The Holy Grail of Knitting Techniques? How to Use a Lifeline! Camarodonta Shawl

[@lindalewis9829]

The idea of threading the yarn thru the hole of the knitting needle is genius. I Will be using this technique, thank you Chandi!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Most welcome 😊

[@judithsibley3067]

This is WONDERFUL!!! Losing stitches/missing stitches & not knowing how to pull out to start over is the main reason I gave up trying to learn to knit. Thanks for this helpful tip!!! Will definitely try again now!!!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Wonderful, I'm so glad this was helpful 💙

[@snowyak1]

Oh my word!!! Thank you for this trick. I've known about lifelines, BUT your tip on putting the yarn for it in the little hole in the needle is great. Thanks Chandi!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are so welcome! 💕

[@carolj2013]

That is a totally genius move, isn't it?

[@allysonberry8708]

I found out about lifelines when I was doing Fair Isle. Definitely a must with those patterns. The trick with using the hole in the needles...amazing!!!

[@deirdreevans5533]

Hi Chandi🙋This video was SO informative for me. Thank you very much. A life line is truly a game changer in my knitting. I have to keep frogging my work & start all over. With a life line I shouldn't have to keep starting over. I'm still a beginner but it's a slow process for me. I am a crocheter. I knit VERY slowly but I'm not giving up. Thanks for sharing this video. Have a blessed day

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Hey Deirdre! I'm so glad that the video was helpful! It really is a game changer and so useful when you are working on newer or more complex parts of a pattern. It has saved me soooo many times. I hope you are doing well and that you have an amazing weekend. 💕💕💕💕

[@shannonjones5324]

😮😮😮 I would have never thought of using the little holes in the needles in a million years! You just changed my life!!! Thank you so much Chandi!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are welcome! Happy to help!

[@adrijamajumder943]

I found out about lifelines on KZbin and at the time I was knitting lace for the first time. I had ripped out my projects probably four or five times by that point and my mind was completely blown!

[@corlissyamasaki3476]

I totally know what you mean!

[@Zylophila]

I'm head over heals in love with this pattern!!! The lifeline technique is such a life saver and I will thread the yarn through the hole of the needle! My heart is so happy today!!! 4 more pattern repeats on the Peacock shawl, then on to the 4th colorway!!! Then house cleaning...Thanks once again for making my year, with all these adorable patterns I want to make it will probably be 10 years!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I'm so glad you like it! You are making fabulous progress on the Peacock shawl! I hope you have a wonderful day! 💕

[@janielaurel]

your outtakes are so darned funny, Chandi!! xoxo

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

😂 Thank you! 💕

[@lighthseskr]

I knew about lifelines but never thought about them like this. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I feel so much more at ease now.❤

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You're so welcome! I'm so glad this was helpful 💚

[@patirobertson6288]

OHHHH MY GOOOOODNESS!!!! The tip about threading a lifeline through the hole in the interchangeable needle!!! WWWWOOOOWWWW!!!!! I always hated threading a lifeline through all the stitches on a shawl ... because there is a lot of stitches .... but I never conceived of using the holes in the needles before. Again WWWWOOOOWWWW!!!!! Mind officially blown!!!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tinekejoldersma]

Tip, use a very slick thread like a mercerized cotton. it goes out so easy. thanks, Chandi.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Great idea!!

[@nancyhomen9347]

Thank you for this video. I knew about the life line, but it was great to learn about inserting the life line in the little hole in your knitting needle.👍🏻

[@catherineblubaugh3195]

Thank you Chandi, you are always so generous with your time and patterns. This Lovely appreciates you.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you so much 😊

[@1043dawn]

You are so correct about lifelines. They are so wonderful especially doing any lace pattern! Thank you for doing this video!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you! 😍😍

[@ssheffield2296]

What a great tip about the interchangeable needle holes! Thanks for sharing.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are so welcome!

