How to REALLY pick up stitches [10 hands-on techniques for all projects]

[@NimbleNeedles]

Recording detailed masterclasses like this one iss only possible because I have loyal patrons supporting me. Consider subscribing to my Patreon account to become one of them: www.patreon.com/nimbleneedlez

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Great Idea !!!

[@СветланаАрипова-ъ2н]

a great master found a language to talk with a pack of wolf

[@Ikiada]

Norman🎉 You are born to teach knitting! I am so glad, that I found your videos ❤❤❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

and I am glad to have you here

[@charline6459]

I don't want to be too forward, but I love you! 😘

[@NimbleNeedles]

haha! well, if it's the knitting part of me, then i'm fine with it. For the rest, my partner might have a say in it :P

[@charline6459]

@@NimbleNeedles deal

[@ruhi_crafts3168]

No honestly I love u too The first youtuber I acually under stand. Ur talent in knitting is marvelous🎉

[@catherinecarter8987]

Charline, you cannot have him he is MINE! 😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@catherinecarter8987 I have bad news for both of you :P :P

[@ComicGeekChic]

I love your channel so much. I love that you explain the “Why” of doing things different ways. I really like understanding the actual construction of the piece. I love comparing and contrasting different types of techniques. It gives me so many tools for my tool belt! ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you appreciate the extra effort. But i guess, I too, always have to understand the why 😅

[@valeriehowden471]

After decades of crocheting an edge on various crochet stitches, I find picking up stitches in knitting a dream! Lol. Many thanks for all of your tips, Norman. Edit. I just had a light bulb moment. One can use a Tunisian interchangeable crochet hook to pick up all the stitches at once. I have Clover, which has matching cables with their knitting interchangeables!

[@NimbleNeedles]

You sure can!

[@Amethyst1919]

So glad you finally went into the gauge difference... Was really bothering me that the first half of the video was ignoring that...

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, i was a bit undecided there. Most viewers/knitters kinda automatically switch off when they hear words like "swatch", "gauge"...or weaving in ends, haha :P

[@ComicGeekChic]

I have several projects waiting for the pick up stitches to be done… 😳. This is perfect. ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

hope this video will be the straw that helps you finishing them finally!

[@dozergetscrafty]

Man, your videos are always so dang timely.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Heh! Happy to be of help ❤️🧶

[@meganbartlett8453]

Wow🎉 did you sense my unhappiness in my latest learning sampler? I went to bed grumpy... woke up at 3am and there was your answer.

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh...wow..how perfect timed!

[@theastewart6721]

Great video Norman. So many different ways of picking up stitches. Thank you for a very detailed and thorough tutorial!😊🤗

[@iamzim3620]

This is absolutely the best, most thorough video on KZbin for picking up stitches (I know, because a couple months ago I spent a long time searching for something like this)! Thank you so much Norman!!! 💓

[@NimbleNeedles]

hope i was able to teach you a trick or two, then :)

[@iamzim3620]

@@NimbleNeedles absolutely, this video is incredibly helpful! I'm keeping it in my knitting playlists, as I'm sure I'll need a refresher depending on my project. I seriously can't thank you enough! ☺️🥰

[@skhelmick]

Thank you, Noman for this detailed information on picking up stitches. It's very helpful!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Most welcome 😊

[@veniestagourdine3881]

Thank you Norman for the helpful tips as always. You NEVER fail to deliver.

[@NimbleNeedles]

how do they say...never say the word never.. :P But I'll try my best

[@cwilson991]

I needed the extra information. Great, thank you!

