I am knitting a sweater using 3ply bulky yarn and size 10 needles. I have a definite ridge look on the front. Every other row is definite. I have tried using a size 9 and size 8 needles in the k and/or p row. I have also switched from the English to Continental/Eastern style. All to no avail How can I knit and have a nice even stockinette? Thanks in advance for your help.
Getting a smooth/even stockinette
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Eastern C, eh? I like that method, too and also use the combined C method or even the E method.
If you're mixing methods in the same project over stockinette, there will be a ridge line. Ask me; I did it! @@ps! LOL!!
So, if that's what you've got going, choose one or the other and stay with it.
The only time I mix methods now is if I can't get 3Ptog in the C method, then I swicth to the E and just for one stitch.
If you're a young knitter, or just recently switched to C or EC, then your tension will even out in time where you could do more mixing of methods.
To be safe, though, stick to one method when doing stockinette or even reverse stockinette and this should eliminate the ridge lines.
My ridge lines, BTW, looked like waves or ripples in a pond. I left them as the flamingo embossed into the pattern appeared to be feeding in water. I took contracting pink yarn over pink flamingo pink and laid in French knots every few stitches to make it appear that birdie was eating (pink) shrimp! LOL!
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If you're mixing methods in the same project over stockinette, there will be a ridge line. Ask me; I did it! @@ps! LOL!!
So, if that's what you've got going, choose one or the other and stay with it.
The only time I mix methods now is if I can't get 3Ptog in the C method, then I swicth to the E and just for one stitch.
If you're a young knitter, or just recently switched to C or EC, then your tension will even out in time where you could do more mixing of methods.
To be safe, though, stick to one method when doing stockinette or even reverse stockinette and this should eliminate the ridge lines.
My ridge lines, BTW, looked like waves or ripples in a pond. I left them as the flamingo embossed into the pattern appeared to be feeding in water. I took contracting pink yarn over pink flamingo pink and laid in French knots every few stitches to make it appear that birdie was eating (pink) shrimp! LOL!
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tcm223 said:
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This is not unusual. Many of us purl back a little looser, making that difference. After it is washed or blocked depending upon how you block, or if you block, it may go away. It's just one of those things with hand knitting. You can try a different pair of needles that doesn't allow your yarn to slip. Wooden ones are good for 'holding on' to your yarn. I don't know how experienced you are, but if you are a newer knitter, your knitting will get more even the more you knit.
:thumbup:tcm223 said:
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If you are purling looser than you knit, you might try using a size smaller needle on the purl rows only. You could swatch it and see what this does for you. Won't be as confusing as it sounds as the 2 different sizes of needles will likely be different colors.. . . . jj
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I found that "Combination Knitting" gives me a more even looking stockinette stitch, by making my purl sts a little tighter. Search YouTube.com for this method of knitting (best explanation I've found so far) You, essentially wrap the purl stitch differently and when you knit it on the other side you have to knit into the back of the stitch to straighten it out.
I am using the English method but have ripped and then tried the c/e, then ripped and tried a smaller needle on the purl, ripped and tried smaller needle on the k. Nothing gave me a smooth/even stockinette. I am currently trying to k and p with a tighter tension and that is giving me less of a ridge. Hopefully blocking will further help. I am getting lots of suggestions. Thanks
Thanks for the suggession for wooden needles, that I haven't tried. I am a long time knitter and this ridge has always been a problem. I am just now wanting to have a better looking finished product. I am new to the forum so am really getting good ideas for all the very experienced knitters. I wish I could have had you all around earlier.
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You mention that you are using a 3 ply bulky yarn. Is the yarn itself consistent in diameter, or does it vary thick/thin as you go a ways? If it does that, there is really nothing you can do about it. It's designed into the yarn to give it a sort of homespun look.
If it is consisistent in thickness, then I agree with the others, Continental Combo generally gives a very smooth look, but Eastern may be smoother yet, because it give a slight untwist to the yarn as you work it and lets it lie flatter. Just be sure you are doing the Eastern (or Combo) correctly. The eastern and combo purl stitches should be the same, while the knit stitches wrap in clockwise direction for one and counterclockwise for the other. Also, as you make each stitch, lift your left index finger slightly to snug the yarn up against the needle. Try to do it with the same amount of "tug" and over time you should see it all smooth out a bit better. Swatch a little to decide which method you like best, and then just use it for most of your projects so you develop a more even tension over time.
If it is consisistent in thickness, then I agree with the others, Continental Combo generally gives a very smooth look, but Eastern may be smoother yet, because it give a slight untwist to the yarn as you work it and lets it lie flatter. Just be sure you are doing the Eastern (or Combo) correctly. The eastern and combo purl stitches should be the same, while the knit stitches wrap in clockwise direction for one and counterclockwise for the other. Also, as you make each stitch, lift your left index finger slightly to snug the yarn up against the needle. Try to do it with the same amount of "tug" and over time you should see it all smooth out a bit better. Swatch a little to decide which method you like best, and then just use it for most of your projects so you develop a more even tension over time.
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Your Flamingo is absolutely the cleverest thing I ever heard.
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You can pull on those stitches, tugging toward the nearest seam edge. When one st is the size it should be, tug on the next one. Continue across the row. When you get to the seam, you're home free. The excess can be worked into to seam.
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Evert since I learned the backward stitch a week or so ago (from this site) I use it continuously when doing a stockinette piece. I find it too tedius for rib stitching. I used to use two different size needles but still got ridges. The backward stitch on the purl row seems to help more. Who knows, maybe the two different size needles AND the backward stitch together would be the best solution. Haven't tried it yet! Good luck.
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I did this tugging of each stitch with a small size one needle and worked my loose row to the edge. I had almost 2 1/2" of slack to take up on 3 different rows. I just gritted my teeth and said to self, "I have to do this or I will never be pleased with it". I was happier after.StitchDesigner said:
I fell asleep knitting recently and looked down to see what I had. It seems that I had about 8 very, very loose stitches. Oh well you know what I did. Yup, tink, tink, tink. :lol:
Mary in VT
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It is common to "purl" looser than you "knit"...some people experiment with needle size, I've told new knitters, and some not so new. To purl with a bamboo needle (if they aren't using bamboo to begin with).
"Proper" blocking can take care of this "rowing out" problem, as others have mentioned.
My late sister and I learned how to knit Eastern European style (a somewhat "butchered" continental style...neither of us, nor our mother had problems with rowing out.
"Proper" blocking can take care of this "rowing out" problem, as others have mentioned.
My late sister and I learned how to knit Eastern European style (a somewhat "butchered" continental style...neither of us, nor our mother had problems with rowing out.
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I only had the ridge problen for my first 2 projects and once I got my tension right everything smoothed right out. Also on stockingnet stitch, washing once done almost always smooths out any slight imperfections in tension.
-Marie
-Marie
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