reblog

Darning needles are one of the essential knitting accessories that every knitter, new as well as seasoned experts must own. For darning the seams or edges, making the proper finish of a project, weaving in yarn ends or repairing mistakes, the darning needles are used for many purposes. Often referred to as tapestry or wool or finishing needles, the darning needles are the unsung heroes of the knitting world. Such is the multipurpose use that even in the olden days every woman and man used to carry one on themselves at all times.

Choosing the right darning needle is very important for its significant purpose in knitting as well as other yarn crafts. Also like knitters are different, every needle is different. The darning needles come in different materials and lengths with different kinds of tips and different-sized holes for the yarn to pass through. The Mindful Collection offers high-density laminated wood darning needles in the teal shade as well as bent-tipped plastic needles in each Mindful knitting needle set. If you have explored the range of stainless steel knitting needles, you are well aware of the fact that the entire range focuses on the meditative aspects of the craft. Each of the accessories is designed on the same theme of mindfulness. The mindful darning needles are a great choice for all knitters.

Here are a few facts about the Mindful Darning Needles

Needle Tips

The Mindful Collection offers darning needles in both types of round straight tips as well as bent tips.

The round straight tip of the darning needles is great for going through different kinds of yarn without damaging the stitches or the yarn fibre. As the knitted fabric is permeable in comparison to other fabrics, the tip doesn’t need to be sharp. In fact, blunt tips or rounded ones let you work through stitches without slicing through individual strands of yarn.

Bent-tipped darning needles are also very helpful when you’re seaming two pieces together. They navigate very clearly without snagging any stitches.

Even when weaving in ends such as in colourwork or lace patterns, the blunt tips can comfortably slice through part of a yarn making the tail a part of the final fabric.

Many times darning involves “plucking” individual stitches and pulling the needle underneath them so the blunt edge can work smoothly without any damage. For this same reason, they are also ideal for duplicate stitches on a finished knitted fabric.

Even when you’re doing tricks that involve more of an up-down or side-to-side motion, like seaming two sides together with mattress stitch, a bent-tipped darning needle may be more comfortable for you.

Needle Size

The general rule of thumb is to use darning needles a size smaller than the knitting needle. The trick is not too small size, in fact, a snug fit is good. You don’t want the yarn too slip through the big eye or force too thick of yarn through too small of an eye.

If the yarn slips through, you will be taking much more time to complete the simple task and be frustrated. And, if the yarn is too thick, the abrasion of the wood needle will gradually cause the yarn to wear thin and break taking more time to rectify the error and lose precious yarn in the process. Even if you’re darning a small end or you’re seaming an entire sleeve, you don’t want to lose your end halfway through.

If you’re unsure that a darning needle is a right match for your fabric, we have an easy way to check. Simply hold the darning needle over your fabric, or slide it horizontally through one stitch. If the needle is as wide as a stitch is tall, you should switch to a smaller needle. Ideally, you don’t want it to be any more than half as wide as the stitch is tall.

The More the Merrier

Like knitting needles and stitch markers, you can never have too many darning needles. You need to have them in different sizes. When it comes to darning needles, the Mindful Collection offers 2 big and 2 small darning needles in a wooden case.

Uses of the Darning Needles

Now coming to the use of darning needles. Whether it is a pair of socks or a wide blanket, you’ll always be needing the darning needle.

Weave in yarn ends - Every knitting project will have at least two yarn ends to weave in while there will be many when you use different yarns. With a darning needle, you can weave every end no matter the knitted stitches. Just thread the yarn tails and go through the knitted stitches as invisibly as possible.

Repair Holes - There will be knitting patterns where you come across mistakenly made holes. Here too, the darning needles can cover up holes from the opposite side of the knitted fabric.

Duplicate Stitches - Sometimes when you need to add beauty to a simple knitted fabric, duplicate stitches are of great help. Thread yarn in a different shade on a darning needle and go through the stitches to make interesting designs, alphabets and more.