[@gaynellgallagher4306]

I had no idea there were so many ways to pick up stitches! I will definitely re-watch this video before I pick up stitches on my next project. Thank you again Norman for your excellent and thorough video. You are my hero!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Bethabara9]

Awesome video. Thankyou! One tip for anyone who has trouble with the crochet hook to knitting needle technique. They make interchangeable crochet hooks. I have a knitters pride set that is for Tunisian crochet. You can join your cables to them and just slide the stitches to the cables. The set I have uses the knit piks, knitters pride and lantern moon cables interchangeably. There is another needle that fits them but I forget the name. Once again, thankyou!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes, that can be an awesome trick. I didn't mention it because well..that's another purchase :P

[@Bunnycat0502]

I have introduced your channel to my followers on TikTok, thank you for your very informative videos.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Sure, go ahead! I'm not on tiktok myself, tho 😅

[@kylebell6414]

I need a Nimble knitting shirt in a 2xl tall. You are a celebrity in my house. You taught me to knit!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha! well actually I DO have some ideas for some knitting t-shirts. But udnno if i'll find the time.

[@kylebell6414]

@NimbleNeedles I would rock one proudly!

[@sarahd.7827]

@nimbleneedles you already have the etsy shop! I think you'd be surprised how well a graphic tee of yours would sell. 🎉 Put me on the waiting list.

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@sarahd.7827 not through etsy. Because then I'd have to do the shipping and that is the very last thing I want to do. :P

[@deborahalpine4302]

Thank you Norman. This was so helpful.

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are very welcome 🙏

[@alexandrarebelcrafter9328]

I learn more from you than anyone else. You are clear, concise and well paced. Thank you.

[@WoolTheyWontThey]

Yet another video you've made that instantly becomes an important reference for me! So many times I'm trying to refresh my mind on a technique and think "Didn't NimbleNeedles do a video on this?" Thanks for yet another wonderful resource.

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. well trying to cover it all..but even after almost 4 years I am noticing...there are just soo many more topics I can cover!

[@komisobaba]

I found you again! The best knitting teacher on KZbin! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, Sir Norman. You need a medal, really!

[@KnappKnits]

I love the red toadstool. I used to draw them all the time. I never saw a knitted one. It's beautiful. Thanks for all the tips.

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. there's a pattern available in my by ravelry/etsy store :)

[@doraeva]

Jak ja się cieszę,że google podesłało mi Twój kanał. Od dziecka robię na drutach. ,(Mam 66 lat ). Myślałam,że dużo potrafię . Okazało się się uporządkowałam i nauczyłam się wiele wspaniałych trików i metod od Ciebie. Jesteś wspaniały w tym co robisz.❤

[@MrsGump]

I love your videos! Im a crocheter whos recently taught myself to knit (ive always coveted lace work) & ur vids are always so informative n well explained. Plus ur knitting is always GORGEOUS! So, you have a kiwi fan here ❤

[@milabulic]

As a lifetime crocheter and someone who does a lot of tunisian crochet, I have incorporated some of these skills in my knitting. I have only been knitting for a few months and I must say that picking up stitches was really hard for me. I now just use an interchangeable tunisian hook with a cable and pick up that way. Once the stitches are on, I detach the hook and pop my needles on either end of the cable. Easy peasy. This saved a sweater that I bound off too early--I was so excited and forgot to measure. The result of the pick-up is seamless. Finally, I used to white-knuckle the bind off on larger projects. No more. My trusty tunisian hook gets used for that, too. I know that may not be ideal for all projects, but for a nice, stretchy bind off, it works fine. I love your videos and have learned a lot. Thanks for all that you do.

[@debbieharrison567]

Wonderful tutorial! Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@normaski]

Your way of explaining procedures is fantastic! Thank you soooooo much ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy to help!

[@esalenchik]

Truly a Masterclass. Thank you Norman, for all the work it takes to create such thorough teaching content like this!

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

This is a true masterclass, thank you Norman! 🎉

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sarahd.7827]

Method #10 is the answer to a problem I didn't even really realize I could avoid😂 As a larger busted woman, I find any sort of scoop or vneckline i knit (and buy) eventually stretches out to an uncomfortable shaped neckline often stretched to far, no matter the stitch I use. I eventually go back and "fix" it by whatever means possible without undoing anything 😂 but #10 just might be the answer and I can't wait to try it! ⚡️⚡️

[@NimbleNeedles]

you can also apply this crochet chain after the fact on the inside of your seam for extra structure.

