10 Practical Tips Every Knitter Should Know 

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Starting knitting at 10 years of age ( I am now 80) and there are a few tips I have picked up. I will pass on TWO today. When your hands get hot and sticky while knitting, wash them and run your fingers through your hair to pick up the slight lubrication from your scalp. You can also rub the working tips of your needles through your hair to allow the yarn to slide along more easily This also works with sewing needles when you are having problems with an easy stitching action and it also reduces static. Thanks with your bright and cheery video. So joyful!

To avoid second sleeve syndrome, I do sleeves (and socks) in tandem. One day I work on one sleeve or sock and the next day I work on the other sleeve or sock. It was a real game changer for me!

My tip: Don't worry about UFOs (unfinished objects). But when you set them aside, make sure to mark on the pattern where you are and take further notes to self since it could be awhile before you resume (once it was 16 years for me to complete a sweater!). Make sure, too, to bag the UFO with the rest of the yarn for that project so you don't end up using it another way. I also don't feel guilty if I never finish some objects--either frog the yarn and use it for something else or give it to someone who wants to finish it. I don't feel guilty because I got hours and hours of enjoyment out of the UFO and probably learned something along the way.

I was a crocheter before becoming a knitter and so many videos about knitting tips were just things about fiber arts, things I already knew, and we're applicable to crochet. This video was not like that. I'm on the second sleeve of my first ever sweater and really wish I had known the sleeve hole tip a few weeks ago but Im glad to know it now. I do also think that knitters and crocheters think differently, if a project isn't going right for a crocheter, they typically frog it or come up with a different project that their WIP can turn into, whereas knitters kind of trust a process and block a bit more, this is a generalization I know but I do think it's super interesting. I loved this video so much.

I love this! So many “tip” videos are just blah blah blah. This is personal experience in detail, so very helpful! Thank you!

Hairbands as stitch savers; amazing! I have been knitting for 20 years and never thought of that one. Thank you

Love your videos, I’m 75 and know the joy and frustration of knitting. Why is it, the disinterest of top down starting the first sleeve and knowing you have to repeat it ! Be brave and strong, if it fits and looks good carry on. I’ve found when I bravely start the second sleeve I wiz through it quickly and it’s easier. Your brain has stored the method, like a learning the script. So the second sleeve should be easier, as long as you haven’t left it for months. Thank you, you are inspiring.

I'm so glad you mentioned circular needles. I feel the same way about them. And oh my, do I have plenty of half-finished projects! Lately, I have been making myself finish things. It isn't easy. But it is much more satisfying when they are done and I can guiltlessly go on to a new project. I love your work. I wish I had more money to spend on the nicer yarns.

To avoid getting too many items ending up in that cemetery pile, I will limit myself to three active projects at a time. I have to finish atleast one of them if I want to start a new project. This has helped me alot, because I get overwhelmed if there are too many ongoing projects at a time.

Besides your practical suggestions, your enthusiasm for knitting is so contagious❤️

Didn’t know how much I want to knit a sweater until I started watching your videos yesterday. So inspiring. Ordering your book ❤

No. 10 really hit me -- this is exactly where I am right now! I'm down to the last sleeve of my first sweater and I just can't bring myself to sit down and finish it. Thanks for the inspiration to keep going!

Thank you for all the helpful advice. I miss my Mum as she taught me to knit and always sorted my mistakes!!. I really enjoy your vids. 😀

I thought I was a terrible knitter until I started blocking my finished projects. Makes a world of difference. Also, interchangeable circular needle and double-ended needle sets (my preference is wood because it's less slippery) are a money-saver in the long term. If you forget you already have a certain needle size, or misplace it, you end up buying multiples of the same thing. Having everything in a conveniently packed set also means saving a lot of space.

I have been knitting for decades and I learned 4 new things today. I love your channel!

I love that you're doing more knitting content. Also big yes on the circular needles. When I found those, I banished straight needles from my life 😂😂😂

You videos are incredibly creative and intriguing. I am anxious to see your new book and hoping the things going on in your part of the world will not stall it. Love your teaching techniques. Love your sweater types, appreciate your down to earth philosophy. Thank you for what you do. From cold northern USA.

