite large. After I finished knitting the section to be put on hold, I just unscrewed the needles from both ends and replaced them with rubber needle caps (the kind meant to keep stitches from slipping off when you put your work aside). Of course, you have to make sure that they're small enough to fit tightly over the end of the cable. When I was ready to rejoin these stitches, all I had to do was pop off one cap, screw the needle back on and knit across with my working yarn. No shrinkage or having to slip stitches back and forth, and risking losing one! Thank you again for all the great tips!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

awesome tip. thank you for adding them. And of course, thank you for supporting my work. It means a lot. Just out of curiousity? Why don't you use the needle stoppers from the set?

@sonjagroenewaldt1371 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your tips+

@jeanscully8511 Жыл бұрын

@@NimbleNeedles Oh hi Norman, just saw your question. My needle set only came with one set of two stoppers for each diameter of cable, and they were already in use on another project. I know I could buy more, but they're rather expensive, so I just used the yarn stoppers that I already had on hand (that also just cost pennies).

@ildikofarfix5554 Жыл бұрын

Great tips ! :) Perhaps it's already been mentioned but I find using what they call a "lifeline" very helpful, esp. with larger projects.

@shiraduke812 Жыл бұрын

The eyelet swatch trick is the cleverest thing I've ever heard!

@mythics102 Жыл бұрын

Loved these tips!! I find that I easily count 4, 4, 2, which sounds random but it makes it easy to get to count 10s fast. Also love the ideas of using circular needles as stitch holders because it is SUPER annoying picking rows off of scrap yarn. I will definitely be trying that one!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

it sure is! i honestly wouldn't be knitting gloves if that was the only choice - especially if you are knitting with fingering weight yarn and gotta find those holes. ALso, 4,4,2 ain't a lot more random thant 3,2 ;-)

@jacquelynsmith2351 Жыл бұрын

This is why I have so many cables! 😂

@jackieostrander9667 Жыл бұрын

I don't know any hacks, I needed to learn these. WOW! What I don't know! At least I can agree that knitters need to know how to crochet.

@gonnermleggies4813 Жыл бұрын

Oooeh I cant wait to see the info you share in this video!! I absolutely adore all your tips and tricks. Thank you for your hard work for the knitting community. You are amazing!!! 🤗🤗🤗 I hope you are doing well, friend.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

I am doing well indeed. Just came back from a nice walk through the botanical garden

@gonnermleggies4813 Жыл бұрын

@@NimbleNeedles ooh that sounds lovely. 😊😊 Its the perfect time of year to go on a nice stroll through the gardens. The weather is finally getting cooler and its wonderful! Stay safe, Norman and have a lovely rest of your day. 😊😊

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

@@gonnermleggies4813 well, it has gotten a bit too cool too quickly here in vienna but was still pleasant. And so many squirrels frolicking here and about

@gracehill5311 Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I was starting to swatch when I saw your vid and used the idea of the yarnovers = needle gauge in the swatch. Made it very easy to toss the whole mess in the wash and figure out later which needle gave me the correct gauge. Also, a problem that has plagued my entire knitting career is the yarn twist "unwinding" as I knit. I have wasted hours over the years winding my yarn to get the twist back. Who knew that it had to do with the way I was turning my project? Norman, that's who. Thank you.

@lindagoodyear2525 Жыл бұрын

I was today old when i learned about some of your tips and tricks. I've been knitting for about 57 years! You ate so smart! Thank you for sharing with us!

@GaminGawdess Жыл бұрын

This episode was Epic! I have been knitting for years and there were many hacks that were game changers for me...you now have a new Patreon member my dear🤩

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

I saw! glad this video came with so many tips for you, Lori and hope you will enjoy my content on Patreon as much. There are some killer (well in my opinion) episodes as well. so maybe browse a bit through the archive :)

@GaminGawdess Жыл бұрын

I so will! Your 30 yeas of fiber love will bring my yarn game to a new level. 🙌🏾

@janicemitchell3426 Жыл бұрын

I like the ways to tell what needle size! I am always putting something down and coming back weeks later and saying “what size, what size?”

@cheryldueck318 4 ай бұрын

For the yarn labels - I like to fold them in half (usually cutting off excess, if applicable), then use a one-hole punch to create a hole near the edge, and then loop a portion of the yarn through the hole. This way, if I have some leftover that I want to use at a later date, I can easily compare the remainder to my tag and remind myself of the key info. It’s also nice to hold onto to remember what I used for a project previously, in case I’d like to knit a similar version in the future. (I’m not always good with taking notes, LOL)

@tl4214 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Norman!! I am hoping to try the magic loop, top down in crochet, for the bulky yarn knit hat I am working on! Fabulous!! I have extra needles I use in those tiny openings on the Chiagoo set. I love the versatility of that bag, for all the reasons you provided in the tips! I use those little accessory zipper pouches to carry stitch markers in my project bag. If I drop/lose one, I have a couple on stand by to keep the project going. Wonderful tips, excellent clarity in your filming!!

