I'm glad you mentioned cast ons. I've been told that I cast on strangely. I found out several years ago while watching a documentary on Ireland that my knitting style is particular to a small area of Ireland. The women of my family have taught each other to knit for generations. Now when someone mentions my knitting style I proudly tell them that I'm knitting in my family's style.

“It isn’t a failing”...LOVE this! Thank you! I’ve been torturing myself because I’m such a “tight” knitter. Only recently I stopped practicing on how to knit looser and just knit for the pure enjoyment of it. I really enjoy your tips and laughter. 🧶 😊

Best advice I was given when I started knitting/chrochet/quilting was, it didn't matter so much what method you do/how you do it, as long as you are consistent

I love that you made this video. I've seen so many women comment in some of the groups that they "follow a pattern to the letter". They will not even consider changing the yarn used, changing the needles...no matter what and it's not like they are afraid of messing it up. They argue that this is the pattern and you shouldn't try to change what the designer has put together. I'm a rule follower to the point of "let me get the gist of it" and then I'm off and running because like you said, nobody is going to come slap me on the hand and tell me I'm doing it wrong. It's the same mentality with crocheting. I don't use a tension hold when I knit or crochet. I crochet holding the yarn in my left but knit with it in my right. I tried continental but my left hand is like nope...either hold the needle or the yarn but I'm not doing both, lol. It's very uncomfortable to me but earlier this week, one woman posted a pic of how she does her tension hold and asked how everyone did theirs because she was told she was doing it wrong. She felt reassured by the variety of comments because as you said everyone knits (crochets) differently. There is no wrong way if you're getting successful results.

So, I started knitting literally yesterday, and I feel like I've been blessed by the universe (or at least the YT algorithm) for suggesting this video so quickly. I only understood about half of the terms (and I'm being generous to myself with that amount) but I can absolutely feel the weight of experience in your advice and I'm expecting to remember your advice when I do get to that point in the adventure! I'm glad I already heard the lesson about tension, because a lot of the introductory lessons mention keeping your stitches loose. Now I know to take that as a general guideline and not a personal failing when I feel like mine are tighter than they suggest!

I'm so glad I came to this party! (I know, I'm late! 😉) I knitted some little things for my first baby almost 41 years ago and my mum said, "oh, they won't come out right, your tension is not the same as mine"...... I stopped knitting for almost 20 years after that until, one day, she asked me why I didn't knit any more......... "You knit so evenly and neatly, I wish I could do that"! All those years, thinking I was wrong! What a waste! Now I knit what I like with the wool I like and the needles I like and am really loving knitting again! 😊

It is hard for a perfectionist newbie to realize that it takes at least 6 months to learn g to read your knitting and to get your tension right. What keeps you coming back is that you learn something new every day. Thanks for being there, Barbara.

One of the hardest things for me was the direction, "Weave in ends." I remember thinking, 'who said anything about weaving?!'

Thank you! What a delightful and helpful video! I've been knitting for nearly 80 years, and always find something new to learn. I've spent a lot of time trying to force my knitting technique into what I thought was "proper" procedure, and I think the fear of breaking some great rule of some kind has kept me from trying patterns I might have enjoyed. It's taken me a long time to get the confidence to be the boss of my knitting.

Thanks for this video 😀 Although I've been been crocheting off and on for nearly 50 years, I'd like to do some knitting too beyond casting on and garter stitch. Waay, waay back in freshman Home-Ec the teacher tried to introduce us to knitting but none of us got the hang of "throwing" or keeping the loops from slipping off the needles - likely because most of us had already been taught to crochet by our 6th grade teacher. However, when I recently saw a YT video on knitting beginners using Continental style, everything finally clicked with my crocheter's brain and muscle memory. All those decades thinking I could never be a knitter, just because the first instructor was limited to a method that was so awkward for crocheters. Edit: So glad you talked about rules vs suggestions in knitting! Wish I'd known that about crochet ages ago too. Knowing which "rules" are mandatory (e.g., proper swatching & blocking) and which are open to creative interpretation (choice of yarn, hook/needle size, foundation stitches/CO, etc.) makes a world of difference in the quality of your finished projects and the enjoyment of the process.

I’m really enjoying this channel and your laugh is contagious and brings me joy ❤

Thank you so much for you simple and logical explanations!! Another thing I HATE is when another crafter tells someone, “You are doing that wrong!” Ughhhh!!! We’ve lost crafters just because of this stupid comment! Have you done an episode on the differences in yarn types, characteristics, different materials they are made from? I know that super wash yarn tends to stretch out. What are some other tips on yarn that may help other crafters? I’ve been wondering the differences between mohair and the alpaca.

