Simple Stretchy Bind-Off

So simple, and so stretchy! This is my new favorite bind-off, good to use whether you need a little or a lot of stretch.

Instructions for working this BO in 2×2 rib:
Step 1: K 2 stitches, insert the left needle into the front of the two stitches you just worked, wrap the back needle and knit them together (k2tog tbl)
Step 2: P 1 stitch, Insert left needle into the back of the two stitches you just worked, wrap the front needle and purl them together (p2tog)
Step 3: Repeat Step 2
Step 4: K 1 stitch, insert the left needle into the front of the two stitches you just worked, wrap the back needle and knit them together (k2tog tbl)
Step 5: Repeat Step 4
Repeat Steps 2 through 5

Instructions for working this stitch in any other stitch combination:
K every knit stitch, and k2tog tbl it with the other stitch on the right needle
P every purl stitch, and p2tog it with the other stitch on the right needle

Information on things you’ll see in this video:

The shawl I’m wearing (not my design) can be found here.

The needles I use are Knitter’s Pride Bamboo DPNs.

The bulky yarn I used is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in colors Crush, Yonder, and Honey.

The nail polish I’m wearing is by Julep, color “London”.

Fancy Stitch Combo – Lace Stitch

The Lion Brand LB Collection yarns I used in the samples are –
LB Collection Baby Alpaca

LB Collection Silk

LB Collection Cashmere

LB Collection Superwash Merino

Instructions for working this stitch:
CO a multiple of 4 stitches, plus 1
Row 1 (wrong side): Purl.
Row 2: K1, *yo, sk2p, yo, k1; rep from * across to end of row.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2
BO purl-wise on WS with 1 needle size larger

To work this stitch in-the-round:

CO a multiple of 4 stitches
Round 1 : Knit
Round 2: *K1, yo, sk2p, yo; rep from * to end of round
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 to desired length, BO.

My Ravelry page for the shawl I’m wearing (not my design), can be found here.

The needles I use for demonstration are Knitter’s Pride Bamboo DPNs.

The nail polish I’m wearing is by Julep, color “London”.

Testing Color Fastness

Will those colors run together once the yarn gets wet? It’s a good idea to find out before you knit those stripes! Here’s my method for testing yarn colors before I knit them together.

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The cowl I’m wearing is my Sixes and Threes Cowl, pattern + video tutorial.

The bottle of no-rinse wool soap is Eucalan.

Ravelry Tips – Stashed Yarns

Looking for ideas on some yarn you have stashed? Or want to browse other people’s stashed yarns – maybe to locate some yarn you need to finish a project? In this video I demonstrate how to navigate Ravelry in relation to stashed yarns. To follow this video and see the screen clearly, I recommend expanding the video player to a large size.

If you don’t yet have a free Ravelry account, you should get one!

Information about things you’ll see in this video:
The beautiful Alpha B yarn I use as an example can be found at Knit Purl.

The cowl I’m wearing is my Sixes and Threes cowl, pattern + video tutorial.

If you would like to friend me on Ravelry, my profile is here.
And the VeryPink Knits group is here (feel free to join).

The computer I’m using is my producer’s, the brand is Qosmio. He uses this computer for video editing, more info here.

Using Circular Needles

So many choices with needle shapes and types – what are the differences? Circular needles vs. straight needles, fixed circulars vs. interchangeable sets, different cord lengths? In this video I talk about all of that, including my personal preferences.

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The Log Cabin Blanket quilt block is a free pattern and video tutorial.

The 16″ circular needle set can be found here.

The Platina needle set can be found here.

My sweater is store bought. 🙂

Fixing Loose Stitches and Snags

In this video, I show you how to repair loose stitches and snags in your knitting. (If you are looking for instructions on how to cover or repair more damaged work, please see my Duplicate Stitch video.)

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The latch hook snag fixer I use can be found at most local fabric stores, or here online.

The little bamboo marking pins I use can be found here.

The yarn I used in a swatch is a wool/alpaca blend. Sorry, I’m not sure of the brand!

The sweater I’m wearing is store bought. 🙂

The nail polish I’m wearing is by Julep, color “Lupita”.

German Short Rows

Plenty of knitters don’t like working wraps & turns when knitting short rows. German short rows are an alternative to w&ts that actually do their job and look good! In this video, I show you how to work them, and how to substitute German Short Rows for w&ts in patterns.

Here is a link that I mention in the video to a list of my sock tutorials. The “toe-up” patterns use wrap and turns (including my Bulky Sleep Socks Tutorial), and German Short Rows can be substituted.

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The sweater I’m wearing is a free pattern + video tutorial, which can be found here.

The yarn I’m using for demonstration is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky.

The needles I’m using are Knitter’s Pride Bamboo double-pointed needles.

The nail polish I’m wearing is by Julep, color “Malala”.

Winding Yarn into Two Equally-Sized Balls

For some patterns and yarns, it’s important to wind your yarn into two-equally sized balls before you start knitting – especially when you’re knitting toe-up socks. Here’s my tried-and-true method for doing that.

My ball winder and swift are from Strauch Fiber Equipment Company. You can learn more about the company here.
They also have a YouTube channel.

The Woolery is the retail outlet for Strauch Fiber Equipment Company. You can find my ball winder here.
And my swift here.

The kitchen scale I use is by Tefal – I don’t think they are making the exact model I have anymore, but I think they’re all about the same, anyway. I don’t remember how much mine cost, but I know I didn’t get an expensive one.

The pink yarn I use for demonstration is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in color Crush.

Stellar Swatching

Some tips and tricks for swatching, including how to knit an in-the-round swatch on a small, flat piece.

The yarns I used for the swatches is Australian Superfine Merino by Cleckheaton. For more information (including info on free shipping), visit their website.

cleckheaton

The colors of Cleckheaton yarn I used are Soft Blue, Mid Navy, Coral, and Smoke.

Instructions for knitting the stockinette swatch:

(The number that your pattern lists as stitches over 4 inches = X)
Cast-on X, plus 10
Bottom Border: Knit every row for 9 rows (you will have 5 garter stitch ridges)
Row 1 (RS): Knit across all stitches
Row 2: K 5, P “X”, K 5
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you’ve worked the number of rows in your pattern states as 4 inches.
Top Border: Knit every row for 10 rows (5 garter stitch ridges)
Bind off.

Information on things you’ll see in the video:
The cowl I’m wearing is a new free pattern which will be released December 17 – watch for it!

The stitch pattern for the cabled coral swatch is called “Windswept”; from Vogue Knitting Stitchionary, Volume 2, Cables.

The stitch pattern for the diagonal lacy pattern is called “Slanting Open-Work Stitch”; from Interweave Press Harmony Guides, Lace & Eyelets.

The little bamboo marking pins I use can be found here.

The circular needles I use in the video are by Knitter’s Pride/Knit Pro.

The watch ring I’m wearing is by Davis, and can be found here.

The nail polish I’m wearing is by Julep, color “Lupita”.

Correcting Gaps in Socks

Cuff-down or toe-up, there is always a chance that you’ll get a hole in your socks right where the heel meets the rest of the sock. Here’s how to keep that from happening.

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The yarn I’m using in my socks is Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering, in color Irvington. One hank of this yarn = one pair of adult socks.

The sock pattern I’m using is a basic toe-up pattern from Knitty.

The needles I’m using are Addis, size US 1 (2.5mm), 40″ circulars.

The sweater I’m wearing is a free pattern + video tutorial.

The nail polish I’m wearing is by Julep, color “Malala”.