Knitting Tip: Faster Knitting

I am always asked by family and friends, "How do you knit so fast?" Well, I tell them that I knit backwards. They look at me puzzled. Those of you seasoned knitters will understand. For those new to knitting I will explain. Stockinette stitch (St. st) consists of a knit row and a purl row. It has a "right side" and a "wrong side". The right side is considered the side that everyone sees, usually the knit stitch. The wrong side is the side you don't see, usually the purl stitch. The object of knitting is moving the stitches from the left needle to the right needle. You then "turn", which means switch hands. But in this technique you don't turn. Good news for those who hate to purl!

Here's what to do: Cast on as you normally would. Knit the first row. With the empty needle (the left hand needle) insert the tip into the back of the last stitch on the right hand needle, (the stitch closest to the left hand needle.) knit the stitch. Now you have created a stitch on the left needle. Continue kntting in back of each stitch until you reach the what was the first stitch on your right hand needle. Now all stitches are on the left hand needle. Now you knit across as you usually would. Repeat these steps until you feel comfortable with it. The best thing about this technique is the right side of the work is always facing you.This technique works very well with St. St.. Although you can experiment once you get the hang of it. This technique may change your gauge so do a swatch before you start your project.

I hope this has helped all you knitters out there. Happy knitting to all of you.