So, with this guide on everything you need to know about darning needles get ready to create some wonderful projects.

Happy knitting!

Source: https://writeupcafe.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mindful-darning-needles/

Knitting lace is an art. Even the simplest of designs look beautiful. Lace knitting patterns are simply made with lightweight lace yarn and bigger knitting needle sizes forming artful holes in the pattern. Many beginner knitters though impressed with the beauty of lace knitting shy away from the artful knitting thinking it would be difficult or would require special tools. The good news is you can knit lace with your regular knitting needles. It does take some special techniques but that can be easily managed with a sharp-tipped smooth knitting needle. Lace knitting techniques are a little different than regular knitting. In this blog, we’ll take you through some points to consider to choose needles for lace knitting.

Knitting Needle types

For knitting lace projects, you can go ahead with any knitting needle type. If you are knitting back and forth, the options are single-pointed and circular needles. Say for example if you are knitting a lace shawl or a scarf, you can easily knit with any of these. For knitting in rounds, double pointed as well as the range of circular needles is fine to work with.

Many knitters prefer fixed and interchangeable circular needles as with this you can knit both flat and round with them. ICNs or interchangeable needle sets are preferred for giving the freedom of switching the needle and cable according to the requirement of the project. Another blessing for lace knitting is that stainless steel interchangeable circular needles from the Mindful Collection have a lifeline hole. Thread in a lifeline and enjoy knitting complex patterns without any worry. Use a yarn of contrasting colour and thread it in the hole and this will weave in through your knitted pattern saving it from mistakes. The only thing to keep in mind when knitting with circular needles is to have smooth joins where the needle tip meets the cable. These joins must be smooth and not snag the yarn when moving the stitches from the cord to the needle.

Circular needles are the ideal choice if you are a knitter on the go, taking your projects on your regular commute or vacation. Given the needle length, it allows the stitches to be easily spread over the cable and tips making it easy to view the stitches clearly.

Knitting Needle Material

Coming to the material of the needles, metals and stainless steel are the most preferred. The lightweight yet sturdy material suits the need perfectly as the smooth surfaces allow a steady flow of stitches.  The knitting needles have to go through the stitches multiple times and the smooth steel surface lets the yarn and stitches flow. The neutral surface and the smooth glide it has for all kinds of yarn and especially lace yarns make it an unbeatable choice.

 Durable Needles

A general requirement for lace knitting is bigger size needles in comparison to the yarn weight. Most knitting patterns mention the needle size but if you are planning your own design then make sure to go for bigger sizes than the ones matching the yarn. Always knit a gauge swatch to get an idea of how your knitted fabric will look like. A small 10 cm square with the same knitting needles and yarn used in the project can give an idea is you have the right needle size, yarn and how the stitches are turning up. Now the bigger needle size does not mean US 10 or such but can start from US 3 to even US 7 or US 8. The trick is to have a durable needle such as steel to smoothly work with any weight of yarn.

Sharp Precision Tips

Lace knitting stitches and techniques require accuracy and for that, the best knitting needles for lace patterns is sharp ones. Like cutting vegetables with a blunt knife makes the task difficult so does knitting lace with blunt needles. The precision tips are helpful in knitting lace patterns. Many times the needle has to go in two or even three stitches at once, thus there is a need for sharp tips. The requirement for yarn over (yo) once or multiple times also works smoothly with the sharp tip and smooth steel surface.

With this guide, we hope you choose the right needles for lace knitting. Given the points discussed, the knitting needles from the Mindful Collection. The range of stainless steel knitting needles have sharp tapered points and come in variants of single pointed needles, double-points (DPNs) as well as circular needles in options of both fixed and interchangeable. Many of its needles are rightly named lace knitting needles. Not just individual needles, you can explore the knitting needle sets with multiple needles and accessories. Also in the collection you can choose stitch markers that are essential for lace knitting, darning needles to weave in yarn ends, sharp scissors, row counters to keep count and bags and cases to keep your knitting safe and secure.