[@rebeccacampbell8363]

So I was knitting a baby hat the other day and laid it down for a few minutes. When I came back to it, I picked it up and dropped 5-6 stitches!!! They dropped about 3 rows, too many for me to fix. So, remembering this video, I adapted it and took a yarn needle and contrasting yarn and picked up the stitches 5-6 rows down, just after the previous pattern final row. I then unraveled the work to that point and saved the whole project!!! What an amazing video and tip! Thank you for his holy grail tip!!! It was a lifesaver as this piece is part of a gift set I’ve made for a shower this weekend! I’d never have been able to restart and finish it in time otherwise. Thank you sooooooooo much!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I'm so glad that it was helpful for you! Great job saving your project! 😊😊

[@pattikubacki622]

Lifelines are so needed by me. Thank you for the tip about adding a lifeline while using interchangeable metal needles.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are welcome! 💕

[@kjctubestuff]

Oh OH! - my nose-meet-face moment - tape - DUH! How has this eluded me?! I am forever grateful for this elegant resolve. 💜 Always.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

💕💕💕

[@knitpurlsquirrelwithgrannydee]

Super tip! Love you, Chandi, and your amazing yarn and patterns you share!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tinahairston6383]

I knew about lifelines but not that there were so many ways to incorporate them. I LOVE the threading it through the little hole on the interchangeable needles. I have Chiaogoo so BOOM I'm good to go now. Thanks, Chandi!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Perfect! You are so welcome! Happy knitting!

[@writeonwoman]

Now why didnt I think of that!💥 Thank you a million times over!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

💕💕

[@Stacey.B]

@ExpressionFiberArts I always LOVE what you're wearing!! You always have the coolest dresses and outfits. I wish you would add your clothes into the description box. Or the website. You always look great Chanti! Thanks for another wonderful pattern.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are so kind! Thank you! I will try to remember! This dress is from an end of season sale at Zara. Unfortunately, they don't have it on the website anymore. 😞

[@Stacey.B]

@@ExpressionFiberArts Since you always model in the videos you always look beautiful and so photogenic. I always love, love,love, your style and outfits. You have beautiful dresses. Thanks for all the wonderful videos. You taught me how to start knitting with your 1st tutorial. You have the most positive outlook and energy of anyone I have seen on KZbin. Keep up the excellent work Chandi!!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

@@Stacey.B Thank you so much for the lovely compliments! I truly appreciate them. 💕💕

[@amyclarke9085]

This is such a great lesson! I've been using a very small diameter bamboo 14" for my narrower as protection - I like your way better for wider pieces! Thank you!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are welcome!

[@fuchsiacherryblossom]

I just cant stop drooling over how beautiful your dress is!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Oh thank you! 😊

[@CarJoBo]

WHAT??!!! I always wondered what that little hole in the needles was for! I've heard about lifelines but haven't used them successfully. This is a game changer - THANK YOU!!!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I'm not sure that is what the hole is for, but that is how I use it! 😂😂 I'm so glad that video was helpful! Happy knitting. ❤️

[@birthestevns]

Thank you for this gorgeous method! And Thank you for your wonderful smiles and courage. It means a lot.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words. 💕

[@raphaelsylla876]

I haven't done any lace knitting lately but I've been doing life lines ever since I learned how to knit many years ago. It's great to have a life line after several rows from the start or when you need to change a different type of stitch for further rows. I usually just use a mercerized cotton yarn thread for life lines.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Wonderful!

[@robinmarks5638]

Oh my this shawl Is just luscious! Thank you for all the wonderful tips!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are so welcome!

[@heatherwilliams3105]

I have just come across this site. Already subscribed. So practical and interesting

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thanks!

[@theastewart6721]

Hi Chandi. This shawl is stunning! I love the shape! Lifelines are amazing! I wouldn’t knit lace without them! Thank you for all the great tips. I do have the little holes in my needles, lol. I’ll have to try using them! I usually just insert them manually. I will definitely give this a go! Have a wonderful weekend!💗

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thanks, Thea! I hope you have an amazing weekend! 💕💕💕

[@theastewart6721]

Thank you!💞

[@marilynjones1344]

What a great idea, I have used the needle with thread technique before.... however, knitting with the life line looks so easy....I will definitely use it! Thank you!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Wonderful!

[@osmaydavillalba2999]

OMG!!! How come this is the last trick I had to learn!!! This could have save soooo many projects!! ( I'm new to knitting, and this is going to be my new best friend trick!!! )

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Woop! Woop! 🙌

[@eldritchyarnbeing3295]

Hi Chandi, I can't remember if I've mentioned before how much I struggle with knitting, but recently I've really picked up on it thanks to one of your livestreams you did awhile back where you mentioned how we should always be learning new things. I often get discouraged when I get to the end of a row and realize my stitch count is off so I'm definitely going to try this, thanks so much😊❤️

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

💕💕 You are welcome! 💕💕

[@ravenstarfyre]

I would love to see this pattern and your other circular shawl pattern in a crochet version.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

We are hoping to do some! 😊

[@ravenstarfyre]

@@ExpressionFiberArts That would be amazing. I find crocheting lace much faster and easier on my hands. For whatever reason, I tense up my hands so bad when I knit lace. Regular knitting I'm ok but lace I guess I get nervous about yard tension.

