TALK OF THE TRADE
| ABBREVIATIONS | |
|---|---|
| K | Knit |
| P | Purl |
| St(s) | Stitch(es) |
| YO | Yarn Over |
| Dec. | Decrease |
| Inc. | Increase |
| Tog. | Together |
| Rnd. | Round |
| P.s.s.o. | Pass slip st over st |
| dpn | Double pointed needle |
| K-O | Do not work st, row or round |
| Beg. | Beginning |
| Bet. | Between |
| * | an asterisk. This indicates that the instructions following are to be repeated across row or for the number of stitches or times specified. |
BASIC NEEDS AND KNOW HOW....
YARNS: Yarns vary in size, twist and texture. Use the “Dawn” Yarn indicated in the directions as only an experienced expert knitter knows how to allow for the difference when a substitution is made. It is also very important to purchase all the yarn needed at one time as different dye lots frequently have different shades of color.
When you purchase your yarn always check the dye lot number to make certain they are all the same. It is much wiser to purchase a little extra yarn than to try and match the dye lot after your garment is finished. Though the color may look the same in the skein more often than not the difference will be seen in the finished work. The “ply” of yarn means the number of strands twisted together. This can be seen by taking the end of the yarn and untwisting.
FUNDAMENTALS & SOME TIPS
Learn the basic stitches. There are only three: Knit, Purl and slip. All the others are produced by variations and in combination with yarn overs. See [page 10].
Practice first with heavy yarn and thick needles. Study the stitch and the position it takes on the needle. Follow arrows in illustration. Learn to recognize when it is wrong. Watch the yarn to see where each loop of the stitch begins and ends. If you lay your knitting aside for a few days or longer, always rip back a few rows before starting again. This will prevent an uneven row. See [page 12] for ripping back.