Easy and Beautiful Knitting Pattern For Multicolour Sweater Design # 419 *

29 Tips for Avoiding Knitting Pain

wow I found this useful tip , thought of sharing

1. Make sure that you take frequent breaks! - Diana K.
   
2. Don’t rest your arms on a surface, like a table top or the arms of a chair; this puts pressure on the nerves in your arms. - Ann B.
   
3. When you get to the end of a row of a bigger project, rotate your wrists once counter clockwise and once clockwise. If it is a smaller project, do the same thing after 5 rows. - Becky C.
   
4. Make sure you take breaks, support your arms and use a hand brace. Take stretching breaks for your fingers, wrists and arms. - Linda R.
   
5. Keep your back straight and your shoulders down. - Brianna
   
6. I wear a wrist brace at night to guarantee a pain-free day of knitting when I wake up. - Robin
   
7. I squeeze and release a small rubber ball a few times to relax and ease the tension in my hands and fingers. - Anna Marie G.
   
8. Stretch, stretch, stretch. Hold arm straight forward, palm down, pull fingers of hand up and back gently with opposite hand. Repeat with other arm. Then palm up, push hand/arm down and back gently and repeat with other arm. Also make sure to get up and get the blood flowing in your legs and buttocks! Do some stretches while standing. And don't forget to drink plenty of water. Keep hydrated. - Kay
   
9. Take a break every 30-45 minutes and do some hand/wrist stretches. - Cynthia W.
   
10. Drape a warm rice bag/heating pad around your neck and shoulders. This relieves tension build up. - Helen
    
11. Avoid painful fingertips by using flexible thimbles on each index finger while knitting. - Jeannie M.
    
12. Flex your fingers every so often and make sure to put your knitting down for a few minutes. Make sure your elbows are supported to avoid pain or too much muscle tension. Free movement of your arms, I think, is crucial. - B.J.M.
    
13. Keep hands nimble by using a squeeze toy, like a can of very thick putty. - Wil B.
    
14. Shake your hands out to loosen them up after knitting awhile. - Jessica K.
    
15. Put a pillow or throw on my lap when I settle in for a long knitting session. - Mariann F.
    
16. As soon as you feel a tingling in your arms, stop and do something else for a few minutes - change the clothes in the washer to the dryer or do any chore that only takes a few minutes. - Mary T.
    
17. Stretch your fingers with a rubber band (fingertips together, rubber band around the outside and push against the band by opening up your hand). - Jennie
    
18. Set a timer for every hour and make sure to get up, stretch, get a drink or take a bathroom break! - Becky R .
    
19. Support your arms on a pillow to relieve any pull or strain in your shoulders. - Joyce D.
    
20. Change the way you hold your needles to reduce tension. For example, avoid knitting with long needles; they can be too heavy and can cause more stress on the hands. If your project requires longer needles, make sure they are interchangeable ones. If you have a lot of stress in your hands, try switching to the Continental knitting method; this is proven to be easier on the hands. Lastly, alter the way you hold your yarn. For knitting: I call my hold the hook / chop stick method. My right hand looks like I am holding a crochet hook in the underhanded position, and my left looks like I am holding chopsticks with the yarn as the top stick and the needle as the bottom stick. For crochet, same thing, except the left hand has the yarn as the top stick and I hold the work in the bottom stick position. - Jessica N.
    
21. Cut off the tips of a pair of battery-operated warming gloves and wear them as crafters gloves while knitting to reduce pain. - Merri Orgeman
    
22. Work in an area that is warm. Lots of folks have craft areas set up in basements or garages that don’t have sufficient heating. Being cold just makes your muscles tense up that much more as you work. - KittenWithAWhiplash
    
23. Wear fingerless craft gloves that have a good, supporting wrist band while you’re doing your handwork. if your fingers numb or your wrists hurt, use your fave pain relief cream and rub it on your wrists. - Ritainalaska
    
24. Before knitting, and as often as you feel necessary, put your fingertips together and push them against each other, as if a spider is doing pushups on a mirror. Also rotate wrists often to loosen them up. Having a comfortable place to rest your arms is also important as well as making sure you maintain good posture. - Beverlee C.
    
25. Comfortable chair, good lighting, frequent breaks to stretch shoulders, neck, arms and fingers and wooden needles! - Lynda B.
    
26. Two things that have helped me: concentrating on learning to crochet/knit in a more relaxed way (not keeping tension in my hands and arms and paying attention to position), and using a proper chair that supports my back, neck and arms.- Nancy
    
27. Do daily exercises using rubber putty and a tension band. - Lena C.
    
28. I use Voltaren rub. - Diane
    
29. Tiger Balm muscle rub is very nice to use on your sore spots, even Bengay helps! Also, those Ace wraps for wrists work well. - Joann
    
    Read more at http://www.allfreeknitting.com/Tips-for-Knitting/29-tips-for-avoiding-knitting-pain#ViB6r2FAtCiIycFe.99

Pompoms

Pompoms are widely used to add as a trimming. Now a days some knitters/crocheters are creating a variety of toys , dishcloth and shawls with pompoms.