[@katieanncarochi3723]

Yes, I would love this to see the crocheted version as well!😁

[@catg7768]

Happy Friday!! Thank you for this awesome technique Chandi I LOVE the pattern. Just received my order of yarn, perfect timing to start this project. 😊

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I'm so glad you love it! I hope you enjoy! 💕💕

[@helenjharris7608]

Thanks Chandi for sharing. I will definitely use that technique. 🪢🧣🧶

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Wonderful! Have a fabulous weekend! ☺️

[@catherinecunningham7126]

Congratulations Daniel!!! Thanks for the great technique, Chandi!!!!! ❤️

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

😍💕

[@EvieO1950]

Such an important tool. I would’ve never learned socks without it. Amazing pattern!!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

😍😍

[@donabell5935]

I’m so glad you showed this lifeline idea!! Thx so much for the beautiful pattern!! 💕

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are so welcome!

[@brendamorales5473]

Very nice tip... this would be great for tunisian crochet too. I want to learn to knit. I even bought a set of needles. I am hoping that with my crochet skills, that knitting won't be too difficult to pick up. 😊💖

[@southerngirlhandmadeknit]

Whaaaaaat!? That little hole in my needles.... I'll be doing that one. Thanks Chandi

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

YES, I know right?!!

[@barbaramartin6837]

Another beautiful shawl! Thanks for the lifeline tips. This will beat frogging the whole project when I make a mistake. 👍❤️

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Yes! 🙌 👏

[@robalink15]

Thank you so much! Ripping back stitches has been so daunting for me. As a lifelong crocheter, I get frustrated when ripping back knitting because it’s completely different than ripping back crochet. In crochet I don’t have to worry about messing up several rows. As a relatively new knitter, I have learned the hard way that the same doesn’t apply to knitting. I feel much more confident to try different and more complicated patterns now. Again, thank you!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are so welcome! Happy creating! 💕

[@mollyspencersimmons9507]

Oh my goodness Chandi, thank you so much for this brief but oh so important & helpful video! PS You are so adorable & I always love the bloopers at the end of each 😂😘

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Oh thank you! 😘❤️

[@kashishdaswani]

I love the way you express yourself 😍

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

☺️😍

[@julieknitsandspins]

Not only a lifeline to purling, another great tip! TY

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are so welcome! ❤️

[@palaklein]

Thank you beautiful. Looking forward knitting Camarodonta when my yarn arrives and using this technique.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Wonderful!

[@michelleklein3056]

Tape! That's brilliant!

[@crochetknittingaddictionws2580]

Thank you for the different ways to at a lifeline. Now maybe I can start knitting soon.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are welcome! 😍

[@fetenn]

Thank you so much for the trick! I hated knitting since my mother started teaching me because if I ever made a mistake, I had to take everything down and start all over again (she taught me crochet and knitting at the same time, and crochet is so much more forgiving!) But now with this technique, I think I'll give knitting another chance! ❤️

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

💕💕

[@JoshuaCatchur]

I need a lifeline to "weave through [my] sitches too! " I love your out takes! And I LOVE using those little bands as stitch markers. You can get them in bulk for those rubberband loom kits. And different colors can be used for marking various stitches.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you! 💕💕

[@purplespinach17]

I didn’t even think about using the loom rubber bands! The color coding is such a good idea! :)

[@JoshuaCatchur]

@@purplespinach17 I love them! They can be finicky with some of my wooden needles, but still better than making mistakes. They save me for cables!

[@knittybitty-crafters198]

Greetings Fantastic this is a lifeline always wanted to do lace.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jsrmusic1]

I just happen to have some Alpaca Silk Lace in my stash! 🤪🤪🤪

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Woop woop!

