Help! i've started 20 times!!

[jessica654]

Hello... this is my first knitting project ever... a simple scarf. I have done the cast-on part correctly... but when i try to do the knit stitch everything goes well until the last stitch. I must be doing something wrong, because when i transfer it over to the right needle, it just turns into a loop... sorry for my lack of knitting terms... so basically the lasts titch turns into a loop when i bring it over ot the right needle (i'm doing continental style)
If anyone can help me i would be very grateful!!

[dustinac]

Welcome to KH!!

Usually everyone has trouble getting that first/last st to behave when they first start out knitting.
Is it just a big loopy stitch? You can try pulling the stitch tighter or the stitch next to it, but it will look smoother with practice

[jessica654]

Hi there...thanks for your quick reply! I'm still confused by it... what do you mean by pulling the stitch together? sorry, i'm so lost...

[saracidaltendencies]

Knit the 1st stitch (the one with the big loop) then, insert your needle into the second stitch as if to knit, but, don't knit the stitch just yet. Pull on the yarn (but not too tight) before knitting the second stitch and that will tighten the first stitch. After you pull the yarn, continue knitting as normal.

[Jan in CA]

Keep going and don't keep starting over. It will look loose, that's normal especially in the beginning. Just put your knitting in the other hand and start knitting again. Practicing will improve your tension.