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Tassels

Tassels are used at the end of sarees or duppatta. This is very popular with Indian dresses.

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Knotted fringe

Whenever you want to do an elaborate knotted fringe especially for shawls , you will require a knitted fringe like below.

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Simple fringe

Many a times knitted garments can be decorated with fringes.A simple fringe is the perfect finishing touch for a scarf

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

All the abbreviations that are used in knitting

All of us require the help of  abbreviations while we follow a knitting pattern. I have gathered as many of the abbreviations I could find. The list is exhaustive sharing some here.

“     Inch or inches

*     Repeat instructions following the single asterisk as directed

**   Repeat instructions between asterisks as directed

{ }   Alternate measurements or instructions

( )   Repeat directions as noted or indicated

alt   Alternate

approx   Approximately

beg   Begin or beginning

bet   Between

Bk lp   Back loop

Blo   Back loop only

Bp   Back post

BO   Bind off

C   Cable

CA   Color A

CB   Color B

CC   Contrasting color

cdd   Centered double decrease

ch   Chain

cl   Cluster

cm   Centimeter or centimeters

cn   cable needle

CO   Cast on

cont   Continue

COR   Carriage on the right

CR   Cross Stitches to the right

cross 2 L   Cross 2 stitches to the left

cross 2 R   Cross 2 stitches to the right

dec   Decrease

decs  Decreases

DK   Double knitting weight yarn

dpn   Double pointed needles

ea   Each

EON   End of needle

EON   Every other needle

EOR   End of row

FC   Front cross

fl   Front Loops

fol   Front loop only

foll   Follow, follows, following

fwp  Forward working position

g/gr   Gram

g st   Garter stitch

grp  Group

hk   Hook

hp   Holding position

in   Inch

inc/s  Increase/s

incl   Including

k   Knit stitch

k tbl    Knit stitch through the back loop

K1 tbl    Knit stitch through the back loop

K1b    Knit stitch through the back loop

k-b    Knit stitch in the row below

k-wise    knit-wise

k1 f and b    Knit 1 stitch in the front, then in the back of the same stitch

kf b   Knit 1 stitch in the front, then in the back of the same stitch

k2tog   Knit 2 stitches together

k2tog tbl    Knit 2 stitches together through the back loops

kll    Knit left loop

kp   Keyplate

krl    Knit right loop

LC   Left cross

LH    Left hand

lp/s   Loop/s

LT     Left twist

M/s   Marker/s

m    Meter

M1    Make 1

M1A   Make 1 away

M1F   Make 1 front left

M1L   Make 1 front left

M1B   Make 1 back right

M1R    Make 1 back right

M1T    Make 1 towards

MB    Make bobble

mc    Main Color

mm    millimeters

no     Number

NWP     Non-working position

oz     Ounce or ounces

p     Purl stitch

p tble     Purl stitch through the back loop

P1b      Purl stitch through the back loop

P1 tble    Purl stitch through the back loop

p-b      Purl stitch in the row below

p-wise     Purl wise

pfb     Purl the front of the stitch, then purl the back of the same stitch

p1 f and b      Purl the front of the stitch, then purl the back of the same stitch

p2tog     Purl 2 together

p2tog tble     Purl 2 together through the back loops

pat/patt/pats/patts    Pattern

pm    Place marker

pnso    Pass next stitch over

pop    Popcorn stitch

prev    Previous

psso    Pass the slipped stitch over

pu     Pick up stitches

RC    Right Cross

rem    Remaining

rep/s   Repeat/s

Rev ST    st Reverse stockinette or stocking stitch

RH    Right hand

rib    Ribbing

rnd   Round

RS    Right side

RT     Right twist

sk    Skip

sk2p    Slip 1 Knit 2 tog or pass slipped stitch over

SKP     Slip, knit, pass

skpo    Slip, knit, pass

s       Slip a stitch

sl       Slip a stitch

sl st     Slip stitch or Slip stitches

sl1, k1, psso        Slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over

sl1k       Slip a stitch knit-wise

sl 1 k-wise      Slip a stitch knit-wise

sl1p        Slip a stitch purl-wise

1sl 1 p-wise     Slip a stitch purl-wise

sp      Space

ssk Slip,      slip, knit slipped stitches tog

ssp     Slip, slip, purl

sssk         Slip, slip, slip, knit 3 slipped stitches together

st     Stitch

sts     Stitches

St st     Stockinette or stocking stitch

tble T    hrough the back loop

tog    Together

won     Wool over needle

wp    Working position

wrn    Wool round needle

WS     Wrong side

wy    Waste yarn

wyib     With yarn in back

wyif      With yarn in front

yb     Yarn to the back

ybk   Yarn to the back

yd    Yard

yds   Yards

yfon   Yarn forward and over needle

yfrn   Yarn forward and round needle

yf     Yarn forward

yfwd   Yarn forward

yo   Yarn over needle

yo2   Yarn over twice

yon   Yarn over needle

yrn   Yarn over needle

Source: By: Maria Nerius, FaveCrafts.com Resident Craft Expert
http://www.favecrafts.com/Knitting/Abbreviations-Guide-to-Knitting/ml/1

Types of yarn used for knitting

After a long time I was able to collect articles on the various types of yarns that are used for knitting. Each area has specific type of yarns. Thanks to Favecrafts I was able to get this information and I am sharing it with you.


