Help with loose gauge when switching from knit to purl

TamaraKnits · 02-09-2006, 11:45 AM

I've been frustrated with a knitting problem. Whenever I switch from knit to purl, for example in ribbing there is a loose gap between the knit and purl. I've tried pulling my first purl very tight and now I'm even knitting it on the needle point to try to make it tighter but it is still creating problems. Now I make sure to move the loops to be knitted up to the needle point so there isn't much stretching when I have to maneuver the needle into them. (BTW I'm an English knitter.)

My ribbed edgings and cables look wonky because of this. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Tamara :XX:

nicolethegeek · 02-09-2006, 05:02 PM

I don't have the link handy, but the blog is nonaknits. She has a tip for this, that I use whenever I'm doing any kind of knitting to purling. It involves wrapping your yarn around your needle clockwise on the purl. On the following row, you will knit or purl into the back loop to "untwist" this stitch. I hope that I've explained it good enough that you can understand, or someone else here might have the link handy for that post.

TamaraKnits · 02-09-2006, 05:12 PM

Thanks so much Nicole,

I found the blog:
http://nonaknits.typepad.com/nonaknits/

but couldn't find her explanation of the technique. I'm pretty sure I get it from what you said however and will be sure to try it when I get home to my knitting (I've had to make a rule of no knitting at school). I'm so glad that there is something else I can try instead of going mad trying to pull the life out of the yarn and cramping my hands.

nicolethegeek · 02-09-2006, 05:24 PM

Give me 5 to search the forum here for my posts. I *know* I did a thread about it when I found it. Then I can get the exact link for you.

nicolethegeek · 02-09-2006, 05:27 PM

Here you go! If you have any more trouble, just holler!

Curlykat · 03-01-2006, 02:59 AM

I'm having the same problem with my knit stitch immediately preceding the purl, but...I can't figure out exactly how to switch the direction of the yarn to do what nona says in the blog. I'm a continental knitter, does that make a difference??

Curlykat · 03-01-2006, 03:04 AM

Never mind! I got it!!