4 Ways to Pick-Up and Knit Stitches @ElizabethSmithKnits

Elizabeth Smith Knits In this video I demonstrate 4 different methods for picking-up and knitting stitches in your knitting. To fast-forward to a particular method, see my time stamps below.

Often in knitting there are techniques where there are multiple methods to accomplish the same thing and that is definitely the case with "pick-up and knit". In this video I'll show you 4 different common methods I've seen and used before that all provide similar results but each has pro's and con's depending on your particular knitting circumstance and comfort level. I hope you find it helpful!

Timestamps:
00:00-00:57: Introduction
00:58-04:08: Method 1 (through hole between 1st and 2nd columns)
04:09-08:01: Method 2 (through both legs of stitch next to edge)
08:02-10:31: Method 3 (through 1 leg of stitch next to edge)
10:32-13:27: Method 4 ( through horizontal strand between 1st and 2nd columns)
13:28-13:58: Conclusion

updated 2 years ago

4 Ways to Pick-Up and Knit Stitches

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-06-19 | In this video I demonstrate 4 different methods for picking-up and knitting stitches in your knitting. To fast-forward to a particular method, see my time stamps below.

Often in knitting there are techniques where there are multiple methods to accomplish the same thing and that is definitely the case with "pick-up and knit". In this video I'll show you 4 different common methods I've seen and used before that all provide similar results but each has pro's and con's depending on your particular knitting circumstance and comfort level. I hope you find it helpful!

Timestamps:
00:00-00:57: Introduction
00:58-04:08: Method 1 (through hole between 1st and 2nd columns)
04:09-08:01: Method 2 (through both legs of stitch next to edge)
08:02-10:31: Method 3 (through 1 leg of stitch next to edge)
10:32-13:27: Method 4 ( through horizontal strand between 1st and 2nd columns)
13:28-13:58: Conclusion

Use 2 Skeins to Long Tail Cast-On (instead of estimating!) #knitting #knittingtechnique

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2025-07-06 | Do you need to cast-on a lot of stitches and having trouble estimating the right length tail? One technique to try is ditching the estimation process and instead using 2 balls/skeins of yarn!

Note: You can also work this technique by using both the outside and inside strands in 1 skein.

For my full lesson on how to work the thumb method of the Long tail cast-on, check out this video: youtu.be/_9gGwmHiRbQ

Yarn shown here: Berroco Ultra Wool in Pine
Needles shown here: KnitPro (formerly Knitter’s Pride) Ginger

Estimating Tail Length for the Long Tail Cast-On #knitting #knittingtechniques

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2025-07-03 | Not sure how to estimate the proper length tail for the Long Tail Cast-On method? Are your tails always too short or too long? Give this simple method a try!

For the full tutorial on how to work the Long Tail Cast-On: youtu.be/_9gGwmHiRbQ?si=4Sc6yICkJoHQHaPp

Shown in this video:
Knitting Needles: KnitPro (formerly Knitter's Pride) Gingers
Yarn: Malabrigo Rios in color Seafoam

Pick-up and knit neckline stitches in the Wharf Street Vest

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2025-06-26 | In this video lesson I demonstrate how to work the neckline in my Wharf Street vest. This involves picking-up and knitting stitches around the neckline opening and then working in rib stitch.

You may find this video helpful even if you are working on a different pattern as the techniques I work are similar to what you would find in a typical crew neck when you need to pick-up and knit.

Below are timestamps should you want to fast forward to a particular step in the process:

00:00-00:28: Introduction
00:29-03:31: Pick-up & knit back neck sts
03:32-04:45: Pick-up & knit top of left shoulder
04:46-11:26: Pick-up & knit along left neck curve
11:27-12:46: Pick-up & knit center front sts
12:47-15:24: Pick-up & knit along right neck curve
15:25-15:54: Pick-up & knit top of right shoulder
15:55-17:58: Place marker for BOR and working 1st round of rib stitch.

Note: to watch my other Wharf Street Vest video that includes the demo on how to bind-off in pattern, click here: youtu.be/4BVRUc7lV2I For pattern details: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/wharf-street

About me and my knitting design process

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2025-05-15 | It's been quite a while since I created an introduction video so I thought it was about time to re-introduce myself and tell you a little bit about my knitting design process!

