Hints and Tips

Tension Swatch - JUST DO IT:
If too many swatch stitches,  fabric too tight,  use larger needle.
If too little swatch stitches,  fabric too loose,  use smaller needle.
The larger the needle, the less yarn you'll use.

Always measure tension swatch off the needles and always wash the tension swatch so that there are no surprises in the finished garment.


Casting On:

When
casting on.  leave very long tails for sewing up the seams.

Cable Cast-On:
Make a slip knot,  knit on 1 stitch.  Insert needle between 2 stitches and knit on 1 stitch.  Non-elastic,  sturdy,  definite edge.

Alternate Cable:
Same as above but k behind 1 stitch,  p behind following Stitch.  If last cast-on Stitch is p,  start let row ribbing in purl.  On the Stitch row, all knit stitches are worked through the back of the loop.

Crochet Provisional:
Temporary for easy pick-up.  Chain a row # stitches needed plus 1 Stitch.  Close chain.  Pick up stitch from each link.  This must be done from the loop at the back of the chain.  When needed,  pull back of last link and chain will unravel leaving working stitches.