Mastering the Art of Knitting: How to Pick Up and Knit Like a Pro!

Knitting is a beloved craft that has stood the test of time, spanning generations and cultures. Whether you’re an expert knitter or just starting out, there’s always something new to discover. One aspect that often intrigues beginners is learning how to pick up and knit. This technique can be challenging at first, but once mastered, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your knitting projects. In this article, we’ll delve into the art of picking up and knitting, uncovering tips and tricks to help you perfect this essential technique. So grab your needles and yarn, and let’s dive in!

Picking up and knitting is an essential skill for any avid knitter. Whether you are just starting out or have been knitting for years, being able to pick up stitches is a valuable technique that can open up a whole new world of possibilities in your knitting projects. In this guide, we will explore the ins and outs of how to pick up and knit, from the basics to more advanced techniques. So grab your needles and yarn, and let’s get started!

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the specifics of how to pick up and knit, it’s important to first understand the fundamentals of knitting. At its core, knitting involves using two needles and yarn to create interlocking loops that form a fabric. This fabric can then be transformed into various objects such as scarves, hats, sweaters, and more.

In order to pick up stitches, you need to be familiar with two basic stitches: the knit stitch and the purl stitch. These stitches are the building blocks of all knitting projects and are used in combination to create countless patterns.

Why Pick Up Stitches?

There are many instances where picking up stitches is necessary in a knitting project. For example, if you dropped a stitch or missed one while working on a project, you will need to pick it up in order to continue knitting without any gaps or holes.

Picking up stitches can also be used as a design element in certain patterns. By picking up stitches along an edge or at specific points within your project, you can create decorative borders or add details such as button bands or collars.

The Method: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s go through the steps for how to efficiently pick up stitches.

Step 1: Identify where you need to pick up stitches
The first step is to identify where you need to pick up stitches in your project. This could be along an edge, at a specific point, or even between two existing stitches.

Step 2: Insert your needle
To pick up a stitch, you will need to insert your needle into the fabric at the desired location. The needle should enter through the front of the stitch and exit through the back.

Step 3: Loop yarn over your needle
Next, loop your working yarn (the yarn attached to your ball or skein) over the needle from back to front. This creates a new stitch on your needle.

Step 4: Pull through
Gently pull on the working yarn to bring it through the loop on your needle and tighten it slightly.

Step 5: Repeat as needed
Continue inserting your needle, looping the yarn over, and pulling through until you have picked up all the necessary stitches.

Advanced Techniques

Once you have mastered the basic method of picking up stitches, there are some more advanced techniques that can come in handy in certain situations. These include picking up stitches from a row below or picking up multiple stitches at once.

When picking up stitches from a row below, you will need to insert your needle into both legs of the stitch below instead of just one. This creates a new stitch and eliminates any potential gaps in your knitting.

Picking up multiple stitches at once is useful when creating buttonholes or adding embellishments. To do this, simply insert your needle into multiple points along an edge or within your fabric before looping the yarn over and pulling through.

Troubleshooting

While picking up stitches may seem simple enough, there are some common errors that can occur during this process. One common mistake is accidentally creating additional stitches while picking them up. To avoid this, make sure you are only picking up one stitch for every stitch needed.

Another issue that can arise is picking up stitches too tightly, resulting in a tight and stiff fabric. Make sure to loosen your tension while picking up stitches to avoid this problem.

Picking up and knitting is an essential skill for any knitter to have in their toolbox. It allows for more versatility in projects and can also help fix mistakes or add decorative elements. By understanding the basics, method, advanced techniques, and troubleshooting tips, you will be able to confidently tackle any project that requires picking up stitches. So next time you encounter a dropped stitch or want to get creative with your project, don’t hesitate to pick up and knit!

The Basics of Picking Up and Knitting

Picking up and knitting is a commonly used technique in knitting where additional stitches are worked onto an existing knitted fabric. This method is frequently used to create buttonholes, add decorative embellishments, or add additional length to a garment. It can also be utilized when knitting multiple pieces that need to be joined together.

To pick up and knit stitches, you will need a knitting needle, yarn, and the existing knitted fabric. The size of the needle should correspond with the size of the yarn and the pattern’s gauge. It is always recommended to use a slightly smaller needle than what is suggested for the yarn to ensure that the picked-up stitches are not too loose.

Begin by identifying where you want to pick up your stitches on the existing fabric. If you are adding buttonholes or joining two separate pieces of knit fabric, it may be helpful to mark these spots with pins or stitch markers. Make sure to count how many stitches you will need to pick up in order for your project to turn out correctly.

Once you have determined where your picked-up stitches will begin, insert your needle from front to back under both loops of the stitch (also known as purl bump) on your right-hand needle. Then wrap your working yarn around the needle as if you were going to knit a stitch regularly.

Next, pull the new stitch through so that it sits next to your right-hand needle. Congratulations! You have successfully picked up one new stitch.