Interested in signing up for my free weekly email, Friday Night Knit Tips? Click here: elizabethsmithknits.com/newsletter-signup

My knitting patterns on:
- My website: elizabethsmithknits.com/shop
- Ravelry: ravelry.com/designers/elizabeth-smith

Music credit: Acoustic Guitar 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Scrap Yarn Stitch Holder Mishap (collapsed stitches)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2025-04-24 | In this lesson, I explain a common mishap that can happen when using scrap yarn as a stitch holder - collapsed stitches! So what exactly is this issue? Sometimes stitches can collapse when being held on scrap yarn, and when you go to transfer them back onto your knitting needle, you accidentally transfer the stitch underneath the held stitch (due to the fact that the held stitch collapsed and it was hard to see). And this in turn causes the stitches in the fabric to look distorted.

In this video, I use a real-life example to demonstrate:
- Why it occurred
- How to avoid it from happening to you
- And how to fix it should the mishap ever happen to you!

Below are timestamps should you want to fast-forward to particular segments of this lesson:
00:00-03:43: Introducing, explaining the issue
03:44-7:13 : How to avoid the mishap from happening if using scrap yarn as your stitch holder
07:14-08:10: Alternatives to scrap yarn as another method to avoid this potential mishap
08:11-19:00: How to fix this situation if it happens to you (by tinking and picking-up dropped stitches with a crochet hook).

Here are links to things mentioned during this lesson:
- Sporty 45 Cardigan design: ravelry.com/patterns/library/sporty-45-cardigan

- Yarn featured is Ewe Ewe Yarns "Ewe So Sporty": eweewe.com/collections/yarns/products/ewe-so-sporty-merino-yarn

- Stitch holder cords info and demo: elizabethsmithknits.com/2022/08/26/how-to-use-stitch-holder-cords

- Fix it tool I used in demonstration: "Susan Bates Handi Tool" - available at most LYS's (here it is at my LYS: motherofpurlyarn.com/collections/helpful-tools/products/handi-tool)

How to frog AND tink your knitting

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2025-03-19 | Do you need to undo several (or more!) rows of knitting? "Tinking" is a great technique for un-knitting stitches one-by-one, but when I have lots of rows to undo I like to combine frogging (i.e, ripping out) AND tinking.

In this video I demonstrate how I frog and tink when knitting flat as well as when knitting in the round.

For more info/tutorials about "tinking", also check out my tinking 101 video lesson here: youtu.be/gW862MPVPCs?si=jVQkSnkr_j2tn7XO

How to m1p-R and m1p-L

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2025-01-14 | In this video I demonstrate how to work the increase stitch "m1p" which stands for "make one purlwise". There are 2 variations of this: m1p-R (right-leaning) and m1p-L (left-leaning).

These increases are very similar to the more common "m1" increases that are done on the right-side of the work, but since these are done purlwise they are typically done on the wrong-side of the work.

For my video on how to work a regular "m1" increase: youtube.com/watch?v=PCM27AqEpbo

Tip for having your flat gauge better match your in the round gauge

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-12-05 | In this video I share my tip for having your flat gauge better match your in the round gauge when knitting garments that require both in the round and flat knitting. This issue can come up if your purl stitches are looser than your knit stitches. So when you switch from working in the round to working flat, your fabric can look looser.

To help my flat fabric look more similar to my in the round fabric, I like to work my flat purl rows with 1 needle size smaller. Working with 2 needle sizes at the same time isn't as tricky as you might think - in this video I show you exactly how you do it!

Working the V-Neck Trim in Audreys Pullover

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-12-05 | In this video lesson I demonstrate every step involved in working the v-neck trim in Audrey's Pullover (ravelry.com/patterns/library/audreys-pullover). However, many of the techniques I demo are similar to other v-neck sweaters so it may be helpful for other patterns as well!

I demonstrate how to pick-up and knit your stitches, working the mitered rib stitch and binding-off in pattern. Below are timestamps so you can fast-forward to whichever section you need help with.

