Name: Tips & Tricks: Casting on Even, Loose Stitches
Uploaded: 2022-04-29T00:16:02.000Z
Duration: 1 min 47 s
Description: Learn how to use a second small needles (or other small stick-like object!) to cast on even, loose stitches using your favorite cast on method.

Learn how to use a second small needles (or other small stick-like object!) to cast on even, loose stitches using your favorite cast on method.

Knitting

My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 11 years old, and after taking a few years off I picked up the hobby again in my 20s. Now in my 30s I am an avid knitter - there are always several projects on my needles (I need one I can travel with, one I can do while watching TV, and usually one I'm making for someone else :)

I've moved all over the country and in every city or town one of first things I do is get a library card and find a local knitting group. Knitting is a great social or  individual craft.

I teach all ages of beginning crocheters, knitters and soon to be knitters from beginner through intermediate. I am also happy to help with more advanced patterns if you get stuck or need ongoing motivation.

My approach to teaching knitting is to find a way to help each student learn how to wave their magic wand (aka knitting needles) around until the yarn turns into a beautiful creation they are proud to show everyone.  Students regularly comment on my patience and ability to explain things in a way that makes sense to them.

Some of my favorite things to make are hats and amigurumi animals - I love that they are pretty quick to knit and come in so many designs and shapes. Some of the projects I'm most proud of include the dress I knit myself, the hooded sweater I made for my nephew, and the commissioned sweater that my best friend asked me to knit for her.

Tips & Tricks: Casting on Even, Loose Stitches

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Crocheting

Needlework

Beginner

Intermediate

Ran birthday parties and craft workshops at a local craft store before it closed due to COVID. I loved helping those who came in create a project they were excited to take home and share with others. 

Group and private knitting and crochet lessons were also part of my responsibilities, which I greatly enjoyed.

Associate

Supported operations teams in our Charter Schools in New York City. Helped plan and execute events including field trips and rallies. Facilitated school openings growing from 9 to 34 locations.

Senior Network Operations Manager

Hired to write and record a learning to knit video series for their continuing education personal enrichment project.

Provided expert insight into their course outline, then wrote the scripts for the modules. After writing was done, filming of the modules happened at various locations while demonstrating the selected topics and reading the scripts for their film crew.

Knitting Consultant

English

Go at your own pace and have fun are my knitting mottos! I teach continental style knitting and have been teaching beginners to knit for over 5 years. Together we'll experience the excitement that comes when you cast on something new, learn a new stich, or finish a favorite project.

I'm can start with the basics (cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch) or jump straight into helping on a project you have planned (or started and got stuck on? don't worry - it happens to all of us!). There is no limit to the kind or number of projects we can do. I have plenty of project ideas and am always happy to help with your ideas, too.

I really enjoyed my first lesson and had fun. My instructor was nice and was eager to help me learn how to crotchet for the first time.

Nicole was very nice and patient and we started on time. I will be purchasing additional lessons from her. Also, I would definitely recommend crochet lessons from Nicole.

Nicole was very easy to work with and my daughter enjoyed her lessons. I’m amazed how much she learned in a short time. Thank you Nicole.

Nicole clearly enjoys teaching and helping others learn the craft of knitting. I am glad to have found her!

Nicole is a great teacher! Very patient. She shows you things in reverse so that you can see exactly how to do it. Very positive and encouraging! Excited for more lessons!

Very patient, friendly and slow paced just what I want

Nicole was extremely helpful.  She was able to figure out where the gaps were in my understanding and how to help me make some progress.  Thank you!

So helpful and patient.  Very easy going and gave a lot of positive feedback.  Excited to learn more with Nicole.

Nicole is a wonderful instructor. She has so much patience. She’s also very friendly and makes each lesson fun. I look forward to my lessons every week.

Five stars!!! Nicole carefully deciphered the complex—to me— directions for an Aran sweater, troubleshooting errors in the directions. She then patiently walked me through the pattern, sharing tips on how best to keep track of where I was in the process. When I got home I was able to jump right in and begin and the project is looking great. Thank you, Nicole!! I’d happily turn to her expertise in knitting and teaching when needed next time. She is lovely and fun and easy to be with.

Nicole was super helpful, and also very nice and patient!

