How to avoid the gap?

SpiritMoon · 06-04-2009, 09:48 AM

When I am knitting and using a stitch marker to mark where my decreases need to be, I always end up with a gap in that spot. I have used various sizes of stitch markers from standard size to very tiny and slender, I have also used scrap yarn to mark this spot. Yet I still end up with the gap in my project. What can I do to lose this gap?

MerigoldinWA · 06-04-2009, 03:32 PM

Use a thin marker, maybe a yarn one (my husband experimented with a lot of different stitch markers and his favorites were made of a fairly oversize loop of embroidery floss) so it is flexible. Then be sure to pull your next stitch up so that it is just as close to the one before the marker as any other stitch. I don't know what else to say. You may also find that you don't need every marker you are instructed to use. If you can tell what is going on without it don't use it. I try to use them as little as possible because I'm lazy about slipping them, nuisance. I hope that helps some.

Ingrid · 06-04-2009, 07:26 PM

Are you sure the gap is created by the marker rather than the decrease?

SpiritMoon · 06-04-2009, 07:38 PM

Well the decrease is ssk and knit 2 tog (or sssk and knit 3 tog latter in the pattern) in the center of the pattern. Is this type of decrease supposed to cause a gap?

Originally Posted by Ingrid

Are you sure the gap is created by the marker rather than the decrease?

OffJumpsJack · 06-04-2009, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by SpiritMoon

How to avoid the gap?

Um, don't take the tubes/underground when you are in England.

Yeah, That's the ticket!

If you're not looking for British humor, then I'm betting on Ingrid to answer this question.

suzeeq · 06-04-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Well the decrease is ssk and knit 2 tog (or sssk and knit 3 tog latter in the pattern) in the center of the pattern. Is this type of decrease supposed to cause a gap?

If they're next to each other, yes, that makes a little bit of a gap. But it should even out when you wash or block the item.

SpiritMoon · 06-04-2009, 08:05 PM

They are next to each other and the stich marker helps you to know where your center is. its ssk (sssk) pm k2tog (k3tog) knit t end.

Originally Posted by suzeeq

If they're next to each other, yes, that makes a little bit of a gap. But it should even out when you wash or block the item.

MerigoldinWA · 06-04-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Are you sure the gap is created by the marker rather than the decrease?

Duh. Why didn't I think of that. LOL Yes, the decreases can cause a little gap. No fault of yours, just happens.

SpiritMoon · 06-04-2009, 10:08 PM

OK, is there a way to minimize this gap. I am working on a knit bikini top that will be transformed into a Coin Bra for Belly Dance, and would like to minimize that gap as much as possible.

Originally Posted by MerigoldinWA

Duh. Why didn't I think of that. LOL Yes, the decreases can cause a little gap. No fault of yours, just happens.

suzeeq · 06-05-2009, 02:17 AM

What fiber is your yarn? They may even out when you block or wash the item.