Great show. Barbara! I taught myself to knit about 30 yrs ago from a book. I really never knew the finer details that you explained today, but when I came up with a problem, I used the trial and error method which takes extra time and frustration. I didn’t have anyone to ask nor knew anything about u tube until about 1 1/2 years ago. You are so down to earth and a very good teacher as well as a wonderful designer and knitter. Thank you for your knowledge and time. By the way, the shawl behind you is gorgeous and I’m crazy about your hair!!

I am so pleased that I came across your videos while searching for knitting advise You explain things so well, and with a sense of humour which is so refreshing

i love that you knit for your star trek figures. I learned from my mom at 5 when my siblings were napping. before I knew about mistakes and was having fun knitting for my Barbies and troll dolls. The 3 things I think are important are 1.Always say (to husbands or kids) " after I finish this row". 2. never put your knitting down until you finish the row " you won't know which direction you are going. 3. in the begining don't rip out your knitting because you need to be able to recognize mistakes. Hope this helps someone.

These are the 3 things that I wished I was told when I started knitting years ago. I have been trying to learn how to knit for years. I know how to do the basic stitches. But I get lost when it comes to counting stitches in a row. I just started watching your videos. You make a lot of sense to me. Thanks.

My best advice is from a Sears Roebuck & Co. knitting teacher. I’m left handed and she said to learn to knit right handed because learning to knit was going to feel awkward at first anyway. So glad she recommended that.

Your laugh is simply a delight~ Wonderful video, thank you!

You have the best knitting videos for beginners!

Thank you. I really needed to hear that! I've stopped and started so many projects because of #1

I had no idea there were so many different cast ons:-) I have only been knitting for a couple of months now (did knit a very complicated jumper when I was 24 and managed to get it finished, then it turned out too warm so never worn it unfortunately). Now I am 66 and decided to start knitting since it is supposed to be good for your memory, and it is hard to find sweaters/jumpers that you like in shops. Your youtube channel is by far the best tutorials I have come across!

I’ve knitted on and off for 30 years with a long break within those years. I’ve recently picked up knitting again and planning to continue since I recently retired. Today, I am finding that I am learning something new each time I pick up my needles. I am a self taught leftie knitter; may be, that’s one of the reasons why I still feel like a novice. I used to learn how to knit certain techniques from books. But, now, I try to look up the techniques online, a leftie or rightie method; whichever method to get me from A to B. Although, it does get frustrating sometimes because I knit backwards. Oh, and I rarely do a gauge. I usually get away with the smallest size in a pattern… Thank you for the great wisdom you bring in the knitting world! ❤

Thank you! The advice about the thin yarn with bigger needles is really helpful because I just got some fingering weight yarn for my birthday from a friend, but I'm still getting the hang of basic patterns. I wanted to make something pretty with it, lace like even, but all the lace patterns I could find were making my head spin with all the lingo. I'm gonna try to find a simple pattern I can read and use some of my acrylic yarn to practice with first, then I think I'm gonna do the big needle with the thin yarn to make it look faux-lace! So helpful as always Barb! Lots of love!

Totally agree! When I got back into knitting 🧶 I learned very quickly to use the sz needles that were a comfy fit for me to work with only then did I get my gauge right. I’m a crocheter rather than a knitter, and crochet gauges are entirely different than knitting gauges

as someone who toght myself to knit this year I knew nothing about weaghts and sizes and everything so I just played around and lernd that to get the best result I like to knit with a slightly lighter yarn and bigger needles than patterns called for and I feel soo blessed that I just got to play around first

Another thing is that tension comes naturally with time! Most of my work was suuuuper tight when I started out (it often came to the point where I could barely knit at all), but now I have a tension that actually works. Sometimes you just have to keep going, even if it feels impossible! It really is a wonderful hobby once you get into it :)

I'm a complete newbie but I'm HOOKED! I love your videos (OMG - your laugh is infectious!!!!) and I love your advice. Found you because I went a little newbie-crazy buying a ton of gorgeous yarn and needed storage advice, and I'm staying for all your technique and tip videos. Love it!