What a lovely video. Your tips are great. I too have many unfinished projects and I really relate to your attempts to unravel the psychology of the syndrome ☺️. It was one of my goals to finish them off but it is inevitable that I will follow my inspiration and start a new project when the spirit moves me. It definately feels like a balancing act. Very enjoyable. Thank you

All these tips are just getting me excited for your knitting book release this year! I’ve already told myself I’m going to knit at least 3/4 of the book out of pure admiration for you!

I'm really happy to share my time with you, especially since I'm not perfectly bilingual in English, but I live very close to Montreal (Quebec-Canada) and I love discovering people who have the same passion and moreover I take the opportunity to discover my future travel destinations

ITS A SHORT TIME I FOUND YOUR BLOG. Ι ENJOY YOUR PLEASANT SPIRIT, ENERGY SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR EXPRERIENCE WITH US.

Thanks for all the useful tips and the good mood you spread in your videos. And oh my gosh, I thought I am the only one suffering from the 2nd sock syndrome… so refreshing to watch your comments and thoughts about this. Love your channel! ❤😊

I just found your channel recently and I listen all day while I'm at work. I love all your content - SO relatable. I crochet but you have inspired me to learn knitting as well! My goal is to eventually make my own sweater - maybe a pattern from your book!

This is the first of your videos I’ve see/ such great tips. So glad I’m not the only person who struggles with the end of projects and stitch holders- I need to get one! Thank you!

I'm in awe of how beautiful your sweater projects are, and some day I want to grow up to be just like you! (I'm a baby knitter who is not practicing as much as I should, but you are an inspiration to me)

I love your videos! You are a passionate knitter and great at sharing your hints and projects!! Your style is my style so I love your projects. Your English is fabulous!!

I loved this video. You are so energetic and your knits are beautiful. Can’t wait for your book

So glad I found your bubbly and fresh channel. Actually have never seen your bind off method. Very helpful. Thank You! Keep going. Looking forward to your published book.

Started watching for the knitting tips, stayed for the life coaching tips 😚 I also experience mixed feelings about places I lived in the past, and I feel that emotional ‘charge’ in objects especially things I made. Thank you for sharing from a personal perspective, as well as the excellent tips 🧶 your enthusiasm makes me want to get knitting right now!

I really love to listen to your thoughts and seeing your projects😍 its like sitting with a friend who has been bitten by the knitting bug while I enjoy myself knitting🤩

Such awesome tips. Thank you so much🧡. I just picked up knitting again, so I’m feeling motivated to start my first sweater project!

I'm soooo excited about your book! Can't wait!

The last tip about the cemetery of unfinished projects really hit a note! And I’m relieved to hear that I’m not the only one.😅 Those were great tips and some I use regularly also. As far as the straight vs circular needles, I would add that the actual needle length makes a big difference to me too. My hands get cramped using the very short circular needles, so if I can get a little bit of a longer needle on the circular cable it’s more relaxing to hold.

I hear you on the half done projects!😀 I have an afghan done in strips that I started in late 1970’s that I just picked up again to complete. And a baby blanket that I started in 1996, but arthritis put a stop to that till I learned about and bought an ergonomic hook. Much better now. Your point about circular needles is so correct. I invested in a set of interchangeable needles and just finished my first linen stitch and lace shawl. Everything in it was a new learning experience, and I am overjoyed with it. Loved the hair band ideas too. Great video, thank you 😊 JC

🍊🍊🍊 Love your knitting videos, Kika! These tips are so helpful! I seriously CANNOT wait for your knitting book - I'm still a beginner but all your knits are so aspirational! PS - Stockholm looks BEAUTIFUL!

I'm so glad that I found your videos! I love them

I just found this TEN TIPS video and am so glad I did. I am a crocheter trying to learn to knit, and I am finishing my first triangle shawl. I am on the last row, ready to bind off and saw the section about a stretchy bind off; I know the regular bind off would be fine for this shawl, but I will try the stretchy one so I know what to do with sweaters! I love your enthusiasm and your gorgeous knits and just subscribed to your channel. I am excited to watch your previous videos. Thank you!

🍊 Your tip about pushing through a design came at the perfect time! I’m working on a new design that I loved when starting and now I’m at the stage where I’m not loving it anymore. I’m going to power through because I know I’ll like it in the end!

Love your knitting videos, please keep them coming

Second shelf pink sweater on the top with the nubbins is sooooo pretty. Good tips!

Your knitted/ crochet dress was stunning.. Thanks for all the tips..

