I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 30

Welcome to I’ll Knit 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!
In this week’s episode we cover:
1. I know binding off should be loose and love how you mentioned going up a few needle sizes but should I cast on as loosely soon!
Twisted German Cast On: • Twisted German Cast On
2. In relation to steeking: would you typically block the garment before or after cutting through the steek stitches? Does this make a difference to the end product? Is the answer to this question different if you're using different types of yarn (e.g. superwash vs non-superwash wool) Loving your Q&A, learning so much!
3. What’s your favorite bind off for sweaters and cuffs? One that offers that needed stretch but doesn’t curl or flare. Thanks!
Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off: • Jeny's Surprisingly St...
4. Have you ever gone back after blocking to make changes to a knit? Example: After blocking and wearing a sweater once, I would like to add more length to the body. Is it possible to do or a terrible idea?
5. I'm am so frustrated with swatching because my swatch rarely matches my garment gauge. I just checked my garment gauge and it's significantly tighter than my swatch 28 stitches/10cm versus 25.5/10cm in my swatch. I always record dry as well as blocked gauge so that I can compare my garment to my swatch.
Bonus Question: Hello! I wondered if you could show us how to wrap up in the Hoarfrost shawl? I don't know if its a little smaller than some other shawls, or perhaps mine just came up a little small. I am having trouble getting it to stay wrapped around me. I am so proud of making it and would love to wear it more! Thanks so much
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I am wearing Junction:
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Ask a question for next week’s Q&A: forms.gle/pKM9gF9SixkdQwmS7
(For specific pattern questions that you need an email response to, please email the address listed on the last page of your patten!)
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[@roxannetarjan1411]

Andrea I hope you recognize how valuable these conversations are. I’ve been knitting for over 40 years and there is always something to learn. So happy for new knitters today to have these kinds of resources and the potential for such growth as a knitter. I feel most o& my learning was alone and experiential and intuitive. Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to invest in our community. Humbly, Roxanne. 💖

[@buffalogalknits]

I totally agree! I’ve also been knitting for decades, but have been kind of lazy and not challenging myself. Your patterns and videos have me wanting to up my game and be more adventurous. I also share a lot of autoimmune issues with you, and totally appreciate that you use the platform that you have to educate others. I thank you for making me realize that old dogs can learn new tricks. Hope you feel better soon!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello friend how are you doing??

[@YolyCurls]

In the past two years I’ve knitted many sweaters, but today I just noticed that my stitches are tighter on the sleeves. So you are very right about that. 😊 thanks for your podcast, are really enjoying enjoy them. Blessings

[@Fvenez7]

You seem like such a kind and gentle soul. :) I always feel very relaxed when watching your videos and I always learn so much. Thank you!

[@dreareneeknits]

Wow, thank you!

[@sarawutzke1069]

Yay! I love my Hoarfrost! It’s such a cozy staple. Now that I’m seeing your Grey again I might have to make another

[@suebyrum3534]

Genius going up a needle size on sleeves! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello friend how are you doing??

[@johannapfeiffer6676]

I love how you say “This is one if my favorite shawls”, about every shawl! I feel the same way too!

[@dreareneeknits]

LOL! I do, don't I??

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello friend how are you doing??

[@annballard3540]

Thank you so much for doing this even though you aren't feeling your best. You are the best!😙

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello friend how are you doing??

[@MissSholia]

YES! Frogging projects you don't wear is a huge perk of knitting. I've done it twice this year. It breaks the heart a little when you take the decision but how satisfying it is in the end when you see all that beautiful yarn you're gonna get to knit again to make something you're actually gonna wear!! I used to be so afraid of frogging because of all the time it takes to knit something but... so what? We love knitting, right? And we love wearing our knits. So it's much more heartbreaking to see a piece sleeping forever in the drawer than to rip it to give it another life.

[@joanalden8767]

Hi Andrea. Can we have a book with all the Q +A details Please !!!! You r so knowledgeable. Love yr videos. Xxx

[@Skumitomum]

Feel better, my dear! Thanks for your wonderful chats every Friday - I ALWAYS learn something. Time to cast on a Hoarfrost!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello friend how are you doing??

[@suzannejennings3806]

Your videos are a highlight of my Friday!! Thank you for doing these videos .

[@dreareneeknits]

Glad you like them!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello friend how are you doing??

[@janefellores7181]

I love your sweater! I knitted two of them already. Thank you!

[@michellesetzer9366]

Hope that your congestion gets better. Some hot tea and lemon for you today and tonight! Love the stretchy bind on and off with bigger needles. Just made too tight of a bind off on sock cuff. Will be redoing now with bigger needles. Thank you!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@saclothandashes]

I hope you feel better soon! Thanks for doing the podcast while not feeling well!

