Knitting Mistakes: Beginner Mistakes in Knitting // Common Knitting Mistakes

Dear users, dear authors,
What are typical (beginner) mistakes in knitting, and how can they be avoided?

A very common beginner’s mistake is not doing a gauge swatch—or doing one that’s too small—and relying instead on the instructions on the yarn label. Yes, I know, doing gauge swatches is boring, and you really just want to get started on your project right away. But it’s simply necessary if you don’t want to be in for a nasty surprise later on!
A sufficiently large gauge swatch is especially important for patterns that stretch.

I think the most common mistake is dropping stitches. But that can be quickly fixed with a crochet hook, even if it spans several rows.

Another mistake I’ve made myself is miscounting or forgetting decreases or increases. When that happens, there’s no helping it—you have to unravel or knit back.

It’s happened to me quite a few times while watching a movie—that is, while knitting without looking—that I didn’t have the stitches properly on the needle. This can happen if, for example, you’re using multi-ply yarn. Not only does it look bad, but it could also result in a hole forming right there later on. So, once again, you have to unravel or knit back.

How can you avoid this? Good question. I’d say pay close attention. ;-)

I also think gauge swatches are really important, and I always recommend them. By the way, mine usually turn out differently than specified. If you want to be absolutely sure, you can even wash the swatch afterward.

I always knit gauge swatches with 30 stitches. After finishing them off with a round of crab stitches or single crochet and embellishing them with a small appliqué, they become blankets or rugs for the dollhouse. My granddaughter loves to tuck little figures in.

Thanks for this great idea, Maulwurfwaldi!