00:00-00:29: Introduction.
00:30-07:25: Pick-up and knit back neck and left shoulder stitches.
07:26-14:34: Pick-up and knit stitches going down left front.
14:35-16:21: Pick-up and knit center stitch and place marker.
16:22-21:18: Pick-up and knit stitches going up right front and also picking-up and knitting right shoulder stitches.
21:19-27:48: Working the rib trim (including working the CDD at 24:33).
27:49-34:28: Binding-off in pattern.

Jog-less 1 Row Stripes in the Round (featured in Audreys Pullover)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-12-05 | In this video lesson I demonstrate how I worked the 1 row jog-less stripes featured in my Audrey's Pullover design (ravelry.com/patterns/library/audreys-pullover).

The techniques I demonstrate I first learned by watching a couple of videos created by knitting designer & author Patty Lyons - below are links to her videos which I highly recommend!
Patty Lyons video 1: youtu.be/zM8KgKPLPN0?si=X7SUDAoKpgGotdXo
Patty Lyons video 2: youtu.be/AU6McI2J4mw?si=uEnrPV56qNZErJVV

My video lesson here shows how I utilized these techniques for this particular design (although it could be helpful for any project where you want to work 1 row stripes in the round), plus I also demonstrate how I weave in my stripe ends. To fast-forward to specific parts of this demo, see the timestamps below:

00:00-02:09: Introduction about jog-less stripes and what I'll be demonstrating.
02:10-12:07: Working the jog-less technique.
12:08-15:22: Weaving in stripe ends

Color Joining Method in the Gray Street cowl

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-11-21 | In this video I show you my preferred way for joining a new color in my Gray Street cowl pattern while working the twisted rib stitch pattern.
NOTE: I'm working my stitches through the back loop because that is the stitch pattern in this design. If you want to use this joining technique for a different pattern, just work your stitches as you instructed.

To purchase the pattern on Ravelry: ravelry.com/patterns/library/gray-street

Yarn kits for this design are available at Ewe Ewe Yarns! eweewe.com/products/gray-street-cowl-yarn-kit

How to work the TWISTED RIB in Gray Street cowl

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-11-21 | In this quick tutorial, I demonstrate how to work the 2 stitches involved in the Twisted Rib stitch pattern featured in my Gray Street cowl (k1tbl & p1tbl).

To purchase the pattern on Ravelry: ravelry.com/patterns/library/gray-street

Yarn kits for this cowl are available at Ewe Ewe Yarns! eweewe.com/products/gray-street-cowl-yarn-kit

Pick-up and knit stitches around the armhole in the Wharf Street Vest

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-08-02 | In this video lesson I demonstrate how to work the armhole trim in my Wharf Street vest. This involves picking-up and knitting stitches around the armhole opening and then working in rib stitch. I also demonstrate how to bind-off in pattern as well as how to weave in ends around the underarm to cinch up any looseness that may appear.

You may find this video helpful even if you are working on a different pattern as the techniques I work are similar to what you would find in a typical armhole when you need to pick-up and knit.

Below are timestamps should you want to fast forward to a particular step in the process:

00:00-00:47: Introduction
00:48-03:51: Pick-up & knit leftside underarm stitches
03:52-11:23: Pick-up & knit 3 stitches for every 4 rows around armhole
11:24-12:59: Pick-up & knit rightside underarm stitches
13:00-14:52: Working rib stitch in the round
14:53-17:23: Binding off in pattern
17:24 -23:48: Weaving in ends around the underarm area

For pattern details: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/wharf-street

Backward Loop Cast-On (for beginner knitters)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-07-18 | In this mini lesson I demonstrate how to work the backward loop cast-on, both when working this cast-on at the very start of a project (for true-blue beginners) as well as when it's worked in the middle of a project.

Although it's most typically used when needing to cast-on stitches mid-project (such as when you need to cast-on stitches at the beginning/end of a row), it's also a very beginner-friendly cast-on to use at the very start of a project for new knitters who are just getting started learning to knit.