[@arwenwestrop5404]

Wow man, that is one awesome knitting class! Thank you so much for doing this for us, it is so very useful. And you are right, nobody else does this with as many options and knitting examples as you do, so thank you!

[@alexandracarr2537]

Thanks! Miraculous. I will keep in mind the technique you used for a sweater neckline when I knit my first sweater. Your channel makes us all better knitters. Thanks.

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy to hear that. And it really is a gorgeous technique!

[@Pandora44bc]

I knew procrastinating on my project was a good idea... now I have a new Norman tutorial to do the technique I need!

[@Mummumster]

This video is another reason why you are my go to for knitting ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha! happy to hear that

[@АнгелинаВойцешевская]

Мой маленький секрет: я смотрю Вас ещё и ради превосходного английского! Ещё: нитки! Верю, что скоро смогу быть по настоящему благодарной зрительницей. СПА-СИ-БО ОГРОМЕННОЕ, Норман!

[@LindaNixon-ws4ge]

Excellent advice

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure 🥰

[@maryholbrook4919]

thank you for always putting so much thought and work into your tutorials xxx

[@NimbleNeedles]

my pleasure!

[@mariakowalska2621]

Thank you, Norman. You are one of the best knitting teachers! Dziękuję. =)

[@mariajoseandrade9378]

Oh my god! You are so clever! Thank you for sharing. Respects from Portugal.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you! Cheers! Greetings from Austria

[@shines16]

This is really great! Thank you for your amazing videos !

[@holeanta]

Norman, you're a real treasure.❤️ But the way, I recently celebrated my first anniversary of being a knitter.🥹 All thanks to you.❤️

[@NimbleNeedles]

yay! now onwards to the next 10 years ;-)

[@jill552]

Great video.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thanks!

[@mugginsmouse1]

Genius!!!Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it helped!

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

What a great tuto, thanks ! I love your mushroom !

[@NimbleNeedles]

me too. I plan to knit a couple of more an then auction them off

[@sharonscott7913]

Thank you so much for clarifying questions I have had about the " ridge" that develops on reverse side of button band. Will share the options you have presented for a smoother look with my stitching group!!

[@juliebeans7323]

Very timely, i'm working a baby cardigan.....I really want to try that cable edge on the next one for the button band.....

[@Ynnsie]

Heading to Patreon as soon as I am on a more secure connection. Amazing, Norman. I only wish I could download it! My only criticism is that you didn't start up front explaining the discrepancy between the Stitch count and the row count. I knew it, so I was scratching my head. On the other hand, when you got that far, you really spell it out. Thank you so much!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes, I was really debating where to put it. Advanced knitters might want the info righgt away while beginners will scratch their head. so dunno :P

[@ginette2100]

Love love the crochet chain technique 😊 thanks for generously sharing ❤

[@lijungchan9146]

I love your cord pick up method, but instead of using the cord of interchangeable needle, I use Pandahall hollow pipe tubbing rubber cord (equivalent to the needle size) which can insert the circular needle tip into one end and pull the rubber cord through to transfer stitches to circular needle. Then knit some of the picked up stitches kfb according to the gauge difference, it works really nicely. Always learn something new seeing you video. Thank you❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, some also call these barber cords, I think it's the same

[@cardinalgin]

❤😊 Again a great video ! I can feel your passion and see your thourough research of the issues you are dealing with.

[@ooohlaa13]

yowza In a few days I will be picking up sts on a 45" piece for a 3 piece robe and I wanted it to be refined. So glad you came up in my feed and also read my mind ... a lucky break. As I have said many times I can always count on you to refine my knitting. Love your work and teachings! Thank you Blessings!

[@NimbleNeedles]

that sounds like a lot of stitches. I am currently working on a shawl and wil have have to pick up 800+ stitches soon as well..not especially looking forward to that, lol!

[@ooohlaa13]

@@NimbleNeedles oh no you would have to visit me at the funny farm! Looking forward to seeing photos of that masterpiece!

