Ten Tips to Working a Knitting Pattern Without Frustration

Along with the gratification and praise that comes with knitting a superb item comes the lingering confusion of deciphering complicated knitting patterns. No matter how much the knitter wants to give up, it is not an option when she or he is so close to the end. Without a proper strategy, it can be a challenge when seeking answers from other knitters and reference guides. As an avid knitter, myself, I have compiled ten helpful tips for working knitting patterns with no frustration.

1. Be organized. Always keep a reference guide of knitting abbreviations in your work area. Many knitting patterns also come with explanations of the techniques required.

2. Preview. Thoroughly review the knitting pattern before beginning even if it is labeled "Easy." Feeling stuck while in the middle of knitting a pattern is both frustrating and time-consuming.

3. Focus. Eliminate major distractions that include being in deep thought about something outside of knitting.

4. Don't overestimate your knowledgeability. When it comes to knitting techniques that you haven't done in a while, guessing can create errors. For example, if a knitting pattern requires the technique of "slip, slip, knit (ssk)", it is wise to read the provided explanation or consult a reference guide rather than to rely on your memory.

5. Be observant. Constantly inspect your work while knitting such as by counting your stitches to ensure that you don't have too many or too few.

6. Be a good decision-maker. No matter how pressed for time you are, don't overwork yourself in one day. When you are tired, your skills, decision-making, and understanding are less sharp.

7. Seek help. Some knitting patterns are brainteasers that take awhile to decipher. It helps to consult knitting patterns of similar items, study diagrams, ask experienced knitters, or even better, contact the author of the knitting pattern by email. Also, yarn manufacturers offer customer hotlines where knowledgeable representatives can answer questions about knitting patterns of their name brand.

8. Learn to compromise. Your work will not always look exactly like the photo on the knitting pattern; yet it could be a worthy piece of art.

9. Practice patience. At times you may need to start over, and you will be glad you did when you see the flawless finished product.

10. Believe in yourself. No matter how hard it looks, remember that you can do anything that you set your mind to and put effort in. Visualize success.

By following these ten knitting tips, knitters are on their way to happy, stress-free knitting. Having a strategy eliminates the frustration that turns off many potential knitters. More importantly, as more knitters follow these tips, they are saving knitting from becoming a lost art.