Parentheses in our instructions are used for an explanation of a st, a certain section of a garment, or change of sts for change of size. A ROW is once across the needle. A RIDGE is 2 rows, back and forth. WORK EVEN, means to continue in pattern st keeping the continuity of the design.
Always MEASURE straight up and down unless otherwise stated.
WINDING WOOL
Winding the wool correctly is important. Never wind wool tightly as this stretches it. Wind several strands around fingers, slip these from fingers. Over these strands, in opposite direction, wind a few more strands wrapping yarn around fingers and ball. Continue in this manner, always winding over fingers and in opposite direction from last winding.
LEFT HAND KNITTING: Follow the instructions but change your copy to read left hand where it says “right hand” and vice versa. Use a mirror to study diagrams and charts. This will reverse the image for you.
JOINING YARNS ... If possible, join the new yarn with a knot at the beginning of a row. If this cannot be done, work next st with new yarn leaving a 4 inch length. Work a few sts, tie the ends firmly and with a yarn needle weave ends into work.
MARKER ... This term is used whenever it is important that a certain point is to be marked. Example: increase, decrease, beginning of a row or round, buttonholes, center st, etc. To make a marker of yarn, use a different color; make a slip knot leaving ends about 2 inches in length. Place on needle as directed. Slip marker off one needle to the other needle in each successive round.
MULTIPLE OF STS ... This term is used generally at beginning of directions and means that a certain multiple of sts is necessary to work one pattern. Example: multiple of 4 sts would mean any number divisible by 4 or 12, 16, 24 sts, etc. A multiple of 4 plus 2 would be 14, 18, 26 sts, etc., or any number that has 2 more sts after dividing by 4.
NEEDLE TYPES
STRAIGHT NEEDLES ... are used when working back and forth in rows. They come in lengths of 10, 12, and 14 inches and sizes O-1-2-3, etc. The larger the number, the thicker the needle.