What Are Short Rows And How Can They Help You Improve Your Knitting?
Short rows are a simple technique that every knitter should learn. Inserting short rows can add “depth” to create a more shapely item, and it is a technique that is also used to create soft angles mostly on straight-edged, flat-paneled items. Using short rows, you can eliminate the step effect you get when you bind off shoulders and make sock heels elegantly curved. This is also an ideal technique for maternity wear to add those “few extra curves” where it is needed most. Not many knitters are aware of this technique, but inserting short rows and creating curves is a simple and must learn technique. To accomplish this, an existing row is partially knitted to a pre-determined stitch count, then turning the work and working back to the same (or another) count, and turning again. To explain further, if you are looking to create a maternity sweater using an existing pattern to ensure the front of your sweater does not ride up, you could add short rows to the bust line and the belly areas, allowing for the extra shaping of your body. You knit the instructions as per your pattern for the back of your sweater, however to shape the front of your sweater you can add short rows to make allowances for the additional “girth” that is natural during pregnancy. Your pattern might...
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How To Get Started With Embroidery
Embroidery is an age old art form using a needle and thread to create elaborate designs on a piece of cloth. Whether you choose to break out a needle and embroidery floss to work on a design by hand or use the latest technology to create a design using an embroidery machine, the result is guaranteed to be spectacular. If you are interested in learning to embroider either as a hobby or as a business, consider looking into taking a class at your local craft store or community center. Most of these places offer beginner classes that will teach you all the necessary stitches and start you on the road to understanding this historic art form. Another way get started with embroidery is to visit your local library or neighborhood bookstore to find a great tutorial on embroidery. There are several book series in publication that walk you through this needlecraft step by step and showcase each stitch in clear images. These books are excellent for individuals who need to work on their own time and not be rushed through difficult stitches. Also, these books allow a crafter to return again and again to look at stitches or techniques without trouble. There are several television channels devoted especially to crafting and needlework that have specials or weekly shows about embroidery...
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