One of my favorite things about knitting is learning new ways to make my work more professional looking. Little touches can make or break a project and it's important to utilize the proper technique for the perfect effect.
Nothing can ruin your work like a cast on that is too tight or a sloppy bind off. Here are my favorite methods to start and end ribbed edges.
When I decided to knit Eunny's Endpaper Mitts, I was completely mystified with the Italian tubular cast on. I mean, come on! Like it's that important?!?! What's wrong with a loose long tail? I actually took offense at the suggestion. BUT TRUST ME, this is so much easier than it seems and looks spectacular!
Easy tubular cast on (without waste yarn!!)
Once you get a rhythm going, it's easy peesy!!
Use this cast on for socks and mittens or anytime you start off with 1x1 ribbing. Amaze yourself!
Back to the endpaper mitts... I totally nailed the colorwork. I was so happy with what I had accomplished! It was all even and perfect and I didn't mess up once! What's that? Eunny says to try a different bind off? What?!?! Crap. Another new thing to learn? Ugh. Set up rows? What a pain.
Then I found this
A really cool bind off without set up rows. You know what? I learned this one BEFORE I could even kitchener. It's what got me off my lazy butt to LEARN kitchener stitch, because essentially, that's what it is! Once again, get a rhythm going and it will be done before you know it! Watch your tension though... it might take a few goes to get it perfect.
So there ya have it. My favorite CO and BO. Use them wisely!
Great post!! Thanks!
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