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Thread v yarn tension

2823 views 7 replies Latest reply: January 13, 2010 at 1:02:47 PM

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Jul 1, 2009
Posts: 4610

Stitchboard Admin message #1
Thread v yarn tension
November 9, 2009 at 12:10:43 AM

Using "normal" tension for thread projects never worked well for me. My tension was always too loose, until I started holding my thread a little differently. As a Continental knitter, I usually have yarn wrapped once around my left pinkie and then over the forefinger, and that works fine.

When knitting with thread, I find that if I wrap it around my left pinkie twice, it gives a nice, solid tension.

Melanie (cat slave and Official Feline Can Opener) =^.^=
~~~~~
I'm a beading, knitting and crochet addict. If that means I'm admitting I have a problem, then I admit to nothing. Please refrain from helping me.

Member since:
Dec 28, 2009
Posts: 7

dlowe8 message #2
Re: Thread v yarn tension
January 5, 2010 at 10:32:53 AM

I completely agree with you. I've found over the years that in working with different fibers - thread and even different types of yarn - you've really got to work on the tension to get the whole piece to come out well. That is one of the reasons I've always found the gauge swatch to be helpful - you can work with your tension and the fiber a bit before actually getting into the project.

Though I will say that I've done some gauge swatches in the past and found that when I get into the actual project - something has changed and the gauge is off. That can be very frustrating.

Dee

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Member since:
Nov 9, 2009
Posts: 62

knitnknanny message #3
Re: Thread v yarn tension
January 5, 2010 at 8:59:23 PM

Dee,

I agree with you completely about the frustration of having the size get all weird. I've read that sometimes it caused by knitting in the round after you swatched going back and forth. I try to look at the bright side of frogging and starting over. I always go faster the second time. Wink

Marilyn

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Jul 1, 2009
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Stitchboard Admin message #4
Re: Thread v yarn tension
January 5, 2010 at 11:30:07 PM

Dee and Marilyn,

Thank you, thank you, thank you...it's not just me with the occasional wonky swatches!

Any ideas on how to prevent this from happening?

Member since:
Dec 22, 2009
Posts: 7

JustJeannette message #5
Re: Thread v yarn tension
January 12, 2010 at 5:15:38 AM

Hi Guys!
I am having trouble with this one.. Because I am a new knitter. Not so much when I am working with worst weight but trying to get used to the small stuff (fingering etc for my up coming Fair Isle class).. even my guage swatch is all over the place. The best I did is when I wrapped the silly thread oodles of times around nearly all of my fingers! But who can knit like that for long!!! Angry

It seems that even with a 2.75 my stitches are bigger then what the guage is supposed to be....I don't want to be the only one having to use even smaller needles just to get the silly hat made :-
Suggestions?!?!?!?
Jeannette

Member since:
Nov 24, 2009
Posts: 270

wizdmzchyld message #6
Re: Thread v yarn tension
January 12, 2010 at 8:18:11 AM

Hi Jeanette, FIRST relax. Second remember that slow and easy wins the race. If it takes you longer to accomplish a garment by slowing down so be it. Tension is something that takes time to get the hang of. So slow down, give each stitch a gentle tug as you knit it and hold gently taut as you knit the next stitch. Gently is the operative word there. Also remember to breathe. ;-)

Charlene

Quote:

Hi Guys!
I am having trouble with this one.. Because I am a new knitter. Not so much when I am working with worst weight but trying to get used to the small stuff (fingering etc for my up coming Fair Isle class).. even my guage swatch is all over the place. The best I did is when I wrapped the silly thread oodles of times around nearly all of my fingers! But who can knit like that for long!!! Angry

Member since:
Dec 22, 2009
Posts: 7

JustJeannette message #7
Re: Thread v yarn tension
January 12, 2010 at 1:37:37 PM

Cheesy

LOL thanks! I tend to forget to do that

Yes you are right.. if I need to take longer then everyone else then thats the way I will have to be!

I think that simply getting used to the thinner yarn will also help me find that "sweet" tension spot ( I hope!)
Thank you!
Jeannette

Member since:
Nov 24, 2009
Posts: 270

wizdmzchyld message #8
Re: Thread v yarn tension
January 13, 2010 at 1:02:47 PM

Quote:

LOL thanks! I tend to forget to do that

Yes you are right.. if I need to take longer then everyone else then thats the way I will have to be!

I think that simply getting used to the thinner yarn will also help me find that "sweet" tension spot ( I hope!)
Thank you!
Jeannette

Seeing what you've already accomplished Jeannette, I'm certain you'll find your stride very soon. Please don't forget to let us see.

Charlene

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