Violent Knitting

You likely found your way here because of my TikTok videos. Whether you did or not, here they are for you to enjoy. I hope you enjoy watching them as much as I enjoyed making them.

What I really like about the TikTok platform is that the videos automatically play on a loop. This means that I can record a very short clip, but you can see the movement over and over again as many times as you need to. Granted, this function doesn't work on the embedded video; you'll have to click through to the TikTok website to get the looping function.

Casting On

 

@finnishedknits You asked for it. How to cast on. Start with a slipknot. #knitting #learntoknit #opineulomaan #violentknitting ♬ original sound - FinnishedKnits

 

Creating the first row of stitches onto the needles is called casting on. There are multiple different ways to do that, each with its purposes and pros and cons. This particular method is called the long-tail cast-on, and it's also known as a continental, double, two-strand, or slingshot cast-on.

The first step in the whole process is to create a slipknot and place that on the needle. Some people like to use two needles held together when doing the cast-on so that the first row of stitches isn't too tight. Using two needles is a personal preference and depends on how tight your knitting is to begin with. Another option would be to use a larger needle to cast on: this way the stitches are looser but not too big.

In my video clip, I'm using my Addi FlexiFlip Needles. I especially like to use these when making socks. They allow me to knit a smaller circumference item in the round, but I don't have to juggle five double-pointed needles.

Casting On: Overhead View

 

@finnishedknits Replying to @_dragonflyz_ another angle of the cast on. #knitting #neulonta #learntoknit #violentknitting #caston ♬ original sound - FinnishedKnits

 The second video is the same cast-on from an overhead angle. Practicing the movement repeatedly trains your muscles to automatically remember them, making it possible to speed up the process. You know, that whole riding a bike concept.

Knit Stitch: The OG Video

 

@finnishedknits Want to learn how to knit? Knitting is a brutal business #knitting #stabit #neulonta #learntoknit #opineulomaan ♬ original sound - FinnishedKnits

 

This is the video that started it all. I had heard this mnemonic a couple of times over the years. I was sitting in my car waiting on one of my kids and knitting, which is what I usually do whenever I'm waiting for anything. I was feeling silly, and this is the result.

In this video, I'm using my Knitter's Pride Dreamz Interchangeable Needles

Starting A New Row

 

@finnishedknits Switching to the next row: what to do when you get to the end. It’s simpler than you might think. #knitting #knittok #learntoknit #neulonta #opineulomaan #violentknitting ♬ original sound - FinnishedKnits

 

Once you've knit the first row, you'll need to knit or purl back the other way. Starting a new row is much easier than one might think: all you need to do is turn your piece around and start knitting back the other direction just like you were on the other side.

Continuing to use the knit stitch on the so-called wrong side of your garment results in a fabric called garter. It has a texture of bumpy rows on both sides and is quite squishy.

If you want the right side of your garment to have a smooth feel, you'll need to use the purl stitch:

Purl Stitch

 

@finnishedknits Here’s how to purl. This is a sneak attack from behind #knitting #knittok #neulonta #violentknitting #stabit #learntoknit ♬ original sound - FinnishedKnits

 

The purl stitch is the back side of a knit stitch. When knitting flat, that is knitting back and forth, in order to have a smooth surface on one side, it is necessary to employ purl stitches on the wrong side. This creates a fabric called stockinette, where all the stitches are facing the same way, and one side is flat while the other side is bumpy.

Many patterns also mix knit and purl stitches to create fun patterns in the fabric.

Changing Colors/Joining a New Yarn

 

@finnishedknits Changing colors/yarns. I don’t like to use knots or most joins because they often create bumps. If you weave your yarn in far enough after the change, it’ll stay put just fine. #knitting #neulonta #violentknitting ♬ original sound - FinnishedKnits

 

There are lots of one-skein patterns and tons of fun multi-colored yarns, but eventually, you're going to need to join in a new yarn. I personally don't care much for different knots, as they'll leave a bump in the fabric. If you weave in your end far enough, it will hold just fine and won't be visible on the right side of the fabric.

First, you start knitting with the new yarn as if it has always been there. Each time you make a new stitch, you wrap the tail of the old yarn around your working yarn. You'll want to have a 5-6 inch tail and wrap it for at least 15-20 stitches. Once you get back to the spot where the new yarn joined, wrap the tail from the new yarn around the working yarn the same way, so you don't have to weave it in later.

Binding Off

 

@finnishedknits Binding off: ending your work so it doesn’t unravel. When you get to one remaining stitch, cut your yarn and pull the tail through. #knitting #neulonta #violentknitting #bindoff ♬ original sound - FinnishedKnits

When you've completed your piece, you'll need to bind off the end to keep it from unraveling. Again, there are multiple different ways to do this, but here is a basic one. This one is called Traditional, Standard, or Chain bind-off.