Knitting Tips for Two-At-A-Time Socks or Mittens
Second-Sock-Syndrome is a real problem! You finish one sock, and everything gets set aside before you ever get to the second one. By doing two-at-a-time socks, mittens, leg warmers, etc – you avoid that problem all together! Kelley has already covered tips on how to cast-on for two-at-a-time projects, but this week she shared essential advice for actually knitting two-at-a-time items.
Needles Matter When Knitting Two-At-A-Time Projects
The most important tool for knitting things two-at-a-time is your set of needles. If the needle cable is too short or too long, it's going to make things too difficult. The cable material matters as well – if it retains too much memory, you'll fight the cable as you knit. Kelley recommends the 40" ChiaoGoo Red circular needles for most two-at-a-time projects like socks or mittens. ChiaoGoo's cable is made from a memory-free flexible steel cable that's covered in nylon so it won't snag on your yarn.
Yarn Management Tips for Two-At-A-Time
It's tempting to knit from the inside and outside of the same ball of yarn when doing two-at-a-time projects – but you're setting yourself up for tangles! Instead, knit from two skeins or divide one in half and wind the two halves into separate balls. Don't have a ball winder or swift yet? We carry them so you can wind your own cakes of yarn at home!
Knitting two-at-a-time projects makes it easy to get the two balls of yarn tangled up. To avoid these twists, keep a ball on either side of you while knitting. This makes it easier when turning your work to avoid those tangly twists. Using yarn cozies makes it even easier to manage your yarn.
Mischa's Mittens – A New Free Pattern!
In addition to sharing these tips with us this week, Kelley has a brand new free pattern for us all to enjoy! Mischa's Mittens were inspired by Kelley and Jim's sweet great-niece who just loves hand-knit items like her mom. Kelley used Berroco Vintage DK in Fuschia to knit these mittens up. If you decide to knit these cute mittens, share your project with us in the Alpaca Direct VIP group!