DrupalWomenQ-#6369

I like to knit, though I’m not a fast knitter, it takes me a loooong time to finish a project…any tips/tricks/techniques for increasing my speed and results? Thanks!

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0 Answers

  1. donnarp1 wrote on :

    I am also a slow knitter and I know how frustrating it is not to see the end of a project especially when the new knitting magazine comes in the mail. You can go to local yarn shops that have a knitting circle of women who have all different skill levels and are also helpful if you have problems. I also like taking classes to help with my knitting skills. Crafty online classes is a good resource.

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  2. Cheryl Wilson wrote on :

    I am going to assume (silly me!) you are knitting for your own enjoyment and not to raise money, etc. If you are indeed just doing your own thing, then please do relax and let it flow. I would also inject here that you choose projects you will be really enthused about and not mundane projects you’d just as soon hurry and finish so you can get rid of them. From decades of needlework of all kinds, I can tell you that the projects I’m most crazy about are the ones I finish quickly. It’s sort of like dusting vs. baking a chocolate cake. I look forward to the results of the latter a lot more!

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  3. norma.byrd.45437 wrote on :

    I loved the answers to your question recommending that you relax and enjoy the process, but I also understand a little frustration in wanting to get a project completed and in use. I haven’t knitted in years but when I did I carried an attractive tote with my knitting everywhere I went. A 45-minute wait in the doctor’s office seemed like 10 minutes. Always early for meetings and lunch dates, I found the time relaxing rather than impatient by knitting. I watched TV back then and rather than waste all that time, I knitted (at least during commercials). I loved challenging designs using intricate stitches so I did have to concentrate on those areas a bit more, but it was so well worth it to have items that were different than I could buy. Lucky you to have a fun but useful hobby! Enjoy!

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  4. Belinda Boyles wrote on :

    Don’t worry about your speed, just slow down and enjoy the process. Knitting is like a ZEN activity; the joy of knitting lies not just in the finished project, but in the process of getting there. EVERYONE is slow at first, as there’s a learning curve to all needle arts. But take heart and hang in there. Also, it’s best to stay away from complicated projects when you are stressed or distracted, and spend those knitting times on the simpler stuff. Save a more complex item for those times when you can really concentrate on the knitting itself. Enjoy!

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  5. Judy Owens wrote on :

    Find patterns that use only one stitch, such as the garter stitch (knit only). Also I agree go for short term projects or projects that do not have alot of stitches. I start more than one project at a time so I have the variety of what I want to do at that time. Good Luck, I love knitting~~

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  6. Marne Rogers wrote on :

    I also want to add advice that I recall from an expert’s blog. Keep going and don’t worry about mistakes unless by position and stitch it would be so glaringly obvious that you wouldn’t use the garment. Many flaws have been blocked out and many mistakes can be hidden in drape, by embelishment or tricks. Perfect is the enemy of good!

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  7. Marne Rogers wrote on :

    I too am a slow knitter and in reality, most are. The ones who have a lot of time to devote to knitting, well, produce more. I know that’s stating the obvious, but if you can find time every day to devote to your knitting, it will become smoother and more satisfying. It’s like any practice, what you invest in it will yield improvements and confidence. Very few knitters started off with such a bang that they were immediately revered, but keep it up and you will attain the flow and rhythm that makes knitting so satisfying.

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  8. Louise Fadness wrote on :

    I wish I could help you with this one. I am not a knitter. I may be the slowest knitter around, actually. My strengths are crochet and counted cross stitch. I’m sure one of the other Gurus will come through for you. Good luck!

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  9. linda morse wrote on :

    Great question, Janice. Some people claim that knitting “continental” style is faster than “American” style, so if you are knitting “American”, you can get someone to teach you the other technique. Personally, I think knitting is about relaxing, not speed, so I would just have fun at your own pace and not worry about it. Happy Knitting!

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    • Janice Farr wrote on :

      Thanks so much!

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    • AH wrote on :

      I switched to continental and it does go much faster once you get used to it. It feels a little awkward at first though.

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  10. DawnMarie Helin wrote on :

    My first response is to say relax; Rome wasn’t built in a day and no project worth it’s weight will be either. The more you relax and enjoy the rythm of the work, the quicker it will pass. That having been said, you may consider loom knitting over needle knitting. It does work up much faster, is nearly as flexible as needle knitting and less stress (portable, no dropped stitches). Or you can take up a couple of quick knit projects in the middle of a large one for some instant gratification, like a dishcloth or Spring scarf. We all have the stress of a project deadline for gifting, but otherwise it is a skill meant to be enjoyed.

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