KNITTING FAQ - READ BEFORE POSTING (updated 12-1-07)

[craftfans]

That's so great! it is very useful for me. thanks

[KLKing]

 I just read thru this. here's a copyright pattern question.
 I found a pattern in a book. In one case, I combined bits of info from several patterns, like how to shape an armhole, etc. Basically, I wrote my own pattern but researched info to get shaping guidelines. I do not believe that violates anyone's copyrights.
  But here's another scenario:
I found a pattern, and calculated it and changed the yarn, needles, and stitch count to make a different item. In fact, it was different in many ways, but the stitch used was the same, as well as the border design. Do I need to give credit to the source, or is my piece considered a new work? In this case I modified an Afghan pattern into a shawl. The only thing remaining of the original pattern is the general look of the stitch pattern.
Plus, I re-wrote the instructions in my own words, and changed all the specs., as mentioned already. I thought about scanning the original afghan, but did not know if this was allowed. I have seen some vintage patterns shown which have been scanned, and posted. I do not think this is OK.
What is and is not acceptable in this case? How many changes need to be made to consider something a new work?

[katesi]

RE: Curling stockinette. If you double knit something it will also lay flat. It means you should probably reduce your yarn weight but it works wonderfully for stockinette scarves and is great for colorwork.

[Luv2CUSmile]

This is a great starter thread. I saw many things I had questions about. However, I am still looking for sources to help me "read a pattern" - I am trying to learn how to read written patterns- charts will be helpful too if I ever need one but I don't see many patterns with charts unless it is knit with a design in the middle or something. (Which I hope to learn as well)
Can anyone help me find resources? I have done man google searches and am not really finding much more than I already know...
I am also most into loom knitting right now but hope to get much better in my needle knitting as well.  I am loving the looms and knit boards but am getting frustrated when I can't understand some of the patterns. Whether it be from terms used b the particular designer for the loom or whether it is because I am attempting to loom knit an original needle knit pattern...
Thx a lot! I am glad I found this group!

~Luv

[knitcrysis]

Hello all!  Thanks for compiling the list of how-to-videos and links.  I still have a question about purling, more specifically in the stockinette k1p1 stitch. 

I have watched many videos, and read different directions of different approaches to purling.  It looks like I am doing it correctly, but every time I do either an entire row in purl, or k1p1, I don't see any difference in the finished product than if I simply did a garter stitch.  I am wondering if there is a common error in purling, or something to avoid, or remember to do. 

[KLKing]

Hello all!  Thanks for compiling the list of how-to-videos and links.  I still have a question about purling, more specifically in the stockinette k1p1 stitch. 

I have watched many videos, and read different directions of different approaches to purling.  It looks like I am doing it correctly, but every time I do either an entire row in purl, or k1p1, I don't see any difference in the finished product than if I simply did a garter stitch.  I am wondering if there is a common error in purling, or something to avoid, or remember to do. 

If you Purl row after row, you WILL get a garter stitch. It's when you knit one row, then purl one row that the front is flat, and the back has nubs.
A purl has the nub showing on front. A Knit is flat on the front, with the nub on the back.

[Msluna]

What a great compilation.  I have a few things to add:

Where can I find a free pattern for X?
 www.ravelry.com is a huge compilation of patterns from free to in books. I discovered this site last year and it has rocked my world and wasted so many hours of my life that I could have actually spent knitting.

To address the "How to read charts" question

A lot of patterns have a chart and then they break it down in the knitting abbreviations (K, SSK, YO, etc.).  You will have a chart and a legend for that chart.  Each box on the chart is a stitch and each line is row, working from the bottom up (the bottom is row 1). 

Here is a link of standard abbreviations
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/chart_knit.html

The more practice you have knitting from charts the easier it will become.