Below are the timestamps of what exactly I discuss in this 10-minute lesson:
00:00-01:12: Introduction and the pro's and con's of this cast-on.
01:13-06:43: Demo of how it's worked when using it as a 'getting started' cast-on, including how to make a slip knot (so it's very beginner-friendly!).
06:44-9:29: Demo of how it's worked when using it in the middle of your project when you already have stitches on the needle (such as at the end of a row).
09:30-10:08: Demo of how you undo a cast-on stitch if it doesn't look right and you want to try again, and the conclusion.

Looking for more "learn to knit" resources? Check out my Learn to Knit page on my website! elizabethsmithknits.com/learn-to-knit

How to knit the lace pattern in Farro Vest (and using stitch markers)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-04-11 | In this video lesson I walk you through how to work the 8 row lace pattern that is featured in my Farro Vest knitting design (elizabethsmithknits.com/product/farro) and how you can use stitch markers to help you keep track of your repeated sequences. It's important though to watch to the end where I show you how the stitch markers need to be moved on row 7! Below is a list of timestamps should you want to skip ahead to certain spots:

00:00-00:35: Video Introduction explaining my demo swatch.
00:35-01:49: How to place your markers to help you keep track of your repeated sequences.
01:50-04:41: Working lace pattern’s row 1 sequence.
04:42-07:01: Examples of how stitch markers can help when working lace.
07:02-08:05: Finishing row 1 of lace pattern.
08:06-09:03: Working row 2 of lace pattern.
09:04-12:06: Working lace pattern’s row 3 sequence.
12:07-12:37: Working row 4 of lace pattern.
12:38-14:05: Working lace pattern’s row 5 sequence.
14:06-17:36: Example of how to “tink” back a lace sequence .
17:37-17:56: Finishing row 5 of lace pattern.
17:57-18:16: Working row 6 of lace pattern.
18:17-20:48: Moving stitch markers before beginning row 7.
20:49-25:06: Working lace pattern’s row 7 sequence.
25:07-25:36: Explaining row 7 of lace pattern & video conclusion.

How to work the v-neck trim in Sporty 45 pullover

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-03-27 | In this video I demonstrate all the steps involved in working the v-neck trim in my Sporty 45 pullover design (elizabethsmithknits.com/product/sporty-45-pullover/). I show you how to pick-up and knit stitches around the neckline as well as how to work the mitered rib stitch pattern. Below are the timestamps should you want to fast forward to a particular section of the lesson:

00:00-1:00: Video introduction
1:01-11:13: Pick-up and knit stitches around neckline
11:14-17:29: Working mitered rib stitch
17:30-20:05: Binding-off in pattern

How to Knit 1-Row Stripes (and not cut yarn!)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-03-27 | In this video I demonstrate how you can knit 1-row stripes when working flat (such as in a cardigan) without having to cut the yarn each time. I use this technique in a couple of my designs, including:
- Layla cardign: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/layla
- Sporty 45 cardigan: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/sporty-45-cardigan

I also demonstrate how I join a new color when working flat. I hope you find it helpful!

The yarn I use in this demo is Ewe Ewe Yarn's "Ewe So Sporty" in the wheat and orange peel colorways: eweewe.com/collections/yarns/products/ewe-so-sporty-merino-yarn

Learn about the Alanis Virtual Knitting Course!

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-03-15 | In this video I explain what my Alanis virtual knitting course is all about! For more details and to purchase the course, visit: elizabethsmithknits.thinkific.com/courses/alanis

Here is also a link to the Alanis pattern page for more photos and details about the design:
Ravelry: ravelry.com/patterns/library/alanis-3
My Website: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/alanis

How to work the stitch pattern featured in Rising Tide

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-03-12 | In this video I demonstrate how to knit the loop stitch pattern that is featured in my Rising Tide cardigan pattern (link below). I also provide tips on how to "read your knitting" with this stitch pattern. See timestamps below for specific spots to check out.

