Tried & Tested Tricks that Help Work on Complex Knitting Patterns

Knitting is many things to many people. Some find comfort in the rhythm of knitting needles, some love to express their creativity while there are some who love to share their handmade wonders with loved ones. Most knitters begin knitting with simple patterns in a back-and-forth style and then move on to knitting seamless rounds. Knitting is based on two simple stitches – knit and purl. All other stitches are a combination of these and other knitting techniques. So, be it a simple or a complex pattern, knitting is always fun.

Many times complex knitting patterns feel like a challenge. To make it fun for you and keep you practicing your loved craft, here we are with a few tricks and tips shared by knitting experts in our community that help you work on easy to complex patterns.

Devote time to your knitting regularly. Knit along with music at it certainly helps you focus, so get a playlist ready. And, mostly importantly choose a well-lit seat to sit comfortably for knitting.

• Use the Right Knitting Needles for the Pattern

Knitting patterns always have a section about knitting needles. Many times they leave to the comfort of the knitter only mentioning needle sizes. If you have details on needles, it is best that you stick to the pattern designer’s recommendation as they have used the needles themselves to work on the pattern. For complex knitting patterns, it will be better to stick to the knitting style (flat or seamless rounds). If the designer has recommended single-pointed needles for back-and-forth knitting then the project can be knit with fixed and interchangeable circulars. Just make sure to have the right needle size as well as the length to accommodate all stitches. If the pattern mentions double-pointed needles it is possible to go ahead with circular needles keeping in mind the cord length.

However, having all needle types in your craft collection is the best option to work on complex knitting patterns. You can knit different sections with different needles. For a small circumference work with DPNs while using circular needles if your project turns to be heavy and puts stress on your wrists and hands.

Knitting needle sets, in fact, the interchangeable needles are a worthwhile investment, as one set offers multiple needle sizes, cord lengths, and needful accessories.

• Choose the Right Yarn

Knitting patterns also include a section on yarn - weight and material. Though colors are often left to the knitter’s preference. Even though you follow the instructions, it is always recommended to start with knitting a gauge swatch. The swatch is useful in various ways. You get an idea of what the fabric will look like. The stitch and row gauge helps you decide whether you need to go up or down a needle size.

• Keep knitting accessories handy

Having knitting accessories is absolutely essential whether it is a simple or complex pattern. Sharp scissors, darning needles, measuring tapes, and repair hook assist with knitting. And, we cannot help but mention that you must have stitch markers to mark important points of the pattern. In fact, it is best to have handy stitch markers for complex patterns.

• Get comfortable while knitting

Knitting is fun even a challenging pattern if you are seated comfortably. As you need to focus on everything you do with the knitting needles focus on being comfortable. You may find it easy to sit cross-legged on the floor with lots of room on either side for moving elbows or a comfortable rocking chair or a sofa without side arms which allow your elbows to move freely. Make sure to take breaks, and stretch your hands but never leave between a row or round and also without noting down your place in the knitting pattern.

• Keep your Knitting Projects organized

You won’t be knitting all day and night, so when you take a break you need special care for your complex knitting pattern. If you are keeping your project down for the day, make sure to secure the WIP with stitch markers and tips with needle stoppers. You can also create your own stoppers with rubber hands on the tips. Besides dropped stitches, make arrangement by organizing the project in a bag of case without getting snagged or the yarn getting tangled up.

With the above tricks you can easily work on any easy or complex knitting patterns. The smooth stainless steel knitting needles and accessories from the Mindful Collection assist with the mindful craft. The range reinforces the meditative qualities of the knitting craft with its theme, design and the unique concept of inspiring words such as dream, breathe, create, etc. imprinted on each needle tip. A knitting needle set along with its accessories will help you work on multiple knitting projects. Make sure to enjoy every step of your craft as your hands create wonders.