Common Knitting Mistakes: How to Avoid and Fix Them

Are you new to knitting or thinking of stepping into the creative world? Well, you must give it a try. Knitting is exciting and relaxing as well as a rewarding activity. However, when you start learning something new, you face challenges. Starting a knitting project is always exciting, but sometimes pesky mistakes sneak in—whether it's choosing the wrong knitting yarn, a dropped stitch, or an unexpected pattern twist. Don’t worry, though; every knitter, from beginners to seasoned pros, faces these common knitting hiccups. The key to mastering your craft is knowing how to avoid and fix them with ease.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert in creating any project with knitting yarn, mistakes happen to everyone. So, don’t worry; this blog will be your guide on common knitting mistakes, with tips on how to avoid and fix them.

Mistake 1 - Not Understanding Yarn

Knitting projects begin with yarn selection, and as a beginner, you might be tempted to pick your favorite color without considering yarn type and weight. However, yarn choice can significantly impact the success of your project. A beautiful silk yarn is a good choice for a lace shawl or scarf but inappropriate for socks or hat. A polyamide yarn may work for socks but not that much for home decor. While hand-dyed yarns are a good fit when it comes to most projects, understanding the color combinations especially for a variegated yarns is recommended.

Fix - To avoid these common mistakes, you must be clear about the type and weight of each yarn before you start with the knitting project. Remember, it’s a good idea to start knitting your project according to the pattern instructions. In this way, you don’t have to waste your time and hard work in unraveling your project. Check out our guide on choosing the right yarn.

Mistake 2 - Skipping The Gauge Swatch

Skipping the gauge swatch is a mistake even experienced knitters regret. A gauge swatch helps ensure your project’s size and fit match your expectations. Even if you are tempted to skip knitting a swatch always remember that this could lead to wrong measurements for a sweater, or an off-looking stitch pattern and even running out of yarn or having too much left. Another factor is substituting yarn. If a knitting pattern calls for a fingering weight yarn, you must not substitute with DK or worsted-weight yarn. And if you absolutely must, the swatch is essential.

Fix - Never skip on a gauge swatch. Knit a square of least 10-15 cm. Block the swatch. Remember to go through the yarn label to know about machine washability. Once it is ready, use a measuring tape to calculate the stitches, and if it's according to the pattern, go ahead with your project. If it’s not matching the gauge, change the needle size and work on it again. In case you do not have a pattern to follow, count the rows and stitches and calculate the quantity of yarn you need for the design you have in mind.

Mistake 3 - Uneven Yarn Tension Leading To Stitches That Are Too Tight Or Loose

Not having an even yarn tension results in knitting stitches that are too tight or too loose can lead to uneven fabric. This issue is especially common among beginners as they struggle to maintain consistent tension. Many times, the yarn fiber or the knitting needles material creates this issue.

Fix - Switch to knitting needles that you are comfortable with. Or, even work with another yarn. If your knitting pattern instructs knitting in the round with double-pointed needles and you’ve experience only with circular knitting needles, you can go ahead and choose comfort. Also, if you find it challenging to work with steel or metal knitting try out wood or bamboo. Similarly, if you are not comfortable with wood or bamboo, try out metal or carbon fiber. Going up a needle size or down also does wonders.

Another factor is yarn fiber. Merino wool yarn works for most projects while merino-polyamide is a better choice for socks, hats and cowls; while merino-silk yarn suits elegant shawls and scarves. If you're not comfortable with fingering-weight yarn go with Dk or worsted. DK weight yarn is a weight that suits most projects.

Besides these common knitting mistakes, you may make errors in choosing the right technique to cast on or bind off. Every project has a different requirement. What may suit a pair of socks may not be a fit for a scarf or blanket. Dropped stitches are also common which can be fixed with a repair hook by picking it back on the needle.

Knitting mistakes happen to everyone, but the more you knit, the better you get. So don’t worry about the small errors you make. Continue the knitting journey with full confidence.

Symfonie Yarns collection is here with a wide range of yarns for all your knitting and crochet projects. The four exclusive ranges of hand-dyed yarns in semisolid and variegated shades offer options for all kinds of projects. Choose from Viva’s machine washable merino wool yarn in DK weight to Terra’s merino-polyamide yarn in fingering-weight to Bella’s extrafine merino wool in worsted-weight yarn to Luna’s merino-silk yarn in Dk weight, there’s something for everyone and every knitting project!

Before you go ahead with your first knitting project, here are some useful topics to cover:

Yarn Weights: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Your Handy Guide to Semi-Solid and Variegated Yarn

Best Knitting Yarn for Beginners: A Guide to Choosing the Right Fiber