@kathyffarney-keck8593 11 ай бұрын

As an advanced beginner, these are fabulous

@cathyfriedmann9636 Жыл бұрын

I use a plastic sleeve for my patterns and mark my progress with painter's tape. I I is especially helpful when knitting from charts.

@Enig_Mata Жыл бұрын

Love the tip on pinning Chiaogoo connectors to bulb shape stitch markers. Such a great idea.

@Cygneture Жыл бұрын

I agree…..off to do that RIGHT NOW 😉

@robyn9483 Жыл бұрын

I use stitch markers or safety pins instead of cable stoppers - I just thread them through the little hole that you use to tighten up the attached needle.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

love that

@dianewarde6074 Жыл бұрын

Hi, Norman! All your videos and tips are amazing. Your instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Could you please do a video showing your preferred method of joining pieces together? I have seen different ways to do it, but I think you will have the best way because your knitting always looks so precise and neat. Thank you, from this old knitter who has learned so many new things from you. ❤❤❤❤❤

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

i don't have a full video yet but I have this pillow pattern where I join a lot of garter stitch (there are timestamps you can use): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hsCiipOVq8C7qIE.html And this grafting video here which might also be helpful: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jKuHntOrupiufIk.html

@krazedvintagemodel Жыл бұрын

These are great, useful tips! I already hid my labels inside the yarn, but I will benefit most from the ones about balancing twist. Thank you Norman!

@dorcas6135 Жыл бұрын

Hi. It's me again. I just had to thank you for the tip on counting stitches. Counting in 2s and 3s is so much faster. Much appreciated. And one more thing ... à la Columbo. I like your tip on keeping track of rows using the stitch marker at the beginning of the row. That means I can keep knitting merrily along and count less often.

@reneefitzgerald2501 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Norman those are some great tips! I also lose track of my stitches easily and use stitch markers to help out. Glad to see I'm not the only one so easily distracted :)

@DillyDahlia Жыл бұрын

The crochet magic ring instead of a pinhole cast on is brilliant! Thank you! 🤯😊

@ceoralandrist Жыл бұрын

I just love your voice when watching these videos. 🥰

@marshagresham-bi9ep 2 ай бұрын

Love all these knitting hacks.

@meenha1976 Жыл бұрын

I loved the first tip about reading book rows, kept gowing to discover lots more great tips. Thanks

@virginiamanganiello-mh4di Жыл бұрын

Just found this video. Very helpful and fun to follow. I use the little plastics rectangular closure tabs you get on bread or roll bags to wind my long tail cast on yarn around to keep it from getting mixed up or tangled in my knitting. Works great.

@doreenannafourie4125 Жыл бұрын

Thank you I've now learned some valuable tips. Have a great evening.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

you too, Doreeen!

@barbheggen7434 Жыл бұрын

Wow I am floored. Such simple tricks. Thank you sooo much

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

my pleasure, barb!

@aminavarga5944 Жыл бұрын

Excellent tips, Norman, thanks so much for sharing. Counting by 2s and 3s is genius!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

it sure makes things sooo much faster!

@robinwhite-underwood467 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful! It was gratifying to see that an experienced knitter used stitch markers to count his stitches in 10s and 20s like me. The senior knitter in my knitting group looked down her nose at me about that technique, but now, I feel better about it. And I would love a slow-motion tutorial about the magic ring method!

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

nobody should ever look down their nose when it comes to a hobby. If you run around the church half-naked...we could talk. But knitting? do what works for you and brings you joy :)

@flo9 Жыл бұрын

I've learned so much from this video, again

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

that's a smart tip with letting the markers hang down! thank you for adding it.

@tinajefferies5682 Жыл бұрын

That is a genius tip! Will definitely use that one.

@helenjowett7879 Жыл бұрын

I have started using the hair pins. Excellent idea.

@kim4083 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the NUMEROUS tips I actually found extremely USEFUL!! ❤ Happy knitting!

@amandah4834 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Norman great tips I have found the picking up of stitches with a crochet hook a game changer since I saw it on your channel and the letter box for pattern reading looks amazing I’m definitely going to make one of those , thanks again 😊Amanda xx💖💕

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

you know..i totally know how to pick up stitches with a knitting needle but I always do it with a crochet hook. Works so much better for me as well.

@bergdis1996 Жыл бұрын

Been knitting for 11 years. Just learned a hack that changed my life. When you are knitting back and forth And the tension changes (like one of your hacks you mentioned) insted of using a smaller needle on one side you can just knit backwards so the rightside is always facing you.

@NimbleNeedles Жыл бұрын

yeah, backward knitting is a trick quite a few knitters find helpful. For some it works, for others it does exactly the opposite and messes up both their knitting speed and their tension. :)