[@alexisoreilly2944]

Thank you so much for these Q&A sessions. I’ve learned so much over the past few months. You are such a wonderful resource and a literal ray of sunshine. I hope you are feeling better soon!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much! I am so happy you enjoy them!

[@joeandewaczyzyk2634]

Thank you so much for the videos! I'm learning a lot! And hope you feel better soon! :) Speaking of casting on, my grandma taught me to always use two needles held together and cast on on both of them (long tail CO), then pull one needle out. That also creates looser CO edge and makes it easier to get to the stitches to start knitting.

[@debrademusz6044]

I wish I had you tube for knitting when I was young. Very valuable.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello friend how are you doing??

[@catherinecunningham7126]

Awwww I hope you are feeling better.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@annpapadopulo]

I learned the German Twisted Cast on from your tutorial and love it and use it all the time - thank you :)

[@marthabialik9020]

Hope you are feeling better soon. Your sweater is beautiful.

[@MYROCKOROCKO]

Lovely! Feel well m friend! Just purchased your shawl patter ! Love It!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@heather7862]

Lovely video Andrea! I hope you are feeling better. I knit a sweater/blouse recently and about half was knit flat and the last half knit in the round (shoulders mattress stitched together) and I only knit my swatch flat. I debated doing another “in the round” swatch but I didn’t. I took a gamble and it turned out perfect. With that being said, My purl stitches are pretty even in tension to my knit stitches. I have heard some knitters’ purl tension is looser.

[@bethknoedelseder2429]

Thanks for recording this even when you are feeling under the weather.

[@anneellison8188]

Love that shawl! I'm gonna make that one for sure. Feel better Andrea!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@caroljackson6553]

Love the colour combination that you chose. Although I have been knitting for most of my life I have only just started knitting jumpers in the round and you information is so helpful. Thank you 💕

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello friend how are you doing??

[@lisethomas8495]

Feel better soon Andrea and thank you for another great episode.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@lynnlanglois8867]

Hoarfrost is my ultimate favourite also. ........classic, clean lines!!❤

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

Thanks Andrea, feel better, this is commitment! We appreciate all your advice you offer. Take care and be well.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!

[@corrieandjassie]

Thank you for still recording even while not feeling your best. I hope you feel better soon🥰🥰🥰

[@thekindles1183]

Thank you for taking time with us when you're not feeling well! Take good care of yourself and feel better!!!

[@maggie2sticks717]

I hope you're feeling better! Fall can be rough on our respiratory systems! Thanks for all the cool ideas. Have a restful week!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you!

[@jeanetteruschmeyer6092]

Hope you feel better soon. I really like your Junction sweater and that lovely Hoarfrost shawl. I am going right to your website or Ravelry and check them both out. I especially like that you said the sweater is very light, yet warm. Thank you for your great designs.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!

[@kathisews9425]

Get well soon 💖💖💖

[@ApBarr345]

Love your videos! Hope you get well soon😁

[@heathermacmillan3076]

You are a trooper to podcast while you are sick 🤒 I hope you feel better soon. Take care!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you!!

[@carolhill1066]

Hope you are feeling better soon!

[@caro1591]

Get well soon 🤗

[@julieedwards6937]

Hope you feel better soon 💙

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@JoyMacdonell]

Thank you!

[@elizabethborajkiewicz6100]

Thank you fir your videos...I learned from each one ♡♡. I hope you have a quick recovery and hope to see you at Rhinebeck on the hill.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!

[@noreenwojtan2859]

Feel better, thank you!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you!

[@AnneBeamish]

Feel better soon Andrea.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@debiredmond3194]

Feel better soon! I just purchased yarn to make your Rose Cardigan but have not started yet or even read the instructions. I have never knit a sideways sweater and am anxious to finish up a couple of other knitting projects before starting it, any tips?

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@haveneedleswillknitandothe3522]

Sorry you are not feeling well. Hope you feel better!

[@brea0773]

I'm knitting the winterberry vest by Emily Foden, and on the bobble plannel it is rolling up a lot, do you have a technique to stop it rolling? Thank you 😊

[@diane8715]

Feel better soon, Andrea! I too LOVE the sweater you're wearing today. I can't see where you've linked it. Can you tell the name of it again.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello friend how are you doing??

[@allthatjazz6778]

feel better soon.