00:00-00:47: Introduction & working row 1 of stitch pattern
00:48-02:21: Working row 2 of stitch pattern
02:22-02:40: Working row 3 of stitch pattern
02:41-03:49: Working row 4 of stitch pattern
03:50-09:02: How to "read your knitting" with this stitch pattern

Pattern link on Ravelry: ravelry.com/patterns/library/rising-tide-2

How to work the stitch pattern featured in Coastland

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-03-12 | In this video I demonstrate how to knit the 2-color slip stitch mesh stitch pattern that is featured in my Coastland patterns (both the top and the cowl). Because the stitch pattern is worked slightly different depending on if you are working it in the round vs flat (and in the Coastland top you will need to do both), I have provided demonstrations for each row of both versions of the stitch pattern. See timestamps below for specific spots in case you just need help on a few particular rounds. And here are links to the Ravelry pages for both patterns:
Coastland top: ravelry.com/patterns/library/coastland
Coastland cowl: ravelry.com/patterns/library/coastland-cowl-2

00:00-00:40: Introduction
00:41-01:34: Working in the round, rounds 1-2.
01:35-04:20: Working in the round, round 3 (and how to join contrasting color).
04:21-05:38: Working in the round, round 4.
05:39-07:53: Working in the round, round 5 (and how to carry-up yarn).
07:54-10:21: Working in the round, round 6 (and how to carry-up contrasting color)
10:22-11:04: Working in the round, rounds 7-8.
11:05-12:10: Working in the round, round 9.
12:11-12:57: Working in the round, round 10.
12:58-14:42: Working in the round, round 11.
14:43-16:04: Working in the round, round 12 (and how to carry-up contrasting color).
16:05-17:24: Working flat, row 1.
17:25-17:57: Working flat, row 2.
17:58-19:14: Working flat, row 3 (and how to carry-up yarn).
19:15-20:30: Working flat, row 4.
20:31-21:50: Working flat, row 5.
21:51-22:24: Working flat, row 6.
22:25-24:06: Working flat, row 7 (and how to carry-up contrasting color).
24:07-24:31: Working flat, row 8.
24:32-25:37: Working flat, row 9.
24:38-26:24: Working flat, row 10.
26:25-27:47: Working flat, row 11.
27:48-28:59: Working flat, row 12 (and how to carry-up contrasting color).

How to join fronts in a top-down pullover

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-03-06 | In this video I walk you through the typical process of joining your fronts together and beginning to work in the round when working a top-down raglan pullover design. I use my Mud Season pattern (elizabethsmithknits.com/product/mud-season) as the example, but the process is often similar in other top-down pullover patterns.

When working a top-down pullover, often you start with working back and forth (and not in the round) in order to shape the neckline. Once that is done, stitches are cast-on for your center front and then stitches are shifted around in order to have your beginning of round located at the back of the sweater. My video lesson here walks you through this entire process. Timestamps are located below should you want to just watch certain parts of this process:

00:00-01:15: Video introduction, explaining why top-down pullovers are often not started in the round.
01:16-05:20: Cable casting-on stitches for center front.
05:21-08:07 Break yarn, slipping stitches and placing a new BOR marker.
08:08-14:55: Rejoining yarn and working the joining round.
14:56-15:41: Fixing looseness at BOR and video conclusion.

How to join hems in the First Crocus top

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2024-02-21 | In this video I demonstrate the "joining hems" step in the First Crocus top knitting pattern. Prior to this step we had worked the Back and Front Hems, and now we're working the process to join them together so that the body can be worked in the round.
For pattern information, visit Ravelry:
Ravelry: ravelry.com/patterns/library/first-crocus

How do you measure length when knitting?

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2023-04-21 | When you are measuring length in knitting, when your stitches are still on the needles, where do you measure from? Right under the needle, over the needle, or somewhere in-between? In this video I answer this question and provide a a couple of demos that test out the most effective method.

How to undo your cast-on edge (so you can alter your sweater length!)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2023-03-31 | Have you ever knit a bottom-up sweater only to wish later on that you could alter the length? In a top-down sweater, altering length is easy because you can just undo your bound-off edge. But you can't undo a cast-on edge in the same manner, so in a sweater that is knit from the bottom-up you may think you have no options...but you do! With a little sweater surgery, you can undo your cast-on edge and hem and alter the sweater length, whether it be adding more length or removing some length.

In this video lesson, I show you the method I like to use and I provide 4 different demonstrations. Sweater surgery may sound scary, but after watching this video lesson and practicing on your own for a bit, you'll learn it's not that hard after all! For additional tips and tutorials mentioned in this lesson, see below.

