Crochet (and other needlework) for Novices
Practical and useful tips, resources and ideas for anyone starting on crochet or other needlework crafts.

Spool Knitting Is It As Hard As They Say?



In contrast with other traditional forms of knitting, spool knitting relies on the use of a spool and four nails for the creation of an initial fabric pattern. Owing to the very basic structure of the elements required, spool knitting has long been part of educational practices specific to crafts classes. Thus, this way of getting children to learn knitting is both instructive and fun. The items necessary for spool knitting include the spool, whether ready-made or improvised, some brads, a hammer, a drill and yarn.

In order to make spool knitting easier, purchase the spool from a tool or home improvement store and get directly to the knitting part. The first step to begin with is to pass the yarn through the spool, from top to bottom, but make sure to leave a few inches of yarn hang out from the bottom. It is advisable that for this initial spool knitting stage you stick to the instructions in case you have never done it before so that you have a smooth beginning. Then, it is time to use the crochet hook to make loops and pass them over the brads so as to create the cast on.

The number of brads used in spool knitting varies depending on what you want to achieve; the most basic of projects available for spool knitting is cord making, and this can be designed with four, five or six brads. Yet, it is common knowledge that odd numbers are easier to work with in casting on, therefore, stick to the use of four or six brads even if five are also possible. When knitting, pass the yarn around every brad and the passage to the next knitted line requires that you pull the previous loop out, up and over each and every brad.

Spool knitting allows for various color alternation particularly since you need basic skills to perform such changes. All you need to do is to cut one yarn type and add the new color, tie it carefully and continue the spool knitting process. When learning spool knitting from books or web pages, it really helps to match the illustrations with the instructions and understand each step separately before moving to a different one. When you finish knitting you will have to tie off the ends so that they do not unravel. If you need professional spool knitting, the use of a spool knitting machine is a lot more profitable in terms of speed and time saving properties.

Be sure to visit Free Knitting Tips for all the help and advice you will ever need with your knitting…