I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 102

Welcome to I’ll Knit (& Spin!) If I want To! I asked y’all to send in some of your questions (from everything from fiber arts, to designing and on!) so I could put together a little video for y’all every Friday doing my best to answer your questions!
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In this week’s episode we cover:
1. I really love knitting cables and usually pre-blocked the cables look nicely defined and puffy, but after blocking by soaking, shaping, then laying flat, the cable loose their definition and are rather flat. Do you have any suggestions for remedying this or tips for future cable projects?
2. Hey Andrea, I just finished a sweater with big bold stripes using a super wash DK. One of the colors, a red, bled onto the natural colored stripe and another lighter colored stripe. I soaked it in cool water and even used a color catcher to block it and the water was pretty clear when I squeezed it out. Do you have any suggestions on how to get the red splotches out of the lighter colors and how to avoid colors bleeding in the future?
3. HI I'm wondering about gauge! Isn't everyone. if I need to go up or down a needle size how does this affect the meterage of yarn required for the garment. Essentially will using larger or smaller needles mean I need more or less yarn?
4. My question is regarding socks : while I follow the patterns (length of the foot minus 5 or 6 cm to allow for the toes), they seem to elongate with time and end up loose on my feet. Is it blocking? is it the yarn? is it measurements? Thank you in advance for considering my question and for any answer you may have! PS: I hope you are getting all the rest you need to feel your best self again. Take good care
5. I recently knit your Curio socks as my second pair of socks ever and I love the fun stripes! I knit the first sock and it was too big so I decided to knit the next size down. That fit was better. So I knit a third to match the second and that one came out a little bit smaller! My gauge must have tightened up between the 2nd and 3rd sock. I don't feel like knitting up a 4th sock right now so I'm wearing the 2nd and 3rd together since they are close enough. Do you have tips for getting consistent gauge between socks? Also, can I unravel the 1st ill-fitting sock if I've already weaved in the ends? Loved learning the afterthought heel!
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[@elodi_rose]

The very first pair of socks I knit , I knit the first while rewatching New Girl. It came out absolutely great and I cast on my second sock, and started watching the next show on my list: Game of Thrones. Skip to the end of the second sock and it came out the size of a child’s sock while the first could fit a grown man😂 same yarn, needles, stitch count, everything. But what I was watching made SUCH a difference in my tension 😂😂😂 Apparently my great aunt used to say that when she was knitting in the evening, she wouldn’t start until after her first daiquiri. Otherwise her knitting would get looser and looser as she worked and sipped. “Start loose, stay loose.” 😂

[@marta_makes]

It's always lovely to knit with you :))

[@mmaas4879]

Speaking of “plys”, I think it would be helpful if Designers, Podcasters/Maker’s etc., when speaking about the content of the yarn(s) used in the original pattern, could also talk about the amount of plys in the yarn used so if a substitute yarn is used, one would be aware of the possible differences in the finished garment, or other types of projects.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

For consistency in my gauge for socks, I choose to knit them two at a time on magic loop. It sure helps a lot. My gauge changes according to time of the day and lighting and I find it hard to adjust. For socks that tend to lossen over time, it happens with superwash wool, I then just throw them in the dryer for a short time, they regain their original size. Hope this helps.

[@lisaanderson135]

Thank you for your comment! I thought I was the only one who had these problems! My gauge is also effected by style of knitting. I have noticed that if I knit English the fabric comes out more dense and tight and if I knit continental it tends to be a lot looser. So I am constantly writing notes on stitches, the best sizing for me or the person I am knitting for and style of knitting! I can usually tell without the notes. But I would rather check before I start or continue on

[@fleeperification]

Yes and yes! This is what I do.

[@kristin.and.the.butterfly]

I was also going to suggest knitting socks two at a time for gauge consistency. It also gets rid of second sock syndrome, if you have trouble finishing the second sock after completing the first.

[@Blaize24]

I knit them in tandem on two sets of 2 circs for the same reason and also toss them in the dryer from time to time to return them to their original size.

