Introduction
Need help with a project, but don’t know where to turn? Maybe on-line sources are of little help because you need an actual person to walk you through it. You are always welcomed to come to the shop for help, but for those who can’t make it here at that emergency moment or need more one-on-one help, you can find help at the Knit Clinic.
Knit Clinic provides you with the resources you may need in three ways. First, you are welcomed to come by anytime for assistance. We will do our best to help you with your knitting dilemmas.
Second, a knit glossary is provided below (“knit glossary” highlighted for link to below) should you forget, for example, what “ssk” means? Here, you can find most abbreviations and descriptions of various basic techniques to help you figure out the solution to your dilemma.
Third, in case you still haven’t found the help you need, Knitty Couture has compiled a list of online resources (link to below) we find to be useful.
The Knit Clinic will always be growing as we continue to provide additional information and updated resources. Your comments, of course, are welcomed. Please see About Us for contact info.
Knit Glossary
| * | repeat pattern following * |
| alt | alternate |
| cbl | cable |
| ch | chain |
| cm | centimeter(s) |
| cn | cable needle |
| cont | continue |
| dec | decreas(e)(ing) |
| dpn | double pointed needles |
| g st | garter stitch |
| gm | gram(s) |
| in | inch(es) |
| inc | increas(e)(ing) |
| K | knit |
| m1 | make one (read pattern instruction for specifications) |
| mm | millimeter(s) |
| P | purl |
| patt/pat(s) | pattern(s) |
| pm | place marker |
| psso | pass slipped stitch(es) over |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| rev st st | reverse stockinette stitch |
| RS | right side of work |
| sk2psso/sk2p | slip 1stitch, knit two stitches together, pass slipped stitch over knitted stitches |
| skpsso/skp | slip 1stitch, knit next stitch, pass slipped stitch over knitted stitch |
| sl 1 | slip stitch |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit |
| ssp | slip, slip, purl |
| sssk | slip, slip, slip, knit |
| St st | stockinette stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| tbl | through back of loop (e.g., ktbl = knit through back of loop) |
| tog | together |
| WS | wrong side of work |
| wyib | with yarn in back |
| wyif | with yarn in front |
| yd | yard(s) |
| yfwd | yarn forward |
| yo / yon | yarn over / yarn over needle |
Gauge
General
- Knit a 4”x 4” swatch.
- Block as directed into size.
- Place ruler / measure tape over swatch horizontally with 2”-3” playroom. Count number of stitches per inch.
- Place ruler / measure tape over swatch vertically with 2”-3” playroom. Count number of stitches per inch.
Tips
- Too few stitches/inch = use smaller needle size or smaller weight yarn.
- Too many stitches/inch = use larger needle size or larger weight yarn.
Note
Continue swatching and blocking until gauge is met.
Basic Stitches
Garter stitch
Knit every row
Circulars: knit one row, purl one row
Stockinette Stitch
Knit right-side rows, purl wrong-side rows
Reverse Stockinette Stitch
Purl right-side rows, knit wrong-side rows
Circulars: purl all rows
Blocking / Finishing
Blocking is very important. It is the final step a knitter should take before completion of any garment. Blocking permits a knitted piece to rid itself of unevenness and eases the shaping and seaming processes.
- Soak piece(s) in lukewarm-warm, mild soapy water for approximately 30 minutes or steam.
- Rinse gently to remove soap residue. This may include several rinses.
- Remove, and gently squeeze excess water from piece(s) with hands, making sure not to twist or wring piece.
- Using a large towel, place piece on towel and roll into log to rid of any additional water. Do this for each piece.
- Lay piece onto a dry, soft surface (e.g., another towel or blocking board), and using T-pins, pin piece into designated size.
- Let dry completely before handling.
Notes
Refer to yarn label for instructions on whether to soak or steam. Generally, items knitted in cotton, linen, bamboo, and acrylic blends are steamed.
For garments (e.g., sweaters), sew / seam pieces together as directed.
Knitting Needles
| US | Metric |
|---|---|
| 0 | 2mm |
| 1 | 2.25mm |
| 2 | 2.75mm |
| 3 | 3.25mm |
| 4 | 3.5mm |
| 5 | 3.75mm |
| 6 | 4mm |
| 7 | 4.5mm |
| 8 | 5mm |
| 9 | 5.5mm |
| 10 | 6mm |
| 10.5 | 6.5mm |
| 11 | 8mm |
| 13 | 9mm |
| 15 | 10mm |
| 17 | 12.75mm |
| 19 | 15mm |
Crochet Hooks
| US | Metric |
|---|---|
| B/1 | 2mm |
| C/2 | 2.75mm |
| D/3 | 3.25mm |
| E/4 | 3.5mm |
| F/5 | 3.75mm |
| G/6 | 4mm |
| 7 | 4.5mm |
| H/8 | 5mm |
| I/9 | 5.5mm |
| J/10 | 6mm |
| K/10.5 | 6.5mm |
| L/11 | 8mm |
| M/13 | 9mm |
| N/15 | 10mm |
Online Resources
www.knitty.com: Online knitting community, providing useful articles, patterns, and reads.
www.thedietdiary.com/blog: The knitting fiend provides great calculation programs for all sorts of garments, particularly socks.
www.eunnyjang.com/knit: Eunny Yang, Interweave Knits magazine editor, provides wonderful detailed descriptions of various knitting techniques. You can find her current blog at www.interweaveknits.com/eunnyknits.
www.stlouisknittersguild.com: The Greater Saint Louis Knitters Guild.
www.knittersreview.com: Overall great site!
www.knittinghelp.com: Great resource for all levels of knitting.
www.cast-on.com: Podcast for knitters.
www.tkga.com: The Knitting Guild Association.
www.tkga.com: The Weavers Guild of Saint Louis.