This is the reason I really love the weight system for categorising yarn! I was very confused about gauge in the beginning. Around here people usually categorise yarn after their suggested gauge and I find it extremely limiting especially when it comes to substituting or simply finding yarn. Weight is much more versatile and it's also easier when combining two threads.

You remind me of a lady I recently went to community college with ❤ she was such a sweet heart, sassy and hilarious.

Thank you, Barbara! You are so supportive and encouraging.

I thoroughly enjoyed your recommendation information. Thanks for this information. You have truly opened my eyes.

Hello :) I really appreciate this information. I am a beginner and I was concerned on tension issues. As you are, I am also a rule follower, so this helped put me at ease. Thank you

Barbara thanks for your video. I've been knitting for about 2 yrs now and had to learn all this the hard way. I always enjoy your videos and love your patterns. Rachel S.

Bless you Barbara! You have no idea how much I needed this right now.

As a beginner, I thank you...🤗

And this is why I love you Barbara!

This video was so good. I really appreciate all of what you addressed. Thanks so much for sharing.

I am so glad I found you. Love your laugh. Love your honesty. LOVE everything.

As always, watching you is fun. Great colors in this video! And, I enjoy that you use your hands... I talk that way too. Good topic. Thanks ~Marie

I absolutely love your channel! Thank you! You are the best teacher.

I'm a long-time crocheter learning to knit, and I can say the needle (or hook) size thing holds true across crafts. I'll even go up and down hook sizes within one project depending on what my arthritis is doing today, especially if I'm trying to crochet very tightly while making toys. How stretchy or springy the yarn is can make a big difference in both gauge and stitch tension too, even if it's exactly the same wpi as another yarn. I can work much more tightly in a springy yarn without realizing it if I'm not paying attention.

Thanks for this video! I felt like these tips were 3 permission slips for knitting that I needed.

I like what you said about not changing your tension to try to get gauge because after you relax into the project, you'll revert to your natural tension. I have an odd movement that I make when I purl. I put the tip of the needle into the stitch, wiggle it a little bit before putting the needle in further to wind the yarn around the needle and complete the stitch. Recently, I thought I'd try to eliminate that extra movement to speed up my purling. It works but only when I'm thinking about it. After a few minutes I catch myself doing it the way I've always done it. I learnt to knit when I was about 5 and I think I developed that "technique" because of some (long forgotten) problem I was having entering the stitch purlwise. I now embrace my quirky purling style 😊

Beginning knitter here--so glad I found this video early in my knitter life (on second project ever)! Thank you; you have a new subscriber!

Thank you for this KZfaq video. I have been in teacher knitting for about 10 years, knitting for the last 30, This video is a great resource for me for is extremely difficult to explain to my students, what gauge a knitting needle suggestions are all about. Once again thank you so much for sharing this information.

I love love love you. I have knit for years. I do not like crafting nazis who believe that how they knit is the only way to knit. If I could I would hug yer neck!

I love this especially the tip on choosing whatever needle you want 😁. I was still trying to comply with that within at least one size difference.

I so appreciate this videos. My yarn shop called me a Lucy goodey but never explained anything like you have

I love this video. Thank you. It gave me so much confidence

Excellent advice Barbara! When I started knitting I tried to knit tighter because I am a more relaxed Nader. Found out that, like you said, you loosen up once you get going on your pattern aand my gauge changed. Thanks for your videos, I enjoy them immensely!😊

Just started knitting yesterday! Glad I found your vids!!😁😁😁😁

Love this video ,thank you. I am new to knitting and found this very helpful

I am a mid beginning knitter and your videos are a big help. I am now learning different patterns wasn't quite ready in the beginning.

Never knew that the swatch should be blocked before measuring for gauge, but it makes total sense. You are so helpful, Barbara.

thank you so much for posting this video. I though the information on the label and pattern was a hard fast rule. Now I know differently but oh, how I wish I would have know this when I started to knit. It would have saved lots of frustration.

AT LAST ! the three nightmares that i have dealt with ALL THESE YEARS....... Now all is explained ... . thank you so much... as they say "you have made my day"

I love you! I'm getting my shawl pattern and yarn out tonight and will start translating the pattern and get to work!

Love your attitude and suggestions. You do have a way of taking the stress off of knitting. Blessings to you. :-)

So glad to see you. Enjoy your videos.

This is the video I didn't know I needed. Thank you!!

Barbara, you are amazing! Love your down to earth approach. I will be back for more videos!

Thank you so much for yr channel. I knit and crochet and I love given other sites to help improve my skills. Refreshing!

