Posted: 1/8/2007 10:46:58 PM EDT
I'm just getting started knitting. This is the first non square project I've done. I'll have to join pieces later. It's a doggie sweater. I have a pattern, that I had to grossly enlarge since all the patterns I could find were for smallish dogs. Anyway, it seems when I try to purl, the stitches have twisted on me or not quite tightened up. I can't just stick the needle in the base of the stitch in order to purl. I have to pick up the loop and stick the needle in. It doesn't seem that my stitches are too tight. I can knit fine and the loops slide easily on the needle. Any tips? Sorry for the bad photo.
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Are you knitting a row then purling a row (stockinette) or creating ribbing (knitting one stitch then purling one stitch)? Or something totally different? The only idea I have about what could be causing the tight loops: If you're creating ribbing you have to move the yarn back and forth with each stitch. When you knit you move the yarn to the back of the piece and then before you purl a stitch you move the yarn to the front. Is this the problem? Am I explaining something you already know how to do? Sorry if I am. Hope this helps. -Ronnie PS Your dog is very cute and will look adorable in the sweater. |
I am doing a stockinette. I loose count otherwise! Maybe I'm purling too loose? I can't work the needle into the base of the stitch. I have to pick the yarn up with my fingers to stick the needle in. This works, but it's a pain and slows me down. |
Ok, so I knitted a little stockinette to try and figure it out. I'm thinking you might be doing the knitting row too tight, which means more work for you but it means the sweater will keep your dog warmer (and possibly drier) cause of the tighter stitches. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. 
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Well my double post went away, and I'm sad that my post was lost... Here is the story. Knit relaxed. Don't pull too tight, don't be sloppy. What you need to do is as follows: measure gauge. Develop consistent tension on the yarn. If your gauge it too small/tight, use larger needles If you have less stitches per inch, than you want then try smaller needles. I can knit with my eyes closed if I'm not working from pattern, you can too. It's not hard, but you need to make a few hats before you will feel comfortable. Just keep at it. |