Every New Year presents multiple gifts in the form of possibilities and hope. For knitters their craft is precious and there are only a few things that match up. Knitters always appreciate yarn, new knitting needles, and accessories but skills that improve and expand their repertoire are one of the greatest gifts. Expanding skills is the trick to improving your knitting. To help you become a pro or enjoy the Lanternmoon practice of knitting, we are here to discuss 12 knitting techniques to learn in 2023.
1. Cast on & Bind Off Methods
Every knitting project is started with a cast on. Though it is the slip knot that attaches the yarn to knitting needles, the cast on is the foundation of the project. Starting a new project is exciting and all we want to do is to grab the yarn and knitting needles to get started. But, choosing the right cast on is the first step. It is the first loop of stitches of a row or round that is made on the knitting needles but not counted as the first row or round. There are many ways to cast on stitches. While you may have started with a technique taught to you by your mentor, it is best to keep exploring. Every project will require a different cast on. It depends on the stitch pattern or the project. The right cast-on can enhance the success of a project. A trick to never run short of yarn is how to cast on with two yarn tails.
Similarly bind off is very important for knitters. A proper way to cast the stitches off the knitting needles will ensure that you have a neat finish to the project.
2. Knit or Purl through Back Loop
Generally, you are taught to knit or purl the entire stitch (the loop on the knitting needle) but a knitting technique that is worth learning is to knit or purl through the back loop. In a knitting pattern, you’ll come across the abbreviation K TBL or P P TBL. It looks like it would be difficult, but it simply means to knit or purl through the back loop. This is a very helpful trick in recovering twisted stitches or making a fabric less dense while knitting.
3. How to Fix Mistakes
Mistakes are a part of knitting. Learning how to fix knitting mistakes is one of the most important techniques of the craft. It does not require much but a simple technique of tinking (unknitting). You simply follow the steps of knitting but backward. You can also choose a repair hook or a crochet hook in the smallest size to assist you with the fixing. If nothing works the trick is to rip it out. Frogging your project is sometimes even therapeutic. Just insert a lifeline through your knitted fabric or make sure to work with Lanternmoon interchangeable needles that come with a lifeline hole.
4. Make Neat Edges
Neat edges make your project stand out. There are many ways to ensure that you always have neat edges. If you are already using techniques to keep your edges neat and it’s not giving you results and if they are, it’s always good to learn new tricks. Explore the myriad decorative edges. Refer to our guide on lanternmoon knitting tricks to make neat edges.
5. Discover new techniques to increase and decrease
Knitting increases and decreases are techniques that give shape to your projects, especially garments. There are many ways to increase stitches and even if you are aware of some techniques they are well worth knowing new methods. This is also for the knitting decrease stitches. Always choose pointy tips to work these intricate knitting methods. The Lanternmoon knitting needles from the Lanternmoon Collection are perfect for projects that require working increases and decreases frequently such as lace knitting patterns. In fact, many of the knitting needles are named lace knitting needles because of the precise tips and smooth needle bodies that work perfectly for these techniques.
6. Grafting and Seaming
Both grafting and seaming are worth learning. There are multiple methods to graft or seam the ends. Whip Stitch, Kitchener Stitch and Mattress stitches are commonly used. They are enough for many projects but here too expanding skills will help you get your projects be done faster and smoother.
7. Joining and Changing Yarn
Joining and changing yarn does not require very complex skills but experimenting will help you have beautiful projects in hand. Use the Russian knot, splice the yarn, etc. Different yarn fibers will work have different ways to join two yarn ends.
8. Learn to Weave in yarn ends
Every knitting project will have loose yarn ends, at least two and as many as you change yarn or colors. You may know how to weave in yarn ends but not enjoy the task at all or you might be overwhelmed. The tricks to weave in ends depend on the knitting stitches and yarn so experiment with new ways. Whatever you do, use a darning needle from the Lanternmoon Collection. You can opt for a bent-tip needle or use a blunt round tip. Explore the tricks of how to weave in yarn ends with our previous blog.
9. Learn the Magic Loop
The magic loop technique is used for knitting the smallest circumferences. You only need a circular needle in lengths ranging from 32” to 46” to form a loop and knit those baby hats, tips of mittens and more. If you are a fan of double pointed needles and use them for all your projects, there is always fun in learning new methods.
10. Experiment with Colorwork Knitting and carrying yarn
Colorwork knitting is one of the most impressive ways to express your creativity. There are many techniques to add some colors to your projects. Starting from duplicate stitches with your darning needle to stranded colorwork, mosaic, Intarsia, Fair Isle and more.
11. Try new Knitting Style
A knitting style is the way you tension the yarn and hold your knitting needles. There are five popular knitting styles. Even though you started as an English knitter or a Continental knitter it is always recommended to change your style. This can work wonders for your fatigued hands and wrists and help you be more productive. Learning a new style does not happen overnight but takes time and practice.
12. Master Combination Knitting
Combination knitting is a method that involves both Eastern and Western knitting methods. While different from the style as it is more of the way you make your stitches, Combination knitting is worth learning. This too helps you work smoothly and prevents fatigue even if you are working for long hours.
Do you have any favorite knitting habits? Whatever be your project, yarn or style, we believe that the work will even more satisfying when you work with The Lantern Moon Collection needles. The lanternmoon knitting needles carry an inspirational word to help you stay focused and relaxed. Also, the surface helps in seeing the yarn colors all the more clearly. With a knitting needle set from the collection, you can easily tackle multiple projects.
Do you have any favorite knitting habits? Whatever be your project, yarn or style, we believe that the work will even more satisfying when you work with The Lantern Moon Collection needles. The lanternmoon knitting needles carry an inspirational word to help you stay focused and relaxed. Also, the surface helps in seeing the yarn colors all the more clearly. With a knitting needle set from the collection, you can easily tackle multiple projects.
For Lanternmoon knitting, tips, techniques and everything to do with knitting, browse through our blog.
Happy knitting!