[@jennifermckenzie2968]

Same! My first pair of socks was on DPNs and it took 5 times to get the second one to match close enough. I made up my mind to invest in Chiaogoo lace needle (best thing I ever did) and the very next pair, and every subsequent pair were knit 2AAT maic loop. Best magic loop tutorial was by Knit Freedom. Love her teaching :)

[@belindajin]

Thank you so much on answering my question about cables! I'll definitely keep all the tips in mind as I choose yarn for future projects!

[@nancyhughes386]

Sometimes I pre-wash yarns I am going to use in a colorwork project especially when it is a really saturated color or red. What about doing duplicate stitch over the spots that absorbed the red color from the blocking soak?

[@lareina4161]

This is exactly what I do. No bleeding problems if I am using properly dyed yarn.

[@peggyward7130]

Having so much fun knitting Hoarfrost shawl while watching 😊

[@mrsshep18]

To prevent bleeding in the future, when using protein fibers (wool, alpaca etc.) Before you put your knit item in the wash, add vinegar to the water. The vinegar will help set the dye before it can bleed onto the other yarns.

[@ruthswarthout1115]

Thank you for your podcast today. I wish that when I started to knit socks that I had listened to you I have knitted at least 60 pairs of socks but I have had the problem of looser socks and a little socks so my next pair I will try making them shorter and ribbing all the way around. Still love to knit socks. Happy knitting

[@midwestvegan2787]

For socks and tension issues with second sock knitting in tandem helps! I too have the second sock smaller issue! 🫣💀😂

[@deannaridgway3639]

For the bleed issue, you could steam block the garment instead of wet blocking.

[@joycepastore3860]

I have had some epic fails with purples bleeding and ruining sweaters. I was advised that if the swatch bleeds, I should soak the entire skein in vinegar or a little citric acid to bind the color more. Significant bleeding is usually the result of improper dyeing. I’m going to remember that for the next time. Moral of the story: listen to what your swatch is trying to tell you 😊🧶

[@CassieDA17]

I often knit my socks in tandem (not on one magic loop cable). So will knit a toe then pick up the other needle and knit the other toe, then some rows on foot then the other, etc. gauge stays consistent, no second sock syndrome and because they’re separate no balls of yarn getting tangled with each other

[@francesreyes6285]

Love the sock yarn from Lilly and Maude!

[@theislandlamb]

I do find knitting two socks at the same time magic loop does solve this problem.

[@joanmachado9063]

Great podcast as always ☕️🧶☺️

[@Bl8ckPhoenix]

When using a color like red or some of the more saturated blues/purples I will actually wash the yarn by itself before knitting. I have found this can stop a lot of bleeding. It is an extra step, but totally worth it.

[@Mostly_Harmless99]

Thank you! I was wondering the same thing.

[@pernille8600]

This is why I started and continue to ALWAYS knit both socks at the same time 😂 same goes for sleeves, mittens, gloves, legs! Basically everything that you need two of in any project! I’m not a tiny bit off if I do it one at a time, I’m waaaaay off! As in several centimeters! 😂🙈

[@EvieO1950]

I knit my socks concurrently because I find TAAT fiddly and slower and that works for me. Thanks for all the good info. Take care!!

[@knittingghost]

A quick artist perspective here on colors: I was taught in art school that red is the strongest color in the spectrum (that we can see anyway). So if you're going to use red next to something light, do so with caution and definitely experiment with soaking swatches with those yarns! Red is a powerhouse in terms of pigment, so it's the most likely to bleed. It only takes a small amount of red to change other colors. That being said, I love Andrea's suggestion of overdyeing your sweater. That could come out so cool!

[@deannaridgway3639]

I was also going to suggest knitting socks two at a time to help keep gauge consistent. I do not knit them both on the same needle because it’s too messy for me so I do them at the same time on separate needles and just alternate between the two every inch or so.

[@sherriheare8425]

To the last knitter who had sizing issues for socks matching, you are not alone. When I knit my first mittens, I had the same issue.

[@janakucera976]

Just a little note that we generally have different size feet too, I wonder if that could have an effect on the different sock sizes? I am a new knitter and have not made a pair yet so I may be way off base but thank you for these great questions and ideas, I will keep them in mind.

[@sunnyw4148]

Just finished a sweater last night. Now to swatch for a Throwback cardigan for you KAL

[@crocheh]

I absolutely love your weekender sweater!

