I knitted a hat!
I knitted a hat! 🧶
Is toiling knitting patterns a thing? This is not my best work, but I did this project specifically to learn:
- how to shape a beanie (newsflash: it can be easy if you’re not fussy)
- a stretchy cast-on technique (old Norwegian/German twisted)
- how to knit continental style.
The stretchy cast-on has a few steps to it, but after a few attempts I found the rhythm of the movements to do it well enough. The continental knitting style was quite a bit harder for me though – I got the basics fairly quickly, but am finding it really hard to get fluid movements and keep good tension with my left hand. Towards the end I was starting to get it, the needle angle and way of holding the yarn change how much cramping I get in my hands and shoulders… Any advice on getting better at continental knitting and/or avoiding injury is welcome! (Until now I’ve been using a flicking style, with the right index finger bringing the yarn around, keeping both hands on the needles).
The hat itself is cute – but I’ll make it smaller in diameter next time, and possibly an inch or two longer, so I can fold the brim up above the ears. I like the way the decreases spiral upwards (just simple k2tog). I used leftover recycled yarn from last year (I wouldn’t buy this specific yarn again – it doesn’t have much wool fibre and is not very resistant over time). I don’t know what kind or colour of yarn I’ll use for the real (non-tester) beanie… can’t decide between fluffy mohair or something smooth, dark or light 🤷‍♀️ We’ll see!
#hatknitting #beanieknitting #knitting #beginnerknitter