Happy lace knitting!

Source: https://ext-6117053.livejournal.com/1524.html

The Magic Loop is a technique of knitting small circumferences on a circular needle. The method requires circular knitting needles with needle lengths around 36″ (80 cm) to 47″ (150 cm). The trick to knitting in the round with Magic loop technique with circular needles is to gently bend the cable to pull a loop or two on either sides with needle tips holding the stitches. You only knit with the tips with the cable forming the loop in and out.

So, what does magic loop mean?

It is a knitting technique first mentioned by Sarah Hauschka. The famous knitter had mentioned this method first in Beverly Galeskas’s booklet The Magic Loop in 2002. Since then, the method became the talk of the town with more and more knitters taking up the magic loop for knitting small circumferences.

Knitting in the round comes seamlessly with circular knitting needles but if the circumference is too small and the needle length longer, stitches tend to get stretched. But, with the magic loop, it has become possible to knit the tips of mittens, baby hats, socks and so much more.

The trick behind knitting the magic loop is simple; separate your project into two parts or what can be said as a set of joined stitches on both needle tips. One part is always on the flexible cable while the other is on the tips. As the cable is long enough, you can use the needle tip on the other end of the cable to knit stitches freely.

So, for this magical technique of knitting, how to choose circular knitting needles? We have three points to keep in mind.

1. Cable Length

The first and foremost requirement is a long cable that’s 100 cm (36″) or even 150 cm (47″). You can also go for a length of 80 cm (32") Now, do not choose any long cable but one that forms a flexible loop. Sometimes too much cable length can be annoying to pull back and forth constantly.

If you are a regular knitter using the technique of magic loop frequently, it’s best to invest in an Interchangeable Knitting Needles Set with multiple needle sizes, cable lengths, and other accessories. This allows you the chance to even switch the cables according to your comfort. And, this way you can have a complete set for all knitting projects whether you knit in the round or back and forth. You can also go ahead with a fixed circular knitting needle or a set, which is completely dedicated to the magic loop technique.

2. Needle & Cable Material

Knitters have their own preference for needle material; some prefer stainless steel or metal tips to move stitches around easily. Many knitters prefer wood or bamboo so that stitches don’t slip around much. Advanced knitters have many needle materials, types and sizes in their stash to choose the appropriate tool for the project. There are also knitters exploring specially designed cubic knitting needles for a better grip for knitters who face health issues that impact their hands and wrist. Choosing a particular knitting needle material depends on your preference. You can choose any needle for the magic loop.

Similar to the knitting needles, it just takes a bit of trial and error to figure out the cables of the circular knitting needles. So, before you start your knitting, unwind the cables. Test the cable flexibility by simply bending the cable back and forth. If the cable is ready to bend to your will then you have the right cable. If it has a mind of your own, then give it some pampering to listen to you. Make it adjustable by dipping it in warm water. Some balanced heat will unwind its kinks and make it pliable to bend it for the loop. The best option though will be to choose memory-free cords in flexible materials. Also, make sure that the cable can survive the constant in and out movements without breaking down.

3. Smooth Joint

Lastly, choose circular needles that have a smooth join between the needle and the cable. With the constant movement back and forth through the stitches, it is important to have a smooth flow. You would not want the yarn or knit stitches to be stuck or snag. A smooth join between needle and cable is vital for the success of your project. Fixed circular knitting needles have an added bonus as they were manufactured together while a quality interchangeable needle set will also prevent any issues.

Once you have taken these points into consideration, you are ready for knitting with the Magic Loop. The Mindful Collection offers a range of stainless steel knitting needles, smooth teal cables and accessories that focus on the meditative practice of knitting. So, get ready for knitting those cute baby hats, socks, mitten tips and so much more.