[@AlrickWagner]

I love this video 😍 thank you Norman❤🤗

[@patbwatchin]

Thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh wow. thank you for your generosity

[@meimei2367]

Thanks for sharing…especially love the last two tips 😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome! glad they made a difference :)

[@HazelRoggen]

thank you so much, i can now attempt the patterns I have avoided for so long

[@suethomas402]

Thanks, this is really helpful. 👏

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad to hear that!

[@lyliandelaperrelle]

Awesome thank you will use the slip stitch method in my next knitting project.

[@patriciaharris1146]

Thank you for this helpful instructions

[@shelleyblondeau2205]

BRILLIANT!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

glad you think so

[@cynpla]

Awesome lesson, and the mushroom could be more precisely constructed? No, it could not. It looks awesome!

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww..thank you

[@stacynicholsdabel4229]

Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Welcome!

[@pamelapopoff2006]

Thank you for that very detailed tutorial! I can’t wait to try your varied techniques. I truly enjoy your work and admire your nimble skills, both knitting and teaching. 😁

[@Whistlewalk]

As always, brillant. Thank you.

[@NimbleNeedles]

you are very welcome :)

[@camellia8625]

Norman if you haven’t done a video on it already can you please consider doing a video on how to make basic items without a pattern based on the knitters own gauge and measuring for fit and adapting stitch numbers accordingly at different fit points as you knit the rows.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i haven't yet. But lets see! thx for the suggestion.

[@KaPe8612]

Brilliant 👍

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy to hear you think so

[@karenspockl563]

Great!!!!!! As always!!!!!!! Thank you, Norman ♡

[@saulemaroussault6343]

So helpful ! Thank you !

[@margaretputnam5206]

Love this video! Will be another go to for me. I don’t know if anyone else has comment on or asked about the shawl/scarf that you have on but - love it. Is there a pattern for it?

[@NimbleNeedles]

Working on the pattern as we speak

[@margaretputnam5206]

@@NimbleNeedles 💕

[@LorraineNewlands]

You are the very very best thank you from bonny Scotland ❤

[@lifeinaditch]

I don't have interchangeable needles. Can I use a barber cord to put the stitches on till I'm ready to pick them up again?

[@NimbleNeedles]

Ofc!

[@sjain8111]

striped cardigan so beautiful!! 💟 thanks for tips 👏🏻🧶

[@rgmartin1040]

Great video. Love the cowl you’re wearing! What pattern is that?

[@NimbleNeedles]

mine. working on it :P

[@ginette2100]

What lovely mushroom design ❤

[@jcortese3300]

A 40min review of stitch pick-up techniques FOR FREE. This is really super-useful -- thanks for this video! I was also wondering where you were from ... until I saw the Lamy Safari. Then I knew you were either German or Austrian. 🤣🖋

[@NimbleNeedles]

Heh. Tho my about section on my blog actually should be up to date if you have more such question 😅

[@r.mcd2921]

Norman, you are amazing!

[@jeaninegunn4118]

What a beautiful pair of scissors on the table!! Where did you get them???

[@NimbleNeedles]

hm...that's from Italy. don't really remember. could be from "The french needle".

[@susanallison5101]

You are amazing and the best. Thankyou.x

[@sagasandstars]

So many pick things! Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Any time!

[@WinnieBoothe]

This was such a great video! I love the shawl that you're wearing. Can you tell me what pattern it is? Many thanks.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i am still working on the pattern.

[@dana677]

thank you, subscribed

[@NimbleNeedles]

Awesome! welcome to my channel

[@sarahd.7827]

This is a great resource!! Especially for those past the intermediate/adv stage so thankyou so much. I haven't finished the video quite yet, but wanted to quick recap the end of Method 5. The math you're doing is only for the cord method? Or all the ways you have covered up to that point? This may sound silly, but using the cord and the math (so skipping stitches to pick up) what do you do with the others?? Or did i miss a step? I'm sorry, just slightly confused and really want to understand that part of the video! Also, which projects are best for that method? Hopefully that makes sense, and thanks Norman!!❤ P.S. I think I love you also🤗

[@NimbleNeedles]

no, for all methods!

