Knitting techniques
Cast on, bind off, shaping and finishing. Step by step, with patterns that use each technique.
German Short Rows: The Gentle Way to Shape Your Knitting
German short rows shape knitting by turning mid row and pulling the working yarn over the needle to make a double stitch. When you come back, you knit the two legs of the double stitch together as one, which closes the gap invisibly. Patterns use them to raise necklines, slope shoulders and turn sock heels.
1x1 Rib Through the Back Loop: The Crisper Ribbing (ktbl)
Twisted 1x1 rib is ordinary knit one, purl one ribbing where every knit stitch is worked through the back loop (ktbl). Twisting the stitch tightens it, so the knit columns stand up crisp and defined instead of soft and rounded. It is our favorite rib for necklines, cuffs and beanie brims.
How to Cast On: 4 Easy Methods Every Knitter Should Know
The long tail cast on is the method most knitters use most of the time. You make a slip knot, hold the tail and working yarn over your thumb and index finger, and scoop stitches onto the needle. It gives a neat, slightly stretchy edge that works for almost everything. The knitted, cable and backwards loop cast ons cover the rest.
Knitting in the Round: How to Join Without a Twist
Lay your cast on stitches along the needle with all the bumps facing the same way, usually inward, before you knit the first stitch. That is the whole secret to joining without a twist. To close the gap at the join, swap the first and last stitch, or cast on one extra stitch and knit it together with the first.
3 Left-Leaning Decreases: SSK, SKP and K2tog tbl
SSK, SKP and k2tog tbl all turn two stitches into one that leans left. SSK slips two stitches knitwise and knits them together through the back; SKP slips one, knits one and passes the slipped stitch over; k2tog tbl simply knits two together through the back loops. Patterns treat them as interchangeable, and all three mirror the right-leaning k2tog.