Hi from Montana!! I find this video has great information and should be required viewing by EVERY crafter out there. I am a combination knitter and fortunately I have not run into many that think I knit "wrong". I have a pretty thick skin and just figure that their knitting is not as efficient as mine... Also, as a self taught crocheter when I crochet the technique may not look pretty, but it gets the job done. Whatever works!!!

Is there such a thing as too much yarn? I am a crocheter getting ready to pick up knitting. I face a bit of a challenge in that a year and a half ago I was looking at the world from a different place. I was recovering from heart issues including a stroke. When I woke up from surgery I lost my ability to not only walk and move, but anything involving numbers and movement became tricky! Returning to crafting became a tremendous challenge. I learned to crochet back in high school but all that knowledge vanished. I picked up knitting needles at the same time but dropped that 45 years back. I picked crochet back up a few months ago and am still struggling a bit. But I love the look and feel of knit fabrics, so I want to pick that up again. I just love yarn! Thus I am here to relearn and return! So, I need patience, resilience, and repetition. Thanks for your wisdom and experience.

You have the loveliest voice! And seriously.... who knew there were so many ways of casting on and off. So much to learn. Glad to have found your channel. :-)

Knitting is like everything else; if you are doing it, make it your own! Great video; great tips; great knitting! Have fun!

Wow. These take me back. My mom hated gauge in patterns. And socks & slippers were her favorite thing to make.

me, watching this while knitting chunky yarn on 6.5mm needles: so i am doin this right. nice. thx barbara

I've just discovered you this evening..and I'm so pleased !!! You are so easy to watch and listen to, and so so interesting. Although I'm an older knitter (63) who was taught by my very patient mum when j was a young teenager, I've never learnt to knit 'properly'. I'd love to be able to do lacy knits or cable or stuff like Fairisle but I've never really been able to understand what to do when it goes wrong. I really do think that by watching your channel I'll be able to get there. I'm really looking forward to watching/reading your 'lessons' . I'm in the UK but somehow you don't seem so far away 😁. Thank you again for giving me hope!

Love the easy way Barbara explains the knitting instructions. I learned to knit in high school 1971, and i am holding my needle wrong. My right arm is doing to much work wrapping the yarn around the needle to knit and pearl. Thank you, i will definitely be following you for more ease and comfort.

I love your attitude!

I know i am commenting late on this video and that is because I have only recently found you. I'm so glad I did! I've been teaching myself how to crochet and knit from KZfaq for the last couple of years and have been very scared to try to many garments because I messed up on. (That was 2 years ago and to this day I've been afraid to pull it out, frog it and fix it.) That's going to be a new years resolution along with knitting a sweater i already purchased the yarn for. Thank you for your videos. They really help me understand and build up my confidence.

very straightforward and informative. Thank you so much 🎉

The very first thing made me smile so much. Especially the part where you talked about how you revert back to your natural tension when you get in your groove. Now, I paused the video to type this so I don't know if it's brought up but when I tried to change my tension verses my needles, my hands cramped up really bad no matter how many breaks and stretches I did even after years and years of crocheting (I hold my knitting the same way I hold my crochet so it's not very different at all for me).

Thank you Barbara. You're right I would have known those 3 things when I began knitting.

I appreciate these points. I am rebellious and like to do my own thing. I went my own way a long time ago.

You are awesome instructor, teacher. Thank you.

thank you so much, I just started knitting and wanted a hobby to do. At first, all I remember about knitting is what I learned in school in the 9th grade home Ec. and only were taught regular knitting ( can't remember what it's called) and purl knitting. Anyway, I was confused at some of these videos telling me I needed different-sized needles for this or that or what kind of yarn to use. I just want to learn how to make things and the easiest way to learn to make them without all the different size needles or yarn size I had to go out and buy. I'm sure the more comfortable I become in learning the different styles in knitting I"ll catch on and know what I need to use and you answered all the questions that were running through my mind about all this. Some of the videos other put on here and say this is for beginners go so fast, I've had to start over and over again trying to learn from them that I almost gave up on knitting, thinking I'll never catch on or be able to make anything but I did make a little bunny rabbit which kinda looks like an elephant. I'm not going to give up now thanks to you. When I make something I'll come back and let you know how I did.

