Unraveling the Mystery: How to Begin a Fresh Row in Knitting

Starting a new row in knitting may seem like a simple task, but for beginners, it can be quite intimidating. The fear of dropping stitches or creating uneven rows can make this step feel overwhelming. However, mastering the art of starting a new row is essential for any knitter looking to take on more complex patterns and projects. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of starting a new row in knitting and provide you with helpful tips and tricks along the way. Whether you’re a novice or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you confidently begin your next knitting adventure.

Understanding the Basics of Knitting

Knitting is a popular craft that has been around for centuries, with origins dating back to the 11th century in Egypt. It involves using two or more needles to create a series of interconnecting loops in a continuous row, creating fabric or garments. While it may seem intimidating at first, mastering the basic techniques can open up a world of creative possibilities. Before delving into how to start a new row in knitting, it is essential to understand some key basics.

Types of Knitting Techniques

There are different techniques in knitting, depending on the objects being created and personal preference. The most common techniques include knit stitch, purl stitch, and garter stitch. The knit stitch creates smooth knitted fabric with a V-shaped pattern while the purl stitch creates a textured appearance with horizontal lines. Garter stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in every row and is often used for borders or scarves.

Necessary Tools for Knitting

In addition to yarn and needles, there are other tools that knitters need to have when starting out. These include scissors, stitch markers (optional but helpful), tape measure, yarn needle for weaving in loose ends and correcting mistakes, and a knitting gauge ruler for determining gauge or tension.

How to Start a New Row in Knitting

Now that you have an understanding of the basics let’s look at how to start a new row in knitting step by step:

Step 1: Hold Your Needles Correctly

To start knitting you need two needles; one will hold all your stitches while the other will be used to create new ones. Hold your first needle (also known as your active needle) with your stitches on it in your left hand if you’re right-handed (right hand for left-handed knitters). The working yarn (yarn attached to the yarn ball) should be at the back of the needles, and your free needle in your right hand (left hand for left-handers).

Step 2: Insert Your Working Needle

Insert your working needle into the first stitch from the front to back, then wrap your yarn around the back needle (active needle) from right to left, making sure it is not too tight but also not too loose. This is called a knit stitch.

Step 3: Pull Your Active Needle Up

Now pull your active needle upward in order for it to pass through the loop you created when wrapping your yarn around it. Pull both needles in opposite directions until you get a new stitch on your active needle. Make sure to maintain consistent tension throughout.

Step 4: Remove Your Old Stitch

Next, slide off your old stitch from your working needle onto the back needle aka active needle. You now have two stitches on your active needle instead of one.

Step 5: Repeat Steps on Remaining Stitches

Repeat steps 2-4 until you reach the end of the row. At this point, all stitches should be on your active needle.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Knitting is a skill that requires practice, and it’s normal to make mistakes – especially when starting. Some common mistakes knitters make and how to fix them include:

Loose or Tight Stitches

To avoid creating stitches that are too loose or too tight, make sure to wrap your yarn with just enough tension when creating a new stitch. Avoid pulling too much as this can cause tight stitches or too little that creates loose stitches.

Skipping a Stitch

If you accidentally skip a stitch, don’t panic. You can easily insert your working needle into the skipped stitch and go back to knit it.

Knitting the Wrong Way

Sometimes you can accidentally knit in the wrong direction, creating twisted stitches. To fix this, carefully unravel your stitches back to where the twist occurred and knit them in the correct direction.

Conclusion

Starting a new row in knitting is a fundamental technique that is essential to create various patterns and stitches. With practice and patience, you will be able to master this skill and create beautiful garments or accessories. Remember to hold your needles correctly, maintain consistent tension, and fix any mistakes along the way. Happy knitting!

Knitting is a wonderful form of art and can be a relaxing hobby for many. There are numerous techniques and patterns in knitting, but one of the most basic and essential skills is knowing how to start a new row. It may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, you’ll soon be knitting like a pro. In this guide, we will go through the steps on how to properly start a new row in knitting.

Understanding the basics

Before we dive into the steps of starting a new row in knitting, it’s important to understand some basic terminology and techniques that are involved.

Firstly, it’s vital to know the difference between the right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) of your knitting. The right side is the front or outer-facing side where your stitches look neat and even, while the wrong side is the back or inner-facing side where your stitches may look bumpy or uneven.

Another technique you should be familiar with is how to hold your needles. There are several ways to hold your needles, but most knitters hold one needle in their dominant hand and use their other hand to control the yarn.

