Tips For Knitting On A
Small Scale
Dropped Stitches:
Have a small crochet hook (2 – 2 ½ mm, or even smaller if you have one) nearby
for picking up dropped stitches.
Decreases: For
left slanting decreases, you can use sl1, k1, psso (also known as SKP) OR K2tbl.
Either method will get you there. It is just a question of preference. At this
small scale, I find knitting through back of loops (tbl) awkward, and tend to
use sl1, k1,psso instead. However, do not substitute a sl1, k1, psso for a k2
tog, that will give you a decrease that slants the wrong way.
Buttons: I
have found that 5mm buttons, while more to scale with the tiny garments, are
harder to manipulate and are really too small for the smallest button hole you
can make. If you use 5mm buttons, I think it is better to not bother making
buttonholes and just poke them through the holes between stitches. 8mm buttons
are easier to find, and much easier to manipulate. It just depends on what you
are using the garments for: play or display. I found my tiny buttons on Etsy.
Yarn:
I am not recommending any particular name brand yarns in these
patterns. Instead I envision these projects being made up of leftover bits and
pieces; subtracting from your stash rather than adding to it. If you knit a lot
of socks you will find some of my Barbie patterns for sock yarn and you will also find even finer
pieces that can be made from leftover lace weight yarns. Generally, I have
paired 2.75 mm needles with sock yarn and 2mm needles with lighter yarns. For
the finer work I have used lace weight knitting yarn, punch embroidery threads,
and fine (#10)crochet cotton. If it is lighter than regular sock yarn, it should
work with the finer needles.
I also recommend you try smooth textured, light coloured
yarn for your first projects. They will be much easier to see and handle at
this small scale.
Stitch Markers:
If you don’t have any small stitch markers, just tie small loops of contrasting
yarn.
Stitch Holders:
Many of these patterns require moving one part of the knitted piece
on to a stitch holder at some point during the process. Alternately, a spare
circular needle or dpn can be used. Whatever you use, it should be of a similar
gauge to the main needles you are using.
Needles:
I am using a circular needle, either knitting flat, or in the round using the magic loop method. Pieces worked as flat knitting can be done on
straight needles and pieces worked in the round can be worked with double
pointed needles, if that is your preference. You may use larger or smaller sized
needles than indicated. This will result in a slightly looser or tighter fit.
Magic Loop Method:
If you are just learning to knit socks or working at a small scale,
I would encourage you to learn the Magic Loop method. Not only is it easier to
knit with fewer needles, it makes it less likely that you will drop stitches.
Also, learning this simple method allows you to use one length of needle for
ANY circumference of knitting. When you purchase a circular needle, simply
choose one with the longest cord you plan to need. If you knit a lot of socks,
and other small-scale items (like my Barbie sweaters), I would buy circular
needles no shorter than 24” or 60 cm. I would also look for good quality,
smooth needles with the finest, most flexible cord you can find. Look for Magic
Loop method tutorials on the Internet.
Try this Magic Loop Tutorial from Knitting Help.com: http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/magic-loop
Finishing:
As much as possible, these patterns are made in one piece and
require minimal sewing. However, on some pieces the sleeve and underarm must be
sewn together. In these cases it is a good idea to leave enough of a yarn tail
(12-15 cm/5-6 inches should be plenty) to use later to sew your seam. This will
save you time and cut down on bulk.
Blocking:
Unless otherwise specified, I have simply laid flat the finished piece –
lightly pinned to the ironing board if necessary – laid clean damp cloth over
top, and pressed briefly with a hot iron.
No comments:
Post a Comment