KNITTERS’ A.B.C.

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1938, Page 9

KNITTERS’ A.B.C.

Always see that your materials are exactly as given on the instructions. It ensures an even tension and a reTiable make of wool. Be sure that you buy enough wool to make the whole garment at the outset; then difficulties over matching won’t occur. Choose a simple design if you are not a good knitter, and concentrate on getting even knitting. Don’t use very long needles when you’re making babies’ woollies. Shorter ones are easier to manipulate.

Examine both sides of the work after you have sewn up the seams to | see that the sewing needle has not spoilt the continuation of the pattern.

Far less eyestrain results if you use coloured needles when using white wool and light-coloured needles when using dark wool. Good, strong needles are essential when knitting a frock or skirt, as they must take the full weight without bending or snapping. Handle your work as little as possible when knitting, and avoid slipping the stitches up and down the needles too much. It takes the freshness from the surface.

Insert sleeves and press seams before stitching the side seams of the sleeves.

Just check up your knitting tension before starting work by knitting a small piece of the pattern and comparing it with tension given.

Knitted garments that are to be made in a size larger than given in the instructions take an extra ounce or two of wool, don’t forget. Lack stitches are not suitable for babies’ woollies, as little Angers and toes get easily caught up in the holes.

Measure your work now and again against the figure as well as using a tape-measure.

Never press ribbing except with a dry cloth and fairly hot iron. Don't slide the iron, as this may pull the garment out of shape. One good tip is to knit into the backs of cast-on stitches, and so prevent a wobbly edge. *

Press a heavy knitted garment under a wet cloth to stretch it well. You will find it wont’ drop in wear. Quite a good idea is to oversew your buttonholes. It will give your garment a neat finish.

Ribbon tacked behind wool will prevent buttons pulling out of shape. Sometimes holes appear where stitches have been picked up round neck, armholes, etc. Turn garment to wrong side and run through a piece of wool, catching the hole together.

To prevent sagging, keep seams firm when joining up your knitting and tack tape along shoulder seams to prevent dropping shoulders. Use one size larger needles for casting on and off to produce an elas tic edge on cuffs, necklines and tops of socks.

Very snug-fitting waistline is obtained by herringboning half-inch elastic to inside of jumper at waistline. i

When casting off, if the right side of the work faces you, cast off purlwise.

You’ll find a different needle will alter the size of your garment. One size larger will give you two inches all-round larger bust measurement One size smaller, vice versa.