Nicole was a very good teacher she made the lesson easy and made it very interesting.
Thanks Nicole for a good time.
Be Bless

What size needles do I need? This question generally has two answers - the needed width and the needed length of needles.

NOTE: as long as your needles are long enough, any length will work for projects knit back and forth. For projects knit in the round (or in a circle) the length of your needles as well as the width matters.

Some needles say right on them what size they are either in mm or in US size (sometimes both!). If the needles don't say, you can use a knitting gauge to measure them and find out. 

Knitting Terminology: Needle Sizes

Learning the Knit 2 together stitch allows you to greatly expand what projects and patterns you can tackle.

Join me for this two minute tutorial on how to do the k2tog, as it is most commonly written in knitting patterns.

I will show you how to do this useful decrease at the beginning and end of a row of 10 stitches on the knit side of a stockinette swatch.

Want to practice along? Cast on 10 stitches, knit one row, purl one row and you will be ready to join in!

Knit Decrease - Knit 2 Together (k2tog)

New to knitting, or considering switching from wood to metal knitting needles (or metal to wood!)? Check out some of the pros and cons of each!

Similar to what photographers say, the best camera to take pictures with is the one you have, I feel the same about knitting needles. BUT I always recommend that my students start with wood ones, and often encourage more experienced knitters to give metal needles a try. Why? watch and find out!

What is the difference? Wood vs Metal Knitting Needles

However you hold your yarn, you will want to maintain consistent tension to make your stitches nice and even and to make it smooth to do each stitch.

Here are three options for how to hold your yarn in your left hand - try them all and see which you like best!

Holding Yarn: 3 Options For Crocheting With Good Tension

This little tool is helpful in keeping track of your rows, turn the end each time you complete a row!

Knitting Tools - Row Counter

Stitch Holders come in very handy when you need somewhere to store "live" stitches until you circle back to incorporate them into what you are making.

Take a look - you may discover a new tool you can't live without :)

Knitting Tools - Stitch Holder - Just a Giant Safety Pin?

Learn the basic supplies you need to start crocheting, be sure to watch to the end for yarn color tips and suggestions!

Getting Started: What Supplies Do I Need to Learn to Crochet?

If you knit or crochet, you will find yourself making lots of slip knots!

There are many ways to do so, this video demonstrates five that you can test out and pick one (or more!) that works well for you.

I also have a separate video of each one, so if you find one you prefer, you can watch that specific video in the future if you need a refresher.

The five ways demonstrated are:
- Pointer Method
- Thumb Method
- Double Loop Method
- Crochet Hook Method
- Bird & Worm

Enjoy!

5 Ways to a Make Slip Knot

If you knit, you will find yourself making lots of slip knots!

There are many ways to do so, this video demonstrates five that you can test out and pick one (or more!) that works well for you.

I also have a separate video of each one, so if you find one you prefer, you can watch that specific video in the future if you need a refresher.

The five ways demonstrated are:
- Pointer Method
- Thumb Method
- Double Loop Method
- Crochet Hook Method
- Bird & Worm

Enjoy!

Learn how to make a slip knot using your fingers like a bird's beak to pick up the "worm" of yarn.

Nicole S.

Tips & Tricks: Casting on Even, Loose Stitches

Nicole's Knitting videos

Knitting Terminology: Needle Sizes

Knit Decrease - Knit 2 Together (k2tog)

What is the difference? Wood vs Metal Knitting Needles

Holding Yarn: 3 Options For Crocheting With Good Tension

Knitting Tools - Row Counter

Knitting Tools - Stitch Holder - Just a Giant Safety Pin?

Getting Started: What Supplies Do I Need to Learn to Crochet?

5 Ways to a Make Slip Knot

5 Ways to a Make Slip Knot

Make a Slip Knot - Bird & Worm Method

Make a Slip Knot - Thumb Method

Make a Slip Knot - Pointer Method

Teacher Reviews (41)

Book online lesson

Complete your knitting with Binding Off. Learn how!

Basic Knitting Stitches: Learn the Purl Stitch

Basic Knitting Stitches: Learn the Knit Stitch

Learn the long-tail cast on method to begin your knitting project

Knitting Terminology: Needle Sizes

Knit Decrease - Knit 2 Together (k2tog)

What is the difference? Wood vs Metal Knitting Needles

Smooth Purling

Knitting welts

Knitting with the Armenian technique

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