I am having problems keeping my tension even through a piece...it keeps getting wider and looser.
2006-07-13 11:32:31 · 5 answers · asked by JMD 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
I knit using the continental method
2006-07-13 11:36:12 · update #1
Are you an experienced knitter? If not, I think just practice will bring consistency.
2006-07-13 11:35:34 · answer #1 · answered by ndtaya 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I learned to knit english style but have since learned continental as I teach knitting classes and have many students who knit this way. I also came to realize recently that I knit combination style too which happened by accident as a way to adjust my tension. But that's another story.
I find that some of my students who knit continental will completely change the way that they hold the yarn based on whether they are knitting or purling. It can be the faster of the two styles depending on how you hold your yarn. Check out the videos on Knitting Help (see link below) and compare your style to the demonstrated style. Are you changing the way that your yarn is wrapped around your fingers when you knit or purl? Is it even wrapped around your fingers? Some people can very easily change their tension by simply wrapping the yarn over and under their fingers. I don't hold my yarn exactly like the woman demonstrating the technique does but I use something similar. It took lots of fidgeting and many frustrating evenings before I was happy with the results. There are many "right" ways with knitting and everyone has their own style. However, in order to maintain a consistent gauge which is important for knitted garments, you sometimes need to adjust your style and practice, practice, practice.
Happy Knitting!
IndigoMuse
2006-07-19 15:41:11 · answer #2 · answered by theindigomuse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I knit english-style and my tension is very even (I get compliments on it all the time), while those I know who knit continental seem to have more uneven tension. Maybe that's just coincidence, but I myself have used both methods extensively and have always gone back to english because of the tension problem.
2006-07-13 13:31:11 · answer #3 · answered by Danaerys 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even tension is a matter of practice. Just keep on knitting, and you will get better and better.
2006-07-14 20:49:26 · answer #4 · answered by cassandradl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your tense while your knitting hum a song that you like or relaxes or think of something you like. It usually works for me.
2006-07-13 11:39:20 · answer #5 · answered by denishjaswal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