I just bought the Knifty Knitter at Walmart. I can't get the tension right. Each time I loop around the pegs, it's too tight to work off, or it's so loose that it doesn't make a true stitch. I crochet and wanted to try this, but right now I'm disgusted.
Also, the yarn around the outside peg gets in the way. Does it mean that after two loops on the hook, you begin to work the loops off? Is there never more than 2 loops on the pegs? I see people having trouble taking their work off the loom, is this going to be a problem too?
Jean220 from NC
Unfortunately, you usually have to use "bulky" yarn or 2 strands of "worsted" to get the tension right with a Knifty-Knitter (because the prongs are too far apart). For my 2 cents, I think unless you are a beginning knitter or trying to teach a teenager to knit, leave the "Knifty-Knitters" for those people. Because if you already know how to knit, it's faster to knit with needles than to use the "Knifty-Knitter." It's slow and at the end you have to keep your tension very light so you can get it off.
I crochet too (advanced) and I knit (beginner). I'd recommend you buy yourself a pair of knitting needles and go on line (to the "about" site and type in "knitting"), then print out "how to cast on" or have someone show you (much easier). Then learn the basic "knit and purl" stitches, or learn by watching that knitting program on the DIY network. I taught myself from a book, just the basics. But, you can also usually learn for free at a knitting shop (as they want you to buy their yarn). A good knitting shop will also print out instructions for you to take home for free.
I, myself also bought the "Knifty-Knitter," but took it back because it was slow and a pain in the rear compared to "regular" knitting. Maybe we can hear from some of you out there who actually enjoy knitting with it. And a question for all of you Knifty-Knitters: Do you only use the Knifty-Knitter, or do you also knit "regular" style too? And, which way do you like most and why?
Also, I have lots of free knitting and crochet pattern sites, as well as basic and beginner knitting information. Send me a note on ThriftyFun if you're interested. (01/07/2008)
By Cyinda
I have arthritic hands, but love using my "Knifty-Knitter!" I use regular yarn, but always two strands. I've looked for the little white handle, I don't know what it's called, and can't find one. So, I got a "swamp cooler" hose and cut a piece of it, used my needle to thread the yarn through the piece hose and tada, it works great and makes going around the pegs, faster and easier!
I made everyone in my family a new scarf and hat for Christmas and working on a shawl for me now, using simply soft yarn. I find the tension is fine, but I do admit that the first row is really tight. I think my next project will be making pot holders. I also do regular knit and crochet, but this is easier on my fingers. Sorry it doesn't work for you, but I love it! (01/09/2008)
By Donita
It takes a bit of try and try again to get it right. As you loop the yarn on the second round, push the yarn slightly in between the pegs with your index finger of your left hand as you wrap the next peg with your right hand. This allows you to not wrap the pegs so tight, and you will find out it is better to use two strands of yarn instead of one so the hats don't look so thin. I make hats and scarves to give to the kids and the homeless here in Cincinnati. (01/10/2008)
By audrey
I was at Walmart last night and saw the Knifty Knitter and thought of your post. So I read the directions again and as I posted earlier, you DO have to use 2 strands of "worsted weight" yarn, which translates to one strand of "bulky weight" yarn. Hope this helps!
Also, they now have a bunch of shapes of "knitters" these days, long and rectangle, plus a bunch more sizes and shapes, including a "Straw Loom." Has anybody tried this "Straw Loom?" (01/11/2008)
By Cyinda
While I have been an avid crocheter and knitter for more years than I care to admit to, I love my Knifty Knitters. I have been a crochet instructor for Michael's and have considered approaching them about a job teaching the knitters.
I will try to answer some of your problems.
Tension: You don't want to wrap tight for 2 reasons; 1) it makes it difficult to lift the bottom loop up and over the top loop and off the peg, and 2) it stretches out your yarn. Practice wrapping it around your fingers to feel how tight it should be. In fact, if you have heavy-weight yarn, you could actually knit right off your hand just using your 4 fingers! Hold your hand, palm facing you. Simply hold the yarn end against your palm with your thumb, wrap yarn clock-wise around your index finger all the way around then, around your middle, then your ringer, TWICE around your pinkie, then counter-clockwise around ringer, middle, index, then hold with your thumb.
Getting back to using the looms, if you get a feel for how tight by wrapping your fingers, you'll get a better idea of how much pull on the pegs as you wrap.
You can use any kind of yarn goods on the looms, but a couple of suggestions. If you use baby yarn, instead of only 2 loops, wrap 4 loops, then lift the 2 bottom up and over the top two. If you use the furry or eyelash yarns, I suggest you combine the furry with baby yarn, 1 strand of each. That gives it more substance and support.
Some of you mentioned confusion about the side peg. If you are working on the round looms and making a complete circle, you only need to wrap the END of your yarn around that side peg until you've completed lifting your first stitches. After that you can unwrap that side peg and let the tail trail down as your piece grows. If you are using the side pegs for a flat piece, the side pegs are simply to anchor your yarn until you complete each row. Does that make sense?
Even though I knit the regular way, I like the Knifty Knitter because I can lay it down and not worry about stitches accidentally falling off.
I hope I've been helpful and I hope you won't continue to be frustrated. Remember, this is supposed to be FUN! Hugs, Ann. (01/23/2008)
By Ann
I am an advanced crocheter and I love it. I also taught myself how to knit. I use this term loosely because I can do nothing but knit and purl. However, I found that it was just too slow for me and I did not know how to pick up dropped stitches and became extremely frustrated when I knitted so far and found that I had a hole somewhere.
I found the Knifty Knitter and tried doing small hats on the blue round knitter and while looking at the picture instructions, had no trouble. I became "addicted" to this method and can't seem to stop. In 2 weeks, I have knitted 6 adult hats with matching scarves, 5 baby hats, 1 pair mittens and 3 cell phone holders. Someone needs to stop me, I'm hooked. With regular knitting, I would still be trying to make one hat. (11/09/2008)
By Janice
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