How to tink: youtu.be/gW862MPVPCs
How to insert a lifeline: elizabethsmithknits.com/2021/02/26/lifelines-in-knitting

Armhole Shaping in Capo & Capolette

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2023-03-10 | This video lesson walks you through the 3 rounds involved in the "Armhole Shaping" sections of both the Capo and Capolette knitting patterns (links below to the patterns). In this video I show you how to:
- Bind-off in the middle of a row
- work a m1-R
- work a sl1 purlwise
- lifting a stitch up and over a slip stitch
- working a cable cast-on

Even if you aren't working on Capo or Capolette, if the pattern you are knitting are using any of the above techniques, you might find it helpful!

Capo Pattern Page: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/capo
Capolette Pattern Page: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/capolette

Attaching Shoulders in the Brookdale Vest

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-11-06 | In this video I walk you through how to attach the shoulders in the Brookdale Vest (pattern link below):

elizabethsmithknits.com/product/brookdale

Attaching Panels in the Brookdale Vest

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-11-06 | In this video I show you step-by-step how to work the "Join Front Panel Ends" and "Join Back Neck" sections in the Brookdale Vest (pattern link below):
elizabethsmithknits.com/product/brookdale

Underarm Divide in the Brookdale Vest

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-10-23 | In this video I demonstrate how to work the Underarm Divide section of the Brookdale Vest. I'll show you how stitches are worked and then slipped onto scrap yarn (to be held) and how to bind-off in the middle of your work.

Although the instructions I demo are specific to the Brookdale Vest, many of these techniques are used in other vest constructions so it may be helpful for other projects as well.

Working the Body Underarms in the Brookdale Vest

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-10-21 | In this video I show you how to work the Body Underarm section of the Brookdale vest.

How to pick-up and knit v-neck stitches for the Ice Breaker Top

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-10-21 | In this video I show you how I pick-up and knit stitches for the v-neck trim in my Ice Breaker top.

How to work the SSP knitting decrease

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-10-17 | In this video I show you how to work an "SSP" decrease. This is the purl version of the "SSK" decrease and is often worked either on the purl-side of fabric, or when you're working in a rib stitch.

How to knit the rice stitch (featured in the Brookdale Vest)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-10-09 | In this video I show you how to work the rice stitch pattern. This is the pattern featured in my Brookdale Vest pattern (link below).

Brookdale Vest: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/brookdale

How to work the KSP knitting decrease

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-09-16 | In this video I demonstrate how to work the "KSP" knitting decrease. It can be used as an alternative to the more common "k2tog" decrease (as they are both right-leaning decreases). I find it pairs well with the left-leaning decrease "SSK".

Eyelet stitch featured in Rosanna cardigan

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-06-03 | In this video I show you how I work the eyelet stitch motif that's featured in my Rosanna cardigan. This stitch pattern features the following types of stitches: YO (yarn over), skp (slip, knit, pass) and sk2p (slip, k2tog, pass).

For pattern details: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/rosanna

Introducing: Rosanna Cardigan

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-06-03 | Learn more about my Rosanna cardigan design in this introduction video. Here I'll walk you through the construction and stitches, yarn and gauge and sizing.
For pattern details: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/rosanna
For my Rosanna Tips page: elizabethsmithknits.com/rosannatips

My 3 Methods for Winding Yarn (for beginners!)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-03-31 | In this mini lesson, I walk you through the 3 different methods I use for winding yarn. I show you each method step-by-step, so it's great for absolute beginners! The three methods I use are:
1) Ball winder & swift
2) Chair
3) Knees

How to bind-off in the middle of your work

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-03-31 | In this video I walk you through how to bind-off in the middle of your work. You'll often be instructed to do this when knitting sweaters - either at an underarm, for a back neck or as part of neck shaping.

How to knit with 2 strands of yarn held together (double-stranding)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-03-17 | In this video I demonstrate "double-stranding", the method of knitting (or purling) with 2 strands of yarn held together.