[@pattigolden1]

What a cool idea with the cord!! Maybe use waste yarn? Picking up stitches isn't a favorite because it sometimes comes out so uneven. LOVE the classic fountain pen!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

you can absolutely use waste yarn. However, picking up the stitches from the waste yarn will be a lot more challenging than barber cord or a spare cable.

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

How would you pick up underarm stitches, as for a sleeve?

[@NimbleNeedles]

Well, typically the last method, no? 😅

[@artemisathens]

Do you have a video on how to unravel completed proje ts? The very first project i made when i first entered knitting had tons of mistakes and was a big waste of yarn, is there any way i can unravel it to reuse the yarn?

[@NimbleNeedles]

hm..not really. I mean i have a video on fixing mistakes that shows you how to unravel properly but not how to reuse the yarn (totally possible)

[@rachelar6]

Thanks for the info! I'm doing a project and struggling with the collar for a cardigan. First time was way too small (picking up every 4 out of 5 stitches) then I redid it picking up every stitch and still too tight and pulling up the cardigan panels. I guess try #3 is adding more stitches. Is there a easier way to check it I have the stitches I need before I actual get to the ribbing? I definitely checked both times I totally thought it was fine 😅🤦🏻‍♀️

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, I mean you can use your swatch to check it. also make sure it's not your cast-on that creates the tightness...and as detailed later on int he video, don't do a slip stitch selvage. you can also go up one needle size

[@maggiepatterson7949]

LOVE YOUR SHAWL! What is the pattern name, please?

[@NimbleNeedles]

It's called abraxas and is available on my blog/etsy/ravelry

[@Csaba.TCsabi]

❤ thanks. You are so sweet 🥰 you can explain it so well everything ❤👍🥰

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you! 😃

[@CathyCollazo-x2n]

Thank You 🥰💕🙋🏽‍♀️🇵🇷🇺🇸

[@NimbleNeedles]

You r very welcome 🙏

[@thefrontdoor]

thank you! thank you! thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Any time!

[@sharonallen9802]

You are Brilliant.

[@shore.knitter]

Thank you so very much for sharing your formula for matching gauge. May I please confirm: Do you calculate your X / X with your stitch and your row gauge in 10cm? Not 2.4cm, I'm thinking. Thanks very much!

[@NimbleNeedles]

I actually always count 10 stitches ..I never measure 10x10cm. That's bound to lead to flaws.

[@shore.knitter]

@@NimbleNeedles Oh, okay. Thank you very much! :-)

[@theseaelf]

Any advice for increasing stitches along a cast off neckline edge? My pattern calls for a cowl neck and the only way I can see to get to the correct number of stitches is increasing by about 20 total stitches along the right and left neck edge.

[@NimbleNeedles]

You can knit one below in the first round and go into 20 stitches one more time. Or do kfb

[@oppositeofh8]

you are a true treasure. thanks for sharing your knowledge & skills. 😻😻😻😻😻 5/5

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thank you!

[@veniestagourdine3881]

I love slipping that first stitch off , otherwise my edges are horrible

[@beyuo08]

Muchas gracias!!

[@kathyd7284]

I’m finishing my first sweater at 72 years old (picked up knitting during covid.). Knitted from top down. Will need to do sleeves soon and panicking. Thinking method #8 will work for me? 🤞! P.S. Love your videos and have learned a lot from them.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes. But you can always unravel that bit in case you are not satisfied :)

[@barbaraday1968]

I love the shawl you are wearing - is there a pattern?

[@NimbleNeedles]

Working on it 😅

[@barbaraday1968]

Many thanks, that's great 😊

[@benitaloff2693]

I also got distracted by the gorgeous shawl - looking forward to seeing the pattern!

[@SugarDemon1035]

If I want to use the slip-stitch selvage edge, does that mean I need to add two extra stitches to each row (for the slipped stitches at the beginning and ends)?

[@NimbleNeedles]

That will depend but in most cases, yes, two more stitches.

[@csillavint5776]

Hi How can I knit a plunging neckline? please

[@NimbleNeedles]

it's just an exaggerated v-neck. I'm sure there are tons of patterns available on Ravelry.