Am I creating a bit of a bad habit?

utcarsons · 12-30-2008, 10:19 PM

I am a complete beginner (four days now)

Ive tried to learn to knit before and was a total disaster, but this time with the videos here and a gift of good starter supplies from hubby, I have it!!! Anyway, started working on my first real project today... I have done lots of little samplers and practice pieces that hopefully noone will ever see

Anyway, I am English knitting, and I find that I tend to push my right needle back through with my finger on the tip of the needle and often do the same when pushing my work up the needle. Im just much faster that way than if I try to be coordinated enough to pull the needle back and through. I was considering getting those Knitpicks interchangeables, but man Im guessing those sharp tips are gonna smart... Anyone else do this? Is this a major faux pas?

Thanks for the great resource!!! Hubby even bought me beginner lessons, but I think Im going to use the gift cert for some goodies instead and take a more focused class later.

Jodie

Knitting_Guy · 12-31-2008, 03:26 AM

Lots of people do it and lots of people complain about developing a sore finger. And you're right, the Options are sharp.

We all push the needle, but what I do is either use the other needle or if I use my finger I push along the side of the point instead of the end. Takes a bit of practice but after a while it feels perfectly natural and avoids poking holes in the finger.

Marria · 12-31-2008, 03:27 AM

If it works for you, and produces fabric you like, then there's nothing wrong with the way you're knitting. About the sharper needles--I'm guessing if they bug you, you'll quickly adapt to a different way of knitting.

That's awesome that your husband is encouraging you. Enjoy!

utcarsons · 12-31-2008, 03:35 AM

Wow! You guys are FAST. I will try the pushing on the side of the point and see how that goes. Im sure if not, I will change when I get those "sharpies". Thanks again!

sorifes · 12-31-2008, 05:09 AM

put band-aids on your fingers it helped me when I first started. The calus' develop over time give it a couple of weeks it won't hurt any more after that :D

marlajap · 12-31-2008, 05:31 AM

I'm an English knitter, too, and I certainly did do the pushing thing for quite some time when I was learning. My Harmony and Options needles pretty well broke me of the habit of pushing with the pads of my fingers - not just because it hurt, but also because it just isn't necessary, they are so nice and slick and pointy! :D

I never push my left needle with right hand at all now, but I do tend to sort of guide the right needle with the side of my left pointer finger. It's getting an awesome callous, just as Mason commented. Note, however, that this is a really bad thing to do with the Options dpns! I bought those when they went on sale for $19.99 at KP a while ago, and I find that I do not particularly care for them. Not only are the a bit heavier than my Harmony dpns (which I adore), they are also the pointiest darned things since sewing needles! I actually cut my finger from the guiding-with-the-left thing! (Oy!) Luckily, I hinted some completely broadly to husband that I wanted the full set of Harmony dpns for the holidays that he did actually provide those as a gift (along with "No Sheep for You", a must for this wool-allergic knitter, and "Sensational Knitted Socks"! Woot!)

KnitTogether · 12-31-2008, 05:35 AM

I throw my yarn... and I've had people look at me funny, but it works for me.. so I say, whatever works for you and produces even stitches and is comfortable for you - that is what counts!

WandaT · 12-31-2008, 01:08 PM

You know, I used to do this too ... now that I think about it. Yup, the Options are sharp. That may be when I unconciously figured out another way b/c my finger was so sore. Not sure what I do now, but I will try to remember to pay attention the next time I pick up my knitting and let you know! LOL

RuthieinMaryland · 12-31-2008, 02:35 PM

Hi!

Been there, done that, for sure!

But, I love my Options (wouldn't trade them for anything!) so I adjusted. Sometimes, when I revert to pushing the point, I use my index fingernail. It's just long enough to work, but not so long that it hurts!

You could also try a couple of coats of Liquid Bandage. That'll give you some protection without being bulky.

But, best yet, somewhere along the line you'll probably make the adjustment to not pushing the point and naturally find a more comfortable way to maneuver your stitches.

Whichever you choose, just enjoy! Knitting is so super!

Good luck and happy knitting!

Ruthie

Lieuvena · 12-31-2008, 05:06 PM

You might also check out a quilting shop for adhesive finger pads. Something like this http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...questid=608832 (they're out of stock, but you can see what you'd be looking for). I did this a lot when I first started knitting but I noticed I do it less and less the longer I knit.