| Joining in different coloured threads can be done as you go along. Twist the new yarn under the needle on each stitch for about ten stitches and cut off any yarn left. Alternatively just knot the two yarns together at the end of a row. This keeps your tension even. When you have finished the piece, you can use these yarns to sew up the side seams. Undo the knot first to keep the garment smooth. It all depends on the weight of yarn you are using, the item you are making and the stitch. A very lacy garment would not allow you to knit the ends in along the row - they would show too much.
When knitting with very large needles, it is helpful to push each stitch up from the point of the needle so that it is large enough to rest comfortably on the needles. If you do not do this, you will find that your stitches are tight and do not move easily along the needles.
When you reach the armhole on the back and fronts of a garment, mark the ends of the row with different coloured threads to identify left and right sides or you can use a large safety pin at each side with different coloured beads. This will help you when you are sewing the garment together. It is all too easy when knitting a v-necked cardigan with raglan sleeves to mix up the different pieces! Have a look at the kilt pins in our Haberdashery section. You can personalise these and decorate them with beads.
How do you keep your place in a pattern?
Try magnetic book marks which can be used horizontally to follow through pattern instructions. Using a highlighter to mark your size on the options also helps. A row counter (these come in large and small, according to the size of needles you are using) helps you remember the rows.
How can I make sure that my garment will be the correct size?
Always knit a tension square as instructed on the design.
If your tension square is too big, try again on thinner needles.
If your tension square is too small, try again on thicker needles.
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