Beginner Knitting: tips for creating the Garter Stitch

Beginner Knitting:

• how to knit the Garter Stitch, English style

The most basic of all knit stitches, the Garter Stitch is often referred to as the "knit stitch" because it uses the knit stitch to create this fabric called Garter Stitch.

The Garter Stitch is a wonderful knit fabric because the front and back are identical, making this a useful stitch for scarfs, afghans, hats, leg warmers, neck warmers, etc.

In the example seen below, a triangle shape is forming by increasing one stitch at the beginning of each row.

This particular increase is called a Yarn Over.  

It is created by bringing your working yarn over the working needle (right hand needle) before you begin the stitch.

As you can see, it leaves a lovely yet simple border of loops.

To create the Garter Stitch, start by casting on any number of stitches.  Then, use the knit stitch for every row.  

In the example seen above, I am using Clover circular needles to carry the weight of the fabric. 

This will eventually become a shawl and will be very heavy to work with.  Using circular needles, to create flat fabric, is my preference when creating large items.

The yarn I am using is from Jo-Ann Stores.  Sensations yarn is a Jo-Ann brand of yarn.  This particular yarn is Caribbean in the color metallic orange. 

You can find more info about this yarn at: http://www.joann.com/sensations-caribbean-yarn/zprd_11388865a/

The video below demonstrates a up-close view

of how to create the knit stitch.  

This video goes into great detail,

offering tips on how to create the knit stitch.

My introduction to using the Bond-America Ultimate Sweater Machine

the Bond-America Ultimate Sweater Machine



The more I use my Ultimate Sweater Machine, the more I like it.

In these photos you can see my first attempt,

to change the yarn color for creating stripes,

turned out to be pretty simple.

It took me about 30 minutes to complete 15 inches tall and 30 inches wide. 

Each of the mint color stripes are 20 rows each.



Changing yarn colors with the USM

Although the view, as you knit with the machine, is from the wrong side of the finished item, you can see where the yarn color change is to the right.

Also, notice the black weight-bar at the bottom of the yarn.  This is essential for avoiding any dropped stitches.

As with any gauge of the knit stitch, the sides will begin to curl in.  

I discovered; by adding some wooden clothes clips to the sides kept the yarn tails out of the way and also prevented this curling in.

Child's Knit Hat

In this photo is a knit bonnet-hood hat I created for a 6 year old. 

It took me about 2 hours to complete this hoodie,

including the crochet border and tie strings.

I could never knit that fast by hand.

Below is a close up of the knit stitch created

on my Bond-America Ultimate Sweater Machine.

I love the look achieved with the variegated (multi-color) yarn. 

close up of the knit stitch from my USM

I'm sure to get much use from my new USM,

now that winter months are here.

Soon I'll post some more detailed projects,

along with any hints and tricks I have learned.