[@annfield7356]

I wish I had seen the Lifeline video before I had rip back the work I had messed up because I lost count of my rows I love to watch you Chandi even if I am not looking to start a new project 💕

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Yes, the lifeline can be such an incredible help! I'm so glad you enjoy the videos! 😍😍

[@honey-bee4581]

Thank you for sharing this video ! 🤩❤❤❤ I whish I had known this trick few years ago when I was knitting a lace shirt for summer after a long time of no practising. This would had save half of my knitting time because I had to do so much ribbing. 😫 Thanks again and greetings from Germany! 💌👋

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Glad it was helpful! 😍😍

[@Karen-ww8hj]

💕 love you and love this life line technique!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Love you too! ☺️

[@barbaram7844]

Thank you for this information, never knew about lifelines!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Any time!

[@joannadelbuono6132]

nice new hair-do looks fab.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you!

[@cherylcrawfordski6770]

Absolutely gorgeous 🤩 so delicate 💖

[@pmdempsey9742]

Now I can restart the shawl I ripped out, rehanked, washed to get rid of the crinkles and rewound and hopefully succeed in knitting the Christmas present for my daughter-in-law. Thank you so much.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You can do it! 💕

[@carlaj9293]

I only use Chiaogoo needles. I am trying this. Also, your dress is gorgeous!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thanks!

[@adadavis2443]

Yes life line great ty

[@tl4214]

Ooooo, thank you Chandi!! 😊

[@goodday1209]

I need to do a lifeline especially after doing ribbing....I hate doing ribbing! 😂😂 thank you for this! 🥰🥰

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

💕💕💕

[@sherrimerlo9756]

I've been using a lifeline for many years. It's definitely a lifesaver🤭❤❤❤

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I totally agree! 😍

[@carol-annmatthew5296]

Very interesting tip.. thank you

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

My pleasure!

[@angiekoukouvanis2333]

Thank you I love your videos

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you!

[@mcruz2187]

I am glad I learned about life lines very early, otherwise I would not have continued with my yarn addiction 😅. Thanks for the very lovely pattern.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

They are so helpful! Have a. wonderful weekend!

[@janepulley]

Thanks for the tip. That will certainly help me.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You bet!

[@emilymillard7705]

I love your videos! Would you be able to share where you get your gorgeous stitch markers from please? Lots of love, Em xxx

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you so much! They were custom made for us by @emlynknits on instagram. 💕

[@dsherrill2988]

Hi, I just downloaded the pattern for this shawl, ummm I self taught myself last year using KZbin, including a lot of your videos, so thank you :) I was looking at the pattern and it says to start with dpns, at what point do I switch to the circular?

[@ichh6212]

Whenever you feel like it. :) I would probably start with a circular needle no matter what the pattern says and use the magic loop method to keep the long wire under control.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Denise, whenever the stitches increase to the point that you need more working room on the needles - then switch to circular

[@pattigolden1]

Lifelines are Lifesavers!!!! I know this pattern is for lace, but I have some light fingering that might work!! (I'm hoping speckles don't distract from the design. 🤔) Love it!!!! I always wondered what that hole was for!! 🤣😂🤣 I never cut my lifeline until I'm done with the row.... PS: I adore your darning needles!! 🥰

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Too true! I haven't thought about not cutting the lifeline. Thanks for the tip! 😍😍

[@marthat1390]

Great technique, love it.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Glad you like it! 😊

[@lkay90888]

A work of art 🥰

[@summere.6225]

...I think lifelines are about to change my knitting life :o This is going to save me from frogging completely!! I could try more complex stuff now without being afraid!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Yes! They are perfect for that! ☺️

[@purplespinach17]

My favorite to do is use something like crochet thread for my lifeline. It’s thin enough for pretty much any project, and it’s not sticky. I tried to use a wool sock yarn once for a lifeline on a wool sweater project, and the two yarns ended up felting together a bit. I got it out just fine, but it was just a tiny bit of an annoyance, so I only use smoother fibers now for lifelines :)

[@komisobaba]

So good. Thank you very much.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You're very welcome!

[@faridehfarahdel3084]

Gorgeous ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you!!

[@woolywonders5546]

🤯 amazing! Thank you for sharing!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You bet!

[@joanmariepat4221]

Life changing! Thank you.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You're so welcome!

[@corlissyamasaki3476]

I had to do lifelines when I started your Drift pattern. I would keep forgetting to drop the stitches!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

That makes so much sense! 💕

[@adrijamajumder943]

This circular shawl looks so cool!

[@lucielamb1648]

Whaouuuu whaouuuu i defenetly falling in love with this shawl. Absolutly perfect. I don t known if it s possible to me to make one but i will try until we get there. It can t be any other way. . I love lace .....

