Knit Tips

I'm not doing very basic tips. There are plenty of excellent videos on Youtube. (What I mean is I can't be arsed to write anything complicated).

• Do a tension square. This is a MUST when designing. Tension squares are small samples of knitting. I do about 5" square, then measure how many stitches and rows make up 4 inches. Use the info on the wool ball as a start. Make the first and last five stitches and first and last five rows in garter stitch (knit every row) so the sample lies flat.
• Here is a useful link about tension squares http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTB2BaBtVK4
•  Start every row with a slip stitch, and finish every row with a knit stitch. This is good edges, but be careful for seams as it can end up a bit tight.
• Don't stop your knitting before the end of a row, or you might get a gap if it gets stretched.
• Here is a useful chart for average hat sizes - Adapt as necessary.  http://www.knitpicks.com/wptutorials/hat-size-charts/
•  Once you have done a basic hat, - see Football Slouchy tab - you can fine tune your measurements and experiment with embellishments.
• If the tail is on the left it means the right (correct) side of the work is showing.