I have recently discovered you on here and I'm really enjoying watching you and love your energy and your honesty (and your cats!). I have ordered your book and I'm very much looking forward to it arriving. I have only been knitting for four years (and I'm 66) and feel a bit sad that I didn't come to it much earlier in life so good for you for having it in your life from an early age. Your tips have hit home with me as I was doing well in my knitting (I thought!) but then I had a couple of major disasters so feeling a bit glum about it at the moment. I like natural fibres which makes mistakes rather expensive as well. I have just invested in a circular knitting kit - as you suggest - and was wondering if I'd been a bit silly to do that but I now feel encouraged by your advice. I will regroup and try to pull together some of the advice and tips so that hopefully my next knit is not another disaster. I do have a local knitting shop which has been invaluable and of course this lovely community has helped. Regarding running out of steam before the end of a project, for me, even knowing that helps. I can say to myself 'this is me, running out of steam, so push through' a bit of self-talk can help me as my intention is not to have that happen. I have still got a couple of unfinished bits so I can't say it always works but it does help me. Thank you for your lovely presence.

Again, super helpful tips! Thank you for sharing and for your refreshing honesty about life and feelings as you knit! Very relatable on that last tip.❤

I love your editing style. Thanks for this video it made me happy.

I'm so waiting for your book! I just love your designs and having your book on my shelf is my goal for this year!

Thank you for the tips they are very helpful 👍 I am looking forward to the book.. however I am dyslexic so your videos are a fantastic way for me to learn. You're a great teacher and a inspiration. Thank you😁👍xx

Ty for these great tips. I love your accent and enthusiasm for knitting! ❤️

Thank you for showing the stich wires. I didn't know them, bought some instantly and I love them. Such a practical item. Thank you for sharing.❤

Thank you for the tip on a stretchy bind off. I had recently made a sweater for one daughter and had such a tight sleeve cuff that I needed to undo the bind off and try again. Now I'm making a sweater for other daughter and I used your bind off for the body hem. Way better! Also trying your tips for no holes at the Underarm joining.

I love these tips thank you so much. I learned so much

Circular needles have helped me get over shoulder pain and I can knit for many hours every day. Thank you for your tips🐑

I love circular needles. And wow the stitch holder thing is genius! I hate putting stitches onto a piece of yarn. I will definitely buy that and the needle gauge! Thanks so much💖

You are so delightful and encouraging. Thank you

It was my first time watching you, and I really love your upbeat energy! I can certainly relate to the WIPs, I have many, some of which are a decade old, I’m afraid to say. Mostly, that comes from attending class at my local LYS, where the owner, Eva (Eva’s Needlework) is always knitting up some luscious thing that everyone gets hot to do. I can’t keep up, and I support her by shopping frequently. Such a problem to have! :P

Thanks for all the tips -- especially the one about the blocking! I have a number of sweaters that don't fit properly so I will try blocking them. I usually abandon a project when something goes wrong and I am too lazy to rip it out and fix the problem. I also seem to lose interest in a sweater when I begin working on the sleeves -- they require a lot of attention (row counting and decreases), I have to manage 4 needles, AND there are two of them -- TRIPLE TROUBLE in my book! However, it is very satisfying to finish a sweater, so I just remember that! Looking forward to your book -- I love your designs!

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Love these types of videos. And you are such a bundle of joy to watch. Such a pure spirit. I crochet and I’m still finding value here and enjoying it. Makes me want to get into knitting again. And those sweaters you designed long ago that you showed at the beginning are 🤩👌🏼.

An Italian/Tubular bind off is my favourite for hems! It keeps the pattern of the 1x1 ribbing and gives a very professional/seamless look!

What beautiful scenes of Stockholm! I learned a lot from your knitting tips, including that it's okay to have a few unfinished projects... I needed some inspiration to just keep knitting.

I agree with your tips and some I learned from! I am on my second sleeve of a sweater and just want it done! My inspiration is going but by need to finish is there! Thank you!

Thank you so much for tips! They were all useful and half of them I haven't heard. ❤️❤️

What a gorgeous sweater! I’m a beginner knitter but I hope I can knit something like this someday 🥰🧶

Such good advice, thank you!

🍊 you have some great videos and video production. Also, inspiring tips and tricks. Thank you!

Thanks for the tips. I am looking foreward to your book

Oh this video was so enjoyable! Meeting you for the first time. 😊 I enjoyed everything including your heart sharings at the beginning. the unfinished projects is so me too! 😆 Thank you for this!