[@lindariccardohenderson1656]

I hope you are feeling better

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@BettySusanne]

Thank you so much for these videos. They are so informative and helpful. I feel I always learn something or feel more confident that I’m doing things right. 💚🇨🇦

[@drippydots]

I really appreciate your long and thorough answer to the gauge question. It's helpful to know how many things can contribute to inconsistent gauge and that more experienced knitters than myself also deal with this. While I still swatch and measure gauge and will continue to do so, I'm more interested in seeing how the fiber knits up and behaves as a fabric to give me an idea of how my garment or finished object might be like. Hope you feel better soon!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@mimiywan]

I love the arm chair behind you with the steel legs, where did you get it?? Love this channel, it is inspiring. I knit a scarf by you last year and got on the fade band wagon.

[@dreareneeknits]

That chair is from West Elm :)

[@jenniferbarrett3272]

Thank you for more great tips, Andrea. I really appreciate you teaching this old dog new tricks! That Hoarfrost shawl shawl is stunning. I love that pine cone lace and now I am going to have to buy some yarn and make it!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@miriamalbert8587]

I hope you’re feeling better soon! This was a very helpful episode for me. I often struggle with gauge despite taking time to swatch and even block the swatch. I also wonder about different cast ons and bind offs. I don’t know enough about both the functionality and appearance of different ones so don’t feel confident substituting one for another but I also don’t see the value of learning new ones if they look or function the same as what I already know. More on COs and BOs is always welcome. I love the Junction and plan to cast it on next! I’m looking forward to learning brioche with your tutorial links in your pattern!

[@The_Crafting_Gamer]

It is one pretty shawl get better soon

[@SugarCone]

I kept yelling at you to go lay down throughout the whole video! I hope you feel better and thank you for all the amazing tips as always!

[@brokenmolar]

Can you steek any sweater knit in the round? I kept trying to find out the answer in my online searching, but nobody says it *explicitly.* Thank you! (And feel better soon!)

[@mt-moonchaser1029]

You should be able to. If you are knitting one and planning a steek, you can add extra stitches for the steek area. The number would depend on what type yarn you are using, about 5 (2.5 each side) for a non-superwash wool up to 9 or 11 for a more slippery yarn. With more slippery yarn it is very advisable to use machine stitching to keep the steek from fraying. If it is a sweater you already have, the same thing should apply, and the width of the "button band" can be adjusted to make up the difference in how much has been "cut out". I saw a suggestion somewhere that if you have doubts, get a sweater from a thrift shop and practice on it.

[@margaritadeverson2098]

I knit your Hoarfrost shawl this summer- love it! Thank you for demonstrating how to wear it. I am attending Rhinebeck for the first time. Hope I see you! Feel better!

[@klaskelangford8324]

Thank you Andrea! Hope you feel better soon!

[@LesliesLakeLife]

Andrea, I hope you feel better soon. I love the Hoarfrost shawl. It looks so comfy and cozy. Will be adding it to my must make list.

[@risacalta3832]

Andrea… what is the name of the Shawl behind you ? ( at least I think it is a shawl… ) it looks beautiful!

[@dreareneeknits]

Hello! That is the Hoarfrost shawl :)

[@lizmcconville]

Loved the podcast as usual. Hope you feel better soon Elizabeth

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@alexandrawoods4312]

Your Hoarfrost shawl is so lovely. I have added it to my list to knit later this year. Please take care of yourself. Thanks so much. Alex

[@miekevanreet2544]

Ho, get well, take care of yourself, big hug

[@michelleanyway2knit704]

look after yourself and rest and recover.

[@mariajones8912]

Great tips & advice from you as always! I hope you feel better soon, have a great weekend relaxing. Xx

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@ludouglas1]

Dear Andrea, i love and look forward to the end of the week so much. I appreciate you doing weekly posts. There’s been discussion on changing needle size for knitting in the round for sleeves. This seems to be directed at the tightness horizontally of the sleeves as in the stitch gauge- ie sleeve diameter being too tight hence the reason to use bigger needles but… my concern is that when going up a needle, is the vertical length as in ROW GAUGE- on the sleeve raglan edge going to fit the raglan decreases on the body because they are equal numbers if rows when you design a raglan. when you change needle size, are the stitch and needle gauge changes going to be directly proportional. It would be pretty unusual that going up a needle to fix the width would also make the ROW gauge still fit.what do you think about that ( and I hope I made myself clear)? Lu @wildaboutyarn