Different fibers of yarn will result in completely different results in your piece or garment. You want to be familiar with the different kinds of yarn fiber and how they will work in a knitting or crochet project.

Synthetic Fibers
Nylon, rayon, acrylic, viscose, and polyester are all synthetic fibers that appear in yarn. 100 % acrylic yarn is a common choice as it is the most inexpensive yarn. This makes acrylic yarn a good choice for those just learning how to knit or crochet.

Blends
Many yarns blend different natural fibers, synthetic fibers or natural fibers with synthetic fibers, such as for a softer feel. If you want to felt your knitted or crochet project, you must ensure the yarn is at least 80% wool, but the other 20% can be synthetic.

Natural Fibers

Cotton- Made from cotton plants, many types of cotton yarn are treated with chemicals to make them more durable, mildew resistant, and able to accept dyes better. Some environmental concerns have been raised with traditional cotton production though.

Wool- Many different kinds of wool exist and are spun into yarns with different weights and textures. Wool accepts color very well and is very warm. Merino wool yarn is a popular choice in making garments.

Cashmere- As the name suggests it is from Kashmir ,India.Cashmere, from the soft undercoats of cashmere goats, is a more expensive yarn which is especially smooth while still retaining warmth.

Alpaca/Llama- South American llamas or alpacas produce very soft, warm yarn. Llama wool yarn is less soft and bulkier. Alpaca and llama wool is non-allergenic, since it does not have the lanolin found in lamb’s wool. This yarn does not accept color as well as wool though.

Mohair- Mohair is a thick yarn from the Angora goat with an especially fuzzy look.

Angora- Angora is an especially soft rabbit fur yarn which has a fuzzy appearance.

Linen- Linen yarn is made from the flax plant and is a lightweight yarn perfect for summer garments.

Silk- Silk comes from silkworm larvae and is very smooth and light. Since silk does not have much stretch, silk is generally combined with other fibers for yarn, often cashmere for a truly-luxurious yarn.

Eco-Friendly Yarns

Organic Cotton- It is cotton created without synthetic fertilizer or pesticides and, when made into yarn, without chemical dyes.

Bamboo- Bamboo yarn has the feel of silk and is very strong. Bamboo is a renewable resource because it can be harvested without killing the plant, which then regenerates the removed bamboo in a couple of months.

Hemp- Hemp is another renewable resource which can be grown without pesticides or herbicides and is the strongest natural fiber. Hemp yarn garments are softer with each machine washing and can be treated for softness as yarn. Check out LanaKnits to read about and purchase Hemp yarn.

Source: http://www.favecrafts.com/Knitting/Types-of-Yarn-for-Knitting-or-Crochet/ml/1

Unravelling

When mistakes happen more than few rows, the best wave to tackle the mistake is by unravelling

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Unpicking stitches

If by chanse you find a mistake a few rows down, it is posible for you to correct this mistake

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Picking up in a purl

The stitches can be picked up in the purl stitch also

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Picking up a ladder

While knitting even a professional can make a mistake. Hence it is important that we should equip ourself to deal these mistakes effectively,when ever it occurs.
Hence to correct mistakes one should have a crochet hook at your disposable. The crocher hook is used to pick up dropped stitches.
A cable needle is also used sometimes to hold a loose stitch while you are sorting the problem,

It is important that sfter you have corrected the mistakes, recount the stitches to make double sure that you have the right number of stitches

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Double cast on

This is how a double cast on stitch is made

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Casting - binding off

When you want to finish your piece you will have to use the cast or bind off stitch. This stitch is used at various levels while knitting - such as shaping of the armhole, horizontal buttonhole, button hole and while shaping a neckline.There are several methos, this is the the basic method that is mostly followed by knitters.it is to be noted that when you are casting or binding off , please use one size larger needles so that the casting/binding off stitches are not too tight as it can create an edge that will be shorter than the width of the fabric

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Slipping a stitch purlwise

As of now we have learnt to slip a knit wise. Now we can learn how to slip a stitch purl wise



Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Slipping a stitch knitwise

Sometimes in a pattern a stitch does not require to be stitched and hence it is simply slipped. This how you slip in a knit stitch

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Purling through the back of the loop

We can pick up a stitch pul wise also.

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Knitting through the back of the loop

This is one of the variation of making a stitch

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

The Purl stitch

The purl stitch is another of the basic stitch. It has a softer and smooth to touch as it does not have any ridges that are found in the knit stitch

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn

Holding the yarn -left hand method

Another way of holding the yarn is the left hand method.

This is commonly used in continental Europe.

Both methods produce the same effect. Practise both methods and you can follow which ever you are comfortable working with

Source: The Knitter’s Handbook - Hamlyn