Knit Your First Pattern – Pride Squared Part 2: How to Slip Stitches/Change Colors in Knitting

Get some stellar tips and tricks on how to slip the first stitch and how to change colors in knitting!

Introduction: Catching the Knitting Bug
Knitting isn’t just a craft; it’s a journey filled with excitement and a dash of whimsy. In this guide, we’ll explore the colorful and creative world of “Knit Your First Pattern: Pride Squared – Part 2”. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned knitter, this tutorial promises to add a sprinkle of pizazz to your knitting skills.

The Basics: Getting Started with Slip Stitch
The slip stitch is the unsung hero of knitting, offering a neat edge and a professional finish. Watch the video above for a visual example of how to do it, but essentially what it is is just NOT knitting the first stitch of your row. Just slip it over to your right needle and then keep knitting.
It’s not appropriate for every project, and I don’t recommend it unless the designer specifically asks for it because it can change your row gauge. However, in anything that doesn’t need to be fitted or anything that you’re knitting on your own, it’s a great way to add a very neat looking edge. This especially helps if you’re a new knitter who hasn’t quite yet mastered edge tension.

Color Your World: How to Change Colors in Your Knitting
Adding a new color to your knitting can feel like painting on a canvas. I’ll guide you through the process, ensuring your color transitions are as smooth as silk. It’s really not as tricky as it seems. It’s as easy as breaking your current yarn and knitting with your new yarn as if you were using it the whole time. If you need a visual example you can certainly watch the video above!

Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Knitting Skills
Ready to take your knitting up a notch? We’ll delve into advanced techniques that will turn your simple stitches into stunning creations. What’s Next in “Knit Your First Pattern: Pride Squared – Part 3”? Firstly, I’ll show you the technically “proper” way to change colors that makes for more even stitches, but will leave you with some extra ends to weave in at the end. Next, we’ll talk about how you “bind off in pattern” and then how to handle all the pesky little finishing tasks that make your finished product look like it was knit by a pro!

FAQs
What makes slip stitch important in knitting?
The slip stitch isn’t necessarily essential to a knitter. Moreso, it’s a useful tool in the knitter’s toolbelt for maintaining a smooth, clean looking edge.
Can beginners easily learn to change colors in knitting?
Of course! Like any other new skill it’ll take some practice to get it looking clean, but comparatively changing colors is a pretty simple knitting skill that you can get the hang of in no time!
How can I avoid common mistakes in slip stitching?
My best proactive advice is to always check the direction your yarn is going before you start knitting. My best retroactive advice is to trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, undo what you’ve done and try it again!
What are some creative ways to use color changes in patterns?
There are all sorts of intricate colorwork patterns that create beautiful images with multiple yarns. However, if you’re a beginner knitter who’s wanting to design, I’d recommend starting with stripes. They’re a simple color change and will let you play with color in your design. For a more advanced design you can play with width of the stripes to create an ombre effect!
How can I keep my knitting projects organized and on track?
In order to keep me on track for a particular project, I use a row counter to make sure I don’t lose my place. In order to keep my projects as a whole organized, I have notebooks full of printed patterns and my Ravelry library for my digital patterns.