Circular knitting refers to the style of knitting in seamless rounds. For knitting in the round, you can choose fixed circulars, interchangeable circular needles, or a set of five double-pointed knitting needles. The general rule of knitting in a circle is that the circumference must be larger than the needle length, especially for circular knitting needles, so that the stitches are not stretched, and the knitter can work comfortably. For example, if you have a 50 cm (approx 20-inch) circumference, you can comfortably knit with 40 cm (16") circular needles. Or another way to accommodate a small diameter is the magic loop, where you knit with a long circular needle of 100 to 150cm (40 - 47 inches). To craft a tubular project, you need to join the round. In fact, that is how you can knit in rounds.

There are many ways to do so but do you need help figuring out how to start? Or did you finish your hat or sock only to notice a weird gap or overlap right at the beginning? To make things simpler, we'll walk you through the steps of how to join the round with circular knitting needles without a gap or jog.

Anyway, let's dive right into it.

To join a round, you need to join the first and last cast-on stitches together. Start with cast-on stitches as you usually do. Read the knitting pattern for the stitch count and the cast-on method. Different projects instruct different ways to cast stitches. Socks, hats, and sweater necklines would require stretchy stitches, while home décor would require a constricted cast-on that would retain its shape. Cast an extra stitch; this would help later. The only rule you need to follow is to avoid twisted stitches. Align all the stitches in the same way. Twisted stitches mean you'll have to start over, and no knitter would like to do that.

Let's look at the methods to join the round.

Method 1: Stitch Swap Join

Cast on the required number of stitches. Make sure to keep the stitches loose and neat. Spread the stitches on the entire length of circular needles but do not stretch them.

Insert your knitting needle tip into the first cast stitch. The slip knot is counted as the first stitch.

Slip the first cast-on stitch on the left knitting needle as if to purl.

Then, insert your needle into the last cast-on stitch. Pass this stitch over the other.

Now begins the most critical step to join the round. Pass the first stitch on the knitting needle over the stitch you just slipped.

Insert your right needle into the first stitch on your left needle and begin knitting in the round.

Method 2: Double Strand Join

This method of joining the round reduces the stretchiness of the cast on stitches.

Cast on only the required number of stitches on one tip of a circular needle.

Grab the yarn and the yarn tail together and begin knitting.

While you can knit with the doubled yarn for a few stitches, it is recommended to knit the entire round so that the yarn tail is secure enough. Working this method prevents you from having to weave in that pesky yarn tail later and also creates a strong join.

Method 3: Invisible Join

Using this method, you'll need to cast on one additional stitch than what your pattern calls for.

Slip the first cast stitch (not the slip knot) purlwise.

Pass the extra stitch over the slipped stitch and drop it off the needle for the invisible join.

Then, slip the first stitch back on the knitting needle.

Move this stitch back to the left needle purlwise to create the invisible join.

Now, cinch up the excess thread with the active yarn and the yarn tail. This will create the invisible join.

The cast-on stitches are joined, so begin knitting in the round.

Method 4: Add 1, Decrease 1, Join

This method of joining the round is easy; just remember to place a stitch marker to show the beginning of your round.

Cast on an extra stitch. If your pattern asks for, say, 50 stitches, cast 51. Take advantage of this step whether you knit with circular needles.

Move this extra stitch to your knitting needle purlwise.

Add 1 stitch, and decrease 1 stitch to join the round.

To compensate, knit two together (k2tog) and continue knitting.

Your round is joined. You only have to follow the pattern instructions. Once you have finished knitting, cast off stitches.

Get to your favorite socks or hat without a weird join. With stainless steel circular knitting needles from the Mindful Collection, you'll have a smooth crafting experience. With these methods, you can knit with your circular needles. Each needle tip has an inspirational word that has a mindful effect on the knitter. Besides individual needles, complete sets of circular knitting needles are available in the collection too. With unique conscious names laser-printed on the needle body, each kit contains multiple needle sizes, cables, and accessories.

