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Gauge, Dropped Stitches and Binding Off Gauge, Dropped Stitches and Binding Off From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-101

Figure A

A common mistake among inexperienced (and some veteran) knitters is neglecting to knit a gauge swatch before beginning a project. "Gauge" refers to the number of stitches per unit width. For a simple project such as a scarf, the exact gauge isn't as important as it is for a more precisely proportioned garment such as a sweater.

To get an idea of the difference gauge can make, see figure A, at right. The photo shows three 20-stitch swatches, knitted from the same yarn on three different needle sizes: top, on #10-1/2 needles, 6" wide; left, on #9 needles, 5"; right, on #7 needles, 4-1/2". Imagine if you're knitting a sweater or another fitted item: the gauge will determine whether it fits you -- or your Teddy bear!

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	Picking up a dropped stitch (to see a step-by-step demo, click on the video link below)...
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Picking Up a Dropped Stitch
One of the scariest things a beginning knitter can encounter is a dropped stitch, which looks very much like a run in a stocking. If left unchecked, it will continue raveling and eventually create exactly the same effect: a "ladder," or series of dropped stitches The process of picking up and reknitting a dropped stitch is actually quite simple -- but be warned: it does require a bit of raveling.

The first thing you need to do is carefully to ravel the knitting down below the dropped stitch (which at this point will look like a hole in the fabric). Then just as carefully return the stitches to the needle, making sure the tail ends up on the left. Be diligent about keeping the stitches from twisting as you replace them on the needle -- a twisted stitch (figure B) will create a flaw in the finished product.

Figure B

Binding Off
When you've finished knitting your project, you need to bind off, or knit the stitches off the needle and give the piece a finished edge.

1. Knit two stitches.

2. Insert the tip of the left needle into the front of the right stitch of the two and pass the loop over the left stitch and off the end of the needle.

3. Knit the next stitch.

4. Repeat step 2 until the required number of stitches have been bound off.

5. When one stitch remains on the right needle, pull the cut end of the yarn through that last loop to secure it. When the piece (or garment) is finished, you will use a tapestry needle to weave the end through and hide it.

Next: Symbolcraft: The Language of Knitting

RESOURCES :

The Knitter's Companion
By Vicki Square
Interweave Press, Inc.
1996
For this and other titles by Vicki Square, click on the link(s) below:
Interweave Press Inc.
Website: www.interweave.com

GUESTS :

Vicki Square
Knitting expert and author