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi Linda! The best way to know would be to check compare your gauges. It will be unique to the individual knitter and how much they tighten up when knitting small circumferences. The ultimate goal is trying to keep your gauge as even as possible for the sleeves and body. As far as the raglan decreases lining up - if you are knitting a seamless sweater then this wouldn't be an issue - as the whole yoke would be worked together as one, one your main needle (only the small circumference portion of the sleeve would be done going up a needle size.) If you are doing a seamed sweater, I wouldn't recommend doing the top portion of the sleeve (which would be worked flat) on a smaller needle, as that gauge most likely wouldn't be as tight as small circumference (in the round) knitting. I think going up a needle size for the sleeve is a great solution for anyone who tightens up a lot when knitting small circumferences in the round, and the keep their stitch gauge closer to the correct gauge would be worth a small trade off in a small adjustment in row gauge since most sleeves are knit to a specific length, not a specific row number. And are easier to modify to the knitters liking. Even in striped sweaters, where my row gauge changed just a bit - I found it to be unnoticeable in the finished sweater while worn and well worth having a nice fitting sleeve :)

[@ludouglas1]

Thank you so much for such a considered reply, Andrea. Gauge is such a tricky thing. Its right to do a swatch but it can be wrong :-)) we’re always learning so knitting is never dull!! ‘See you’ next Friday. Hope you’re feeling better. Xxxxx

[@throughthebackloop]

Get well Andrea! Thank you for everything!! xo

[@k1bylandp2bysea37]

Hope you feel better soon! Would you ever consider using the pine cone lace into a sweater (perhaps bottom of the body and around cuffs ) love the shawl on you but then I love everything you wear!

[@runvidr]

Feel better, Andrea! ♥

[@blackbean4509]

It looks great on you

[@elisabethnilsson566]

I don't agree going up a needle size for the cast on. It's the spacing of your stitches that decide how stretchy/loose it will become, not the height of the stitches. If you space out your cast on it will be loose and stretchy.

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi there! The spacing of the stitches is dependent on how much yarn is used for the stitch as you cast on (at least with the methods I use), so going up a needle size will keep a consistent looser tension. Of course - do what you find works best for you!

[@elisabethnilsson566]

@@dreareneeknits It's actually the thumb yarn, i.e. not the yarn going over the needle that decide the stretchiness of the stitches. If you pull the yarn very close to each other it's not as stretchy as if you space out your stitches on the needle. Try it yourself and see!

[@dreareneeknits]

@@elisabethnilsson566 Oo, that would explain why the Twisted German Cast On gives it that extra stretch! Will definitely have to do some exploring! Thanks for the tip!

[@elisabethnilsson566]

@@dreareneeknits You're welcome!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@vp4536]

Oh, Andrea, thank you so much for doing an episode despite being sink; I sure wish a speedy recovery to you! I am certain additional tranquil nights by the fireplace will help! ;-)

[@mayrad9619]

Subtítulos en español por favor

[@tamsnell8189]

Feel better soon, Andrea Xx

[@darlenegillispie6823]

I always cast on snuggly to two needles held together. Then I just pull one needle out. Seems to work for me. Hope you feel well soon!

[@o0mgn]

Go get some rest you amazing lady, you! ❤️

[@mila7807]

Hi Andrea, I do not know if you will be reading this or if you will care but just to let you know that the pattern help is just not helpful at all and one might think you just do not mind and care about your customers/knitters. Sorry to write this here but I do not know where and how to reach you. I thought it’s important for you to know so maybe something could get improved about the “after sale service”. If I am struggling with one technique explained in the pattern and I am contacting the pattern help explaining that and asking for some tips, I am not interested to get the same explanation as in the pattern... and at the end reading that any personalized help is not possible! Sorry, this is not what a call a help. It just took out my knitting mojo and I ended up undoing my sweater thinking not buying any other pattern from you. I wish you a nice autumn.

[@dreareneeknits]

Hello Mila, I am so sorry to hear that you do not feel you were helped via email. I have found your email correspondence with my assistant, and reading thru I do see that she tried her best to help you. The only other idea that came to my mind to help with the issue of the fit of the body (since you like the fit of the yoke, and already reduced the number of underarm cast on sts) would be to go down a needle size while knitting the body, as it sounds like your gauge loosened up after finishing the yoke. Since you did not meet gauge for the pattern to begin with, it is hard for me to diagnose it further. In regards to the stripes, the only method I use is the jogless stripes tutorial she linked for you. I have always been happy with it, but we are all different and their may be a better method out there for you! I would also consider the power of blocking, as it sounds like you were comparing the look of your unblocked sweater to my sweater that is in the pattern photos. I always want my customers to be happy with their experience and between myself and my assistant will do whatever we can to help! When we hit a dead end, we also suggest visiting an LYS if you have one - as sometimes it takes someone being able to see your knit in person to thoroughly diagnose the issue. Wishing you well.

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

It sounds like you’ve got a nasty cold! Drink plenty of liquids,and take it easy! Hope you feel better, SOON!

[@dianachristie5700]

Get to feeling better