Source: https://uberant.com/article/1888020-knitting-in-the-round-with-circular-needles-for-beginners/

Double knitting is an exciting technique perfect for colourwork. You create two layers of fabric at the same time with the same pair of knitting needles. One colour, say for example A faces one side (right side of the project) and the other colour, take for example B faces the other side. Both layers face out while the wrong sides face each other. The finished knitted fabric is entirely reversible and twice as warm.

For pattern designers, double knitting technique is a great opportunity as it is easy to create a fabric with two colours of different fibers with visible sides and no wrong sides. For knitters who love two-color knitting, double knitting method is free from the constraints of strands and floats, big motifs, and large areas of one single color. The technique works for all kinds of projects such as a warm sweater, scarf, pillow covers, and pretty much everything. Stainless steel knitting needles are a good choice when working with two different colours of yarn as well as smooth knitting.

How to get started with double knitting

Getting started with double knitting is not that difficult. You are using the same pair of knitting needles and yarn while following the pattern of k1 (knit), p1 (purl) till the end of the row or round. Here while you make k1 with one colour, you make p1 with the other. The working of the stitches k1 and p1 usually makes ribbing but with the use of two yarn, it creates a stocking stitch pattern on each side.

For every knit stitch, remember to bring both yarns to the back of the work and for every purl stitch, always bring both yarns to the front. Keep the yarns of both colours together at all times. Take them as one, even though its only one yarn being used when working the stitch. Follow the pattern to move both yarns back and forth for every stitch. The knit stitches create the front of the knitting project (the one facing you) while the purls are forming the layer of fabric on the other side (the backside of the knitting project).

Instructions on How to Double Knit

Cast On - Take the knitting needles is the size and type mentioned in the pattern. For practice you can use any single pointed knitting needle. Double pointed needle also work but knit with only two at a time. Circular needles work for both knitting styles and any size project with the right cable length. You have to make double of the usual number of stitches - one in each color, alternating across the row. Choose the cast on method as mentioned in the pattern or whatever suits the project. Long tail cast on works for most projects but calculate carefully the yarn needed to ensure that you do not run of yarn. Make sure to make a slip knot with both yarns. A trick for smooth knitting in double-knit technique is to cast two extra stitches in both yarn colours.

A quick tutorial is cast one stitch with A and then B, continue till the end of the row. If you are working on a pattern that requires back and forth knitting then stop at 2 extra stitches. Turn the needle arrangement to start knitting. If you are knitting in the round, join the stitches with an invisible swap join or any other way you prefer. Make sure to slip two stitches, one of each colour yarn.

Knitting the first row or round - Start knitting on k1, p1 pattern. Bring both yarns to the back for knit and to the front to purl. Work only one stitch at a time, but make sure to have both yarns on the same side of the knitting needle (front or back).

For neat edges, slip two stitches one of each colour. Continue this pattern until you’ve had a practice square like a gauge swatch or like the pattern mentions.

After a few rows and round, you will notice both sides of the knitted fabric are a stocking stitch pattern of two layers. The stitches might curl as is the nature of the stitch pattern. There are a few tricks for neat edges, you can choose any.

Finishing - For a proper finish of the knitting project, you need to properly cast off the stitches. Like the cast on, hold both strands of yarn as one. Cast the stitches off the knitting needles knitwise or purlwise according to the pattern. Make sure to repeat the stitches with both colours of yarn. Repeat until there are two stitches left. Using both strands of yarn, knit two together and cast off.

Weave in the yarn ends with a darning needle. Thread both yarns through the same two stitches.

Block your pattern. Choose blocking tools and methods according to your yarn. Steam blocking is the best to work with.

With the two different color sides to the knitted fabric, you have two different colors and designs, bringing much more versatility to your craft. Ready for double knitting?

Source: https://knitpromindful.bcz.com/2022/12/14/beginners-guide-to-double-knitting/