We may be a little biased, but we think Bristol Ivy is one smart knitter. If you’re taking part in our Tealeaf Sweater Knit-Along, you know what we’re talking about! We firmly believe that everyone should learn Bristol’s gems of knitty wisdom, so we’re sharing some of her best tips from the Tealeaf Sweater videos. These will come in handy no matter what project you’re working on!
Look for gauge shortcuts
If your project includes multiple parts, can you use one of them as a gauge swatch? For example, in her sweater, Bristol uses the pocket lining to measure gauges, which means there’s no need to knit a separate swatch. Genius!
A long tail cast-on trick
If you need to cast-on a ton of stitches (for the Tealeaf Sweater, we casted on 150+ stitches!), getting the tail just right is easier said than done. Here’s an easy fix: Instead of using a tail, use a separate skein of yarn. You’ll never have to worry about running out!
Secure double yarn overs
Have a pattern that calls for tricky double yarn overs? We’ve been there with the Tealeaf lace! To keep those YOs in place, try putting a stitch marker between them. You’ll be able to easily keep tabs of where they are.
An ssk shortcut
Slip slip knit is a pretty simple decrease, but Bristol knows a way to make it even faster. After slipping the two stitches to your right needle, you’re supposed to return them to the left needle and then knit them together through the back loop. But you don’t ever have to take the slipped stitches off your right needle. Just slide the left needle through the front of those two loops, then knit them right then and there.
Let’s #SweaterTogether
Find out what our Tealeaf Sweater Knit-Along is all about. We hope you can join us!
<strong>I am still trying to complete my gauge swatch for the lace border on the Tealeaf sweater. I started with 32 stitches and after the first 8 rows, I now have 42 stitches. This is my first sweater. Is it too complicated for a beginner? Thank you, Kitty Nevin
I love this sweater. I can knit the required stitches but have never knit anything other than scarfs, mitts and slippers - all beginner, and turning out a 'little off'. Is a knit-along like knitting the sweater with someone all the way through though I know we won't cast on 200 stitches together but we can pause the video, cast-on and then step to the next step? I'm worried about wasting yarn and feeding moths. Thanks and I appreciate your patience with this newbie.