Continue this process until you have picked up all the required stitches for your project. Take care not to accidentally skip any stitches or add extra ones along the way. When picking up stitches on garter stitch fabric (knitting every row), it might be helpful to insert your needle under both loops on every other row instead of every row since this type of knit creates ridges instead of bumps.

How to Pick Up and Knit Stitches in Different Situations

Picking up and knitting stitches can be applied in various knitting situations. While the basic method stays the same, there might be slight variations depending on what you are working on. Here are a few examples:

Buttonholes

When making buttonholes, it is essential to pick up your stitches around the edge of the hole to ensure that it remains open when buttoned. Begin by identifying where your buttonhole will be placed and knit to that point. Bind off the number of stitches required for your buttonhole, typically three or four.

Next, turn your work around so that the wrong side is facing you. Insert your needle from back to front into the first bound-off stitch and wrap your working yarn around it as if you were going to knit a stitch regularly. Continue picking up stitches along the bound-off edge until you have reached the other side of your buttonhole.

When you have picked up all necessary stitches, turn your work back over so that the right side is facing again. Knit one row across all of these new stitches, then proceed with your project as usual.

Knitting With Double-Pointed Needles

In some cases, you may find yourself knitting with double-pointed needles (DPNs) instead of circular or straight needles. The good news is that you can still use the pick-up-and-knit technique in this scenario as well.

To begin, evenly distribute your picked-up stitches onto three DPNs (or however many are required for your project), making sure to keep them within their corresponding sections if working in rounds.

Join your DPNs into a circle and begin knitting one full round on all needles. Once completed, alternate knitting one round and picking up one new stitch until all necessary stitches are added.

This process can also be used when adding stitches to the side of a work-in-progress knitted piece, such as a sleeve or collar.

Troubleshooting Common Problems When Picking Up and Knitting

Like any new technique, picking up and knitting stitches can come with its own set of challenges. Here are some common issues you may encounter and how to solve them.

Stitches Are Too Tight

If your picked-up stitches are too tight, it might be because you are using a needle that is too small for your yarn. Remember to use a needle that is one or two sizes smaller than the recommended size for your yarn to avoid this issue. You can also try to loosen your tension when picking up stitches.

Dropped Stitches

It is not uncommon for new knitters to accidentally drop some of their picked-up stitches along the way. If this happens, don’t panic! Simply use the tip of your needle to pick up the dropped stitch and place it back on your needle where it belongs.

To prevent this from happening, make sure you have counted out all necessary stitches before starting and double-check periodically as you continue picking up new ones.

Addtional Stitches Added or Skipped

Q: What does it mean to “pick up and knit” in knitting?
A: Picking up stitches involves inserting the needle into previously knit stitches to create new ones, typically along a fabric edge or on a knitted piece.

Q: Why would I need to pick up and knit?
A: Picking up stitches is often used to add extra sections or borders onto a knitted piece, create buttonholes, or join separate pieces together.

Q: What do I need to know before attempting to pick up and knit?
A: It is important to have a good understanding of basic knitting techniques, such as how to hold the needles and different types of stitches, before attempting to pick up and knit.

Q: Can picking up stitches be done on any type of knitted fabric?
A: Yes, most knitting patterns will specify where and when you should pick up stitches, but it can generally be done on any type of knitted fabric.

Q: Is there a specific needle or yarn I should use for picking up and knitting?
A: It is best to use a needle similar in size or slightly smaller than the one used for the main portion of your project. The yarn used for picking up stitches should also match the yarn used for the rest of the project.

Q: Are there any common mistakes I should avoid while picking up stitches?
A: Some common mistakes include picking up too many or too few stitches, not picking up both legs of a stitch, and not spacing out your picked up stitches evenly. It’s important to follow your pattern closely and double check your work as you go.

In conclusion, learning how to pick up and knit is a valuable skill for any knitter. It allows for greater flexibility and versatility in creating various types of projects. By understanding the basic principles and techniques, one can easily transition from flat knitting to working in the round or incorporating stitches into existing pieces. The key takeaway is to pay attention to the tension of the yarn, using the correct needle size, and practicing regularly to improve skills and confidence.

It is also important to consider different methods of picking up and knitting, such as using a crochet hook or picking up from a previous row. This allows for more options when faced with different patterns or designs.

Moreover, mastering this skill requires patience and practice. Like any other craft, it takes time to become proficient in picking up and knitting. Therefore, do not get discouraged by mistakes but instead use them as opportunities to learn and improve.

Finally, always remember to have fun while picking up and knitting! Do not be afraid to experiment with different techniques or try out new patterns. Enjoy the process of creating something unique with your own hands.

By following these steps and tips, anyone can become proficient in picking up and knitting. It is a valuable skill that opens doors to endless possibilities in the world of knitting. So grab your needles,

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.