Thank you so much for your helpful tips🌺 I love your beanie, would love the pattern. Cheers🧶

the hair band is a great tip! Others are too, but this one is gold for me, thank you. :)

Thank you for your fun video. I'm a very old knitter (have knitted for at least 60 years) but still find there are new ideas and tips to learn.

Thank you for the tips!

Really good information - thank you!

Good to see you on screen again!! You have inspired me to make a sweater with Drops Air, I am so looking forward to wearing it so it won't be a UFO. I am also looking forward to your book very much.

Thank you for sharing your tips. I really appreciate the encouragement about the loss of excitement with a project. I am currently knitting a cardigan without a pattern. I have included some waist shaping that I am not really satisfied with. I know now that I will rip back and redo the shaping. I was disappointed and discouraged. But I will press on...after I knit a set of slippers for a friend's birthday. After this "mental break" project, the slippers, not the sweater, I will pull up my boot straps and go back to work with renewed energy. Thank you everyone for your shared tips and helps. Happy kniiting. Make something beautiful.

You're such a beautiful soul💖. Love your pisitive energy💗 and happy vibes💗.

Thank you for showing all the video footage of Stockholm. I was there in the Summer of 2018. It is a beautiful city.

Hi Kika! I love your knitting videos! You made me start learn knitting. I'm so excited about your book, I hope it will be available outside your country.

That was a great video! Very helpful, thank you. I actually paused the video and went to Etsy to search for the hollow cables to use as stitch holders and bought some before returning to this video! I’m so excited for these new knitting tools, they’re genius!

Loved your tips. I’m not a new knitter but still i learned something.

AHH so excited for your new video!! I haven’t watched it yet I’m just so excited to see it pop up on my feed💘 thank you for all your hard work!

love the podcast! great tips! 🥰🥰 muito obrigada!🥰

Oh my goodness😊 you last tip just described me too! Thank you for sharing as I thought there was something not right… wonderful advice thank you so much💖

Amazing tips thank you! I knew some of them but not others.

Super valuable tips!! 🙏🤗

Love your tips. Thanks. 😊

Terrific tips for even this 45 years of knitting knitter! Where have you been all my life stitch wire!? And elastic plastic thread perfect for a beret band that knitted up too loosely years ago so never found its way into wearing. Thanks for the joyful education.

Great tips! Thank you😊

Thank-you for the great tips and the lovely footage of Stockholm. I have never been but my grandfather was born there so I am always interested to see the view. I can’t wait for your book to come out!

Another thing you can do to avoid switching to another project halfway is - when you get an exciting idea for something new don't jump straight into making it, instead - pattern it, look up ideas, think about possible design solutions. I mainly do embroidery and when you do embroidery you absolutely cannot afford switching to something else if you are planning on ever finishing anything. So when i get a new idea i take notes on what i think would be cool and draw some patterns and make calculations. This lets you take your time thinking about design and keep working on your main stuff while letting steam out at the same time

Thanks for sharing😀

I love your thoughts on this. You could use the psychological part on a lot of creative work! ❤

Thank you for very informative and lovely videos full of great ideas! I am a beginner and really appreciate your great attitude. Your sweaters look great and I am going to buy the book and attempt a few of the beginner friendly patterns.

these are really good💜

Great video! Thank you! You inspire me to knit. I also bought your book. Please make a part 2 of this.

Hey, I am from Brazil And I am really Happy for having found your Channel. Knitting Is a hobby of mine, And I love the idea of honoring my latě mother every time I am doing some art And craft Project, for She taught me These Things. Thanks for sharing your art with us.

Great video! I have second sock syndrome, too. I really like your tips and your energy!

Really enjoy this video, resonates to look back and see how far we have gone, also the cemetery... I though I was the only one! and felt bad all this time

Lovely podcast! I'm so excited for your upcoming book! I really relate to your comments about finishing projects. I often get to the last sleeve or finish the color work or maybe get all the way to the neck and then I just cant finish, even if I like the project. People don't understand how I can be like that. So, it was nice to hear that someone else understands!😆 Thank you!

This was fun to watch. I have lots of projects that I fell out of love with, but that's ok! The yarn is still good : )

Thanks for the helpful video. I loved the hair and and elastic thread tips.💕 PS I loved seeing your stack of sweaters in the background. Your color palette is so soothing. I look sickly if I wear those colors. Lol

hairband stitch stopper. genius!!!