Very useful info. I use the proposed needle size and gauge on yarn labels to get an estimate of the weight of the yarn when shopping online, as not all yarns indicate their ply or weight. Many don’t. If a yarn doesn’t have any gauge or needle info I simply don’t buy it as I can’t get an idea of the weight.

Great info + enjoyed your way of presenting 😁

I was actually looking up how to knit looser when I found this video.. 😂😂 Such a great video, thank you so much! PS. Love your laughs ! ❤️😀

Just what I needed.Thank you!!

I am new and I am trying I love this video because it is so helpful and I haven’t started a project yet but I am going to start this week

Thanks for the info and "Permission" 🥰

I'm realising that I go to a great store. They've given me some of this advice before I made my first stitch. Cheers 😃 🙂

Love the shawl behind you 😊 Thank you for the tips, I’m totally a beginner

Thank you! Great advice and wonderful validation I’m “not failing” because I knit so tightly, I simply need to downsize multiple needles to accommodate it.

This is great. Learning a lot from your videos.

Thank you. I learned and will try to do my best to the rules.

Madam, you’re really master of knitting👍🏻

In addition worsted from one company can have much denser or lighter loft than from another, and different colors can vary in thick/thin quality as well. Some lace weight is way lighter than others. Each piece is a work of art of choosing so many things that make it unique.

u deserve KISSES & KISSES & HUGS i love you for this!!! thank you thank you thank you!!!

Thank you so much for the information. Very helpful!

Great information. I think I am an advanced beginner (mainly because I do my own thing and make a ton of mistakes). I learned what you are talking about the hard way! LOL! Gauge!! UUUgh!! I finally have found my comfort zone. Swatching is important for me, using several different needle sizes. I make large swatches so I can feel the flow or stiffness of the fabric I knit. Once I have decided on needle size, (as you said the label on the yarn is only a suggestion) -- I look at the size of my finished piece (according to the pattern) and then decide how many stitches I need to cast-on. If I need the back to be 17 inches and I get 20 stitches per 4 inches then when I get to the bust area I need to have 85 stitches to work with. I read through the entire pattern and adjust the numbers. Now I finally get to cast-on and keep my fingers crossed that it will look like I expect it to look! I still have to start over a couple of times and adjust stitch count or needle size. There is no fast way to do knitting and have it turn out as expected. Especially when I am using the yarn I like with a given pattern. YEP I love fingering yarn and adapt my patterns to use fingering yarn. Who knew a beginner should not do this!!

Just found this channel but I can tell I’m gonna be watching ur videos a lot and This is gonna end up being my favourite channel…new subscriber btw 😊♥️

A very intelligent video and I love your laugh. Lol, I'm using Manos del Uruguay yarn in my project. I'm sure I'll be back, just because you make me feel so good. :)

I always say I am a ‘rule follower’ too! Happy to hear someone else use the term😉. Thanks for the input-I have gone with pattern suggestions first, so I am glad to hear you confirm that. Luckily I learned the provisional cast on easily when I needed to but I want to try a tubular cast on and am a bit afraid to try! Oh well, I can just rip it out if I mess up, right👍🏻?

I started knitting so I could design and knit my own clothing. This has always been my motivation so I was never interested in working with patterns. In my mind, it wouldn't be that much different as going to a store and picking out a sweater. Only that I had to knit that sweater myself. However, this is what i tried to avoid, because I wanted to be able to create exactly the piece I wanted. I'm not against patterns in general and I know that you can adjust them. It's still a lot of work that goes into knitting regardless of whether you use a pattern or not. However, I wish that people would be taught that they don't necessarily need a pattern or can create their own. My mom always knitted sweaters for me and herself and she never used a pattern. She just took measurements and checked if it would be fitting in between.

I'm a crocheter and I've always wanted to learn to knit. I haven't picked up the knitting needles in three months. But I just love the knitted work I see. I crochet every day and knock out finished projects regularly. I've got three or four works in progress. But my collection of knitting books is growing and I need to get knitting. After looking over a gorgeous book last night and not being able to sleep for thoughts of projects running through my mind, I woke up from a knitting dream this morning. I think I'm just going to knit practice blocks and learn as much different things as I can and maybe end up with some sort of patchwork afghan and a better developed skill set. The hardest part is that I can't remember knit and pearl, so I have to flip the pages in the books when I turn my work... Seems inconvenient to me and not one book has both stitch lesson on one page! Yet I can remember the stitch patterns for multiple rows of crochet... 🤔😳. It's a "just do it" moment.

Just ran across this video and...game changer!