BLOG POST FOR DOUBLE-STRANDING 101: elizabethsmithknits.com/2020/07/31/double-stranding-101

PROJECT IDEAS:
Cloud Illusions Cowl (best for beginner knitters!): elizabethsmithknits.com/product/cloud-illusions

Maple Cowl: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/maple-cowl

Amaryllis Sweater: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/amaryllis

Garter Lace Ladder Stitch (how to work double yarn-overs)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-02-16 | In this video I show you how to the work the garter lace ladder stitch - this stitch features a double yarn-over which I demonstrate, so this video may be helpful for other stitch patterns as well!
I use the garter lace ladder stitch in my Coming Home scarf/wrap pattern - here's the link for the pattern details: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/coming-home

How to YO, p2tog, as featured in the Cobbles Cowl

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-01-27 | In this video I show you how to work a "YO, p2tog" (yarn-over, then purl 2 stitches together), a stitch featured in my Cobbles Cowl. I also show you how to carry your yarn up when working the stitch pattern in Cobbles Cowl (since this cowl features 2 colors).
Pattern details: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/cobbles-cowl

How to work a yarn-over (YO), before a knit OR purl stitch

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2022-01-23 | In this video I show you how to work a yarn-over, often abbreviated "YO". I show you how it's worked when done before a knit stitch as well as before a purl stitch.

Magic Loop Knitting Technique (from start to finish)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2021-12-23 | Learn the magic loop knitting technique, from cast-on to bind-off! In this video I show you how to get started when working magic loop, how to work the technique and also how to bind-off.

For information about the Saturday Sleeves pattern: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/saturday-sleeves

For more information about the Magic Loop technique::
elizabethsmithknits.com/techniques/magic-loop

Working with DPNs (double pointed needles)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2021-12-22 | Learn how to get started working with DPN's (double pointed needles)! I show you how I cast-on, distribute my stitches to 3 needles, and then how I work in the round. I also show tips on how to rearrange stitches and how to change to a different needle size mid-work.

If you're new to casting-on, check out my beginner cast-on video here: youtu.be/_9gGwmHiRbQ

For pattern information about the Midcoast Mitts: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/midcoast-mitts

How to work a split hem joining row

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2021-12-06 | In this video I show you how to work the joining row in a split hem, using my Low-key vest and cowl design as my example (both pieces use the exact same split hem instruction). Note: I added a subtitle at the 7:02 mark to note that you need to k2 on the back BEFORE you place the next marker (as the written pattern says - it was my mistake in the video!).

For pattern details, as well as info on purchasing the pattern PDF, click the links below:
Low-key vest: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/low-key
Low-key cowl: elizabethsmithknits.com/product/low-key-cowl

Cartridge Belt Rib Stitch (featured in the Morgan cardigan)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2021-11-04 | In this video I walk you through how to work the cartridge belt rib stitch that is featured in my Morgan cardigan. I also share tips on how to 'read your knitting' with this stitch pattern, which can make this stitch so much more relaxing to work.

How to k1tbl (kniit 1 through the back loop)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2021-08-06 | In this video I show you how to work a "k1tbl" which stands for "knit 1 through the back loop."

How to work Irish Mesh stitch featured in Cruel Summer cardi

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2021-06-25 | In this video I show you how to work the 4-row stitch pattern in the Irish Mesh stitch which is featured in my Cruel Summer cardi. I also show you how to work a slip stitch edging with it (and share tips on doing this with linen yarn), and I provide tips on "reading your knitting" with this stitch pattern so can avoid making mistakes.

How to work German Short Rows (and sub them in for wrap & turn)

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2021-06-24 | In this video I demonstrate how to work German Short Rows as well as explain how you can sub them in for wrap and turn short rows if you prefer.

Weaving in ends in a Sweater

Elizabeth Smith Knits 2021-06-12 | In this video I show you some examples of how to weave in ends in a sweater, using my Azalea top as the example. I show you how I weave in ends at the side, at the underarms, at the neckline and in the sleeve cuff. In most of my examples I am using the duplicate stitch technique - I recommend that you also take a look at my blog post about this topic as I have additional photos that will help explain the technique: elizabethsmithknits.com/2020/12/09/duplicate-stitch-for-weaving-in-ends