[@MySweetT1]

For the bleeding red... If she washed the yarn with a color catcher (even multiple times if needed) before working up the project it could help with bleeding in the future.

[@matilde5766]

I love the weekender shirt! looks great x

[@catardif4158]

Love - love - love your podcast. BTW - most people have at least slightly different sized feet - so if one of your socks is looser - switch it to the other foot and that may solve the issue completely.

[@susanwingblade1799]

Hi Andrea. I'm so glad I've found your channel. I look forward to it every week and I've learned so much from you. My question is: How do you deal with the time that it takes to knit a sweater without becoming discouraged that you're never going to get it done. I have trouble keeping myself enthused about a project d/t the time it takes to knit. Also, could you address the concept of " I just enjoy the process so much." I don't quite understand what this is and feel that maybe I'm missing the boat on this with my knitting (thinking too much about getting it done instead of just knitting). Thank you so much!!! Greatly appreciated!

[@Blaize24]

You can prewash the darker yarn if your sample does bleed, and that way you remove the excess dye prior to knitting and blocking your project.

[@nadineveitch5837]

Always the highlight of my Friday evenings (NZ time). About to start on my first pair of socks ever eek, going to attempt your DRK Everyday socks so soaking in the advice! Loving my Sparky sweater, the current WIP! Hope you're doing well and taking the time you need to get on the mend xxx

[@maryannc7223]

About the needle size/yarn consumption issue … the answer depends on if you are talking about yarn per # of stitches or yarn per area. So if you follow exactly the same pattern, so you have the same total # of stitches, using larger needles will use up more yarn because it’s more yarn per stitch. The fabric will be looser/drapier with the big needles. If you are knitting the same area, like a 4x4square, or whatever size, it will likely take more yarn on the smaller needles because it takes more stitches to cover the same area. The stitches are smaller, but the fabric is denser so it’s more yarn. You could try it on swatches and weigh them to make sure.

[@allisonbyrd]

I love Andrea's advice regarding yarn choice for getting squishier cables! There is also a technique shown in a video demonstration posted Feb 23, 2023 on the "10rowsaday" KZbin channel for knitting squishy, super-3D cables. It involves using "ghost stitches" on both sides of each cable line, then decreasing them later, so they don't disrupt the rest of the pattern. (You'll need more yardage, of course.) Brilliant! m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqO0pnynlJ2pma8

[@doeweknitpodcast5122]

U look so well and rested...

[@Moorandmist]

I really want to try knitting two socks at a time. I suffer from second sock syndrome acutely but I bet that would sort your gauge out too

[@dianegiannini8968]

Using a sock ruler may also help in determining what size of socks you need to knit.

[@HACKER-gn6dy]

Nice smile 🙂

[@BzerkBnny]

I over dyed a rainbow/beige sweater because the blue dye bleed all over my other Colors.. and tbh, I prefer my sweater now that I over dyed it with dark grey 😂 it toned down a lot the rainbow color and I think it is more wearable now than before haha

[@katpraeuner9794]

Since diving into dyeing yarn I am not afraid to overdye anything...lol I used to be afraid I'd dye it the wrong color etc. Now I even buy yarn in a color I don't particularly like and over dye it if I can get it on clearance. I recently did that with some yellow and it's now a very nice variegated brown and 2 skeins of a pinkish redish colorway, and way too fun!

[@louiseedsall6096]

Cutest bandana scarf! What is the store? Loved the sock help! I’m going to send a question about common ease measurement for sweaters. I’m not sure how to measure

[@miekevanreet2544]

Lovely !! how is your health , it’s getting a little bit better now? have a nice weekend 😊

[@catisainz2430]

Hi! Huge fan here! Are you going to StitchesWest?

[@rdeniserhinehart7512]

If you knit two together does that help your gauge?

[@cham2001]

Regarding the sweater that bled red dye. I was wondering if anyone thought it would be possible to pick up stitches before the part that bled cut your knitting, reknit that section, rip out the dyed part of the sweater you cut off, then graph to the remaining part to the line you just reknit?????

[@davidhensley76]

She could also duplicate stitch over the now-red stripes and never let the bleeding sweater get wet again.