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

💕💕💕

[@ingeliappelmyr8661]

Thank you for all your lovely free patterns! Paying the custom fees in Sweden has become so expensive so sadly I cant buy your scrumptous yarn but I would if I could! 🌼

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are welcome! 💕💕

[@heather7862]

Hi Chandi!! This shawl is beautiful 😻 The pattern doesn’t specify, but do you use a pinhole cast on? Or a regular cast on?

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Yes, you just use a regular cast on. 💕💕

[@sawu8884]

Where are you buy that alpaca yarn ? You work looks beauriful, sofe and shinning. Your successors looks elegant. I would like to know the price and sourcing to buy. Thanks for your tutorial.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You can buy that yarn here: www.expressionfiberarts.com/categories/lace/alpaca-silk-lace.html Thanks!

[@sawu8884]

@@ExpressionFiberArts Sorry for bother you again. I randomly go through the website you provided once. The products are so far so good. But as a new learner, assume that I would make your cape with the same size. How many pieces should I buy for weight 100g per piece ? One more question, how about the price of the sisscors ? Where can I buy them ? Thank you so much. Thank you so much.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

@@sawu8884 You would use 2 skeins of the yarn. I don't remember where I bought the scissors. I'm sorry. 💕

[@sawu8884]

@@ExpressionFiberArts Thank you. You had given enough informations.

[@jonismith7897]

Now that I’m 30 rows from finishing a project, I wish I’d have know this then. 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve fixed some problems along the way, and will get creative on how to fix a problem I’ve discovered 1 million rows later. Now I’ve got a new tool in my knitting basket!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

💕😍💕

[@januarytimberlake9629]

Amazing! Thank you for this tip

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You're so welcome!

[@willynilly7]

The lifeline is a game changer!!!!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

It so is!

[@tommyebravo8878]

Thanks for the tip.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You bet!

[@judyjones3843]

Love the human out takes!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

☺️☺️

[@Tokyo2009ful]

Can we have this in crochet pretty please? I beg! I cannot knit yet.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

The technique or the lace shawl that's shown at the beginning?

[@writeonwoman]

As you know I am fairly new to knitting, just finished your boyfriend hat. Mmm, not perfect though. I did a test on a small scarf today. I tried a couple of months ago, but it was a complete flop. Today I got further, but after all my hard work, it fell apart. In any event, I thought I would order the interchangeable set you have posted here, but it is unclear to me if I is a 3.75 mm required by pattern. Can you tell me if I am safe to order that package for my need of a 3.75 mm? I really think they would be great for the safety and the interchangeable cords. Thanks Chandi!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Yes, It should contain a 3.75 mm needle. 🤗

[@jodiclawson3760]

Lifelines are a life SAVER! I recently made a very large triangular lace shawl for a friend’s birthday (increases at both ends and in the center of every RS row). I was done with all the repeats of lace and the last thing to do was the border. I’d been knitting for about eight hours and noticed a small flaw in the last few repeats of the motif. So I held the three border stitches and casually ripped out three rows. I was so tired I actually looked at what I had done and said to myself “wait, why aren’t they on the needle anymore?” After a day and a half of math and tears and more cursing than I’d like to admit to, I actually ripped the whole thing back to ZERO and started over. Three days before the birthday deadline. Needless to say it was late. But while remaking the shawl I put a lifeline at the end of EVERY SINGLE REPEAT. And I’m so glad I did! I will NEVER knit lace without a lifeline ever again. As my husband says: “the best lesson is a bought one.”

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I'm so sorry that you went though that! The truly are a lifesaver. 💕💕💕

[@byteangelxi9178]

Did you cut your hair? It really looks cute!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you! I cut it a couple of weeks ago. 💕💕

[@simonasimona8529]

Wow, Great idea, thanks for the advice. 🌹🌹🌹💗🌸🌺💖🌼💞

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

😘😘😍😍

[@saherohero6112]

Thank you 🙏🏻 soooooo much for this..... stops rip-iting 🐸🐸🐸

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

🤗😊😊

[@lauriecl269]

Where do you get those needles with holes? I have never seen them before in Canada

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You can find them here: www.amazon.com/shop/expressionfiberarts 💕

[@teresagaspar1190]

Thank you soo much for this video I just unravel half of my sock. Now i will know what to do😀

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are welcome! 💕