Finally, let’s discuss some common stitch patterns that you’ll encounter when starting a new row. These include knit stitches (K), purl stitches (P), garter stitch (knitting every stitch on every row), and stockinette stitch (alternating between knit rows and purl rows).

The steps to start a new row

Now that you understand the basics let’s dive into the steps of starting a new row in knitting.

Step 1: Prepare your needles
Make sure your working yarn is coming from the last stitch on your left needle. Hold both needles together in your left hand so that they’re pointing towards you. The working yarn should be behind your work.

Step 2: Make a slipknot
Take the working yarn and create a loop. Hold the loop between your thumb and index finger, then wrap the working yarn around your fingers once more. Pull the working yarn through the loop and gently tug to tighten. This is called a slipknot and will act as your first stitch.

Step 3: Insert right needle into first stitch
Using your right needle, insert it from front to back into the first stitch on your left needle.

Step 4: Wrap the yarn
With your working yarn behind the needles, wrap it counterclockwise around the right needle.

Step 5: Pull through and drop
Using your right needle, pull the wrapped yarn through the first stitch on your left needle. Once you’ve pulled it all the way through, carefully slide off the old stitch from your left needle.

Step 6: Repeat for each stitch
Continue repeating steps three to five for each remaining stitch on your left needle until all stitches have been worked on to one needle.

Dealing with mistakes

Starting a new row in knitting can be frustrating at times, especially when you make a mistake. But don’t worry; mistakes are part of learning and can easily be fixed.

One of the most common mistakes is accidentally dropping a stitch off of your needles. If this happens, simply pick up the dropped stitch with a crochet hook or use one of your knitting needles to work it back onto your knitting needle.

Another common mistake is accidentally wrapping yarn in the wrong direction. For example, if you unintentionally wrapped clockwise instead of counterclockwise when making a knit or purl stitch. To fix this, simply unravel that particular row until you reach where you made the mistake and redo that particular step.

Using markers

Markers are an excellent tool for keeping track of where you are in a row, especially for more complicated stitch patterns. You can use a stitch marker or even a piece of scrap yarn in a different color to mark a specific point in your work.

To use a stitch marker, simply slip it onto the right needle before starting a new row. As you work through your stitches, the marker will stay in between the stitches on your needle, reminding you where the new row begins.

In conclusion, knowing how to start a new row in knitting is an essential skill for any knitter. By understanding the basics, following the step-by-step guide, and knowing how to deal with mistakes, you’ll be able to confidently start new rows in any knitting project. Remember to practice and be patient with yourself; soon enough, you’ll be able to start new rows without even thinking about it! Happy knitting!

1) How do I start a new row in knitting?
– To start a new row in knitting, turn your work around so that the needle with the working yarn is in your right hand. Begin knitting using the next stitch according to your pattern instructions.

2) Do I need to cut the yarn to start a new row?
– No, you do not need to cut the yarn when starting a new row. Simply bring the working yarn around to the front of your work and begin knitting as usual.

3) What steps should I follow when switching from knit to purl stitches?
– When switching from knit to purl stitches in a new row, bring the yarn forward between the needles and insert your needle into the first stitch on your left-hand needle from back to front. Then, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle and pull through, completing a purl stitch.

4) How can I avoid getting gaps between stitches when starting a new row?
– To avoid gaps between stitches when starting a new row, make sure to snug up your first stitch by gently tugging on the working yarn before beginning to knit. This will help tighten any loose tension and create a neat edge.

5) Do I need to cast on again at the beginning of each new row?
– No, you do not need to cast on again at the beginning of each new row. Once you have cast on at the beginning of your project, you can continue knitting each subsequent row without casting on again.

6) How do I know when it’s time to start a new row?
– You will know it is time to start a new row when you have completed all of the stitches in the previous row and are ready for your next set of instructions. You can also use stitch markers to help keep track of your rows if needed.

In conclusion, learning how to start a new row in knitting is an essential skill that every knitter should have. It may seem like a simple task, but knowing the proper technique can greatly improve the overall quality of your knitted projects. The key points to remember are to always keep your working yarn at the back of your work, use the correct needle to knit the first stitch, and maintain an even tension throughout. Remember to also pay attention to your pattern instructions and follow them carefully when starting a new row. With practice and patience, you will soon master this technique and be able to create beautiful and seamless rows in your knitting. Always be willing to ask for help from experienced knitters or utilize online resources for guidance. Starting a new row correctly sets a strong foundation for the rest of your project and allows you to enjoy the process of knitting without any frustrations. So go ahead and try out these tips in your next knitting project and experience the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with each new row. Happy knitting!

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.