I find that basic knits are the ones I wear most often. While complex designs might be fun to knit, they aren't as versatile in the wardrobe. And many knitters are interested in making garments for their family that will actually be worn. Finally, a basic pattern is often best for showcasing a really beautiful yarn.
Such a valuable contribution! Also, with a basic knit you can use those gorgeous to look at but actually quite difficult to find a suitable project for colour variegated yarns. A somple knit gives them a place to shine.
I've just discovered your account but I'm 100% for basic knits. As much as I enjoy working more complex patterns, I mostly knit while at home with my toddler, and am interrupted frequently. Trying to keep track of anything more complex than K2P2 is a *challenge* when you're putting it down every half-row. I'm sure as I gain more skill I'll get better at more complex patterns, but for now, simple is so helpful!
Good for you to be learning something while raising your toddler. I learned to knit when my kids were young too. It is prudent of you to stick to the simple stuff for now. Hope you are knitting something nice for yourself. 🫶🏽
Exactly! And it is such a confidence booster, when they have something that's actually wearable in the end. Sandy here, called it "building one's knitting muscle." :)
You are so right to sing the song of knitting basic knits! Lots of good stuff in your post! 🤗
I think most of us know that a few basic items of clothing can go a long way towards having the right thing to throw on before heading out the door. And knitting some basic items can go a long way toward getting comfortable with knitting! I think of it as building my knitting muscles. Tuning up your fingers and hands to read the tension and knowing when you have just knit that stitch correctly. This requires having paid attention while knitting several items. I love finding a basic pattern of something like a simple summer top and making it several times. Sometimes just changing the color or fiber content. Other times adding an allover textured knit-in pattern, like oatmeal stitch. Or maybe a pattern stitch just at the bodice. I may try a different neck opening, or armhole finish. Always keeping in mind that I want something that I will wear! That it will easily mix and match with my everyday clothes. We knitters can use your help in getting us off on the right foot, with basic knits. 👍✨
Sandy, thank you so much for your kind words about the writing. I love that you said "building one's knitting muscle." That's exactly it! Thank you for sharing so many cool ideas that can be done with a basic knit. That reminds me, I need to look more into summer tops and explore plant yarns a bit. So far I haven't been very successful.
Little by little I have found a few different fibers to knit with. Some are blends with either wool or cashmere. I take notice when I happen on a manufactured knit that I like and is easy to care for. These items are usually fine machine knits and sometimes the blends are unique. One example was a pair of cotton/hemp socks that I really liked. They are summer weight and hold their shape and feel great. But finding a hemp/blend hand knitting weight yarn that is light enough to duplicate these socks has not been easy. Just because a yarn has hemp in it, does not mean I will like it. When a fiber becomes popular, yarn manufacturers will sometimes ride the tide with anything they can put on the market. I have taken to the tried-and-true test of buying a single skein and knitting up a swatch to see what the 'knit fabric' will feel like and what it is like to care for. I am currently also on the hunt for a cotton/cashmere blend that is primarily cotton. There are many out there, but again I want the one that will hold up to wear and care and feel great for years! 👍😊
Wonderful!! I almost do similar things. I have started taking note of fit and drape of the fabric when I love a store bought item. I haven't thought about going for the same blends. Cotton/hemp and cotton/cashmere both sound interesting. Good luck with those. :) Cotton used to be a big no-no for sock knitting but I do see a lot of cotton blend sock yarn lately. I haven't tried yet though. One skein and a swatch is what Clara Parkes recommends for fiber exploration. :) My latest failure in plant fiber is a 100% linen. I have given up on that. But after several tries I am beginning to like a 50% -50%. merino-silk blend and I am excited for that currently. :)
I have knit with a cotton/linen thread that made quite a nice cardigan, though the brand is no longer available. ☹ I try to stay willing to try another brand when looking for something that I can work with. It may cost an extra penny or two. Such is life when we need to pay for better quality. BTW - I have been using your suggestion to keep my swatches in separate baggies along with their labels and my notes about the needles used, stitch gauge, etc. I pin them together by fiber content. Love finding that bit of organization in my knitting world! 🤩
I wholeheartedly agree that basic knits need not be boring! I came across the most stunning knitted vest sample in a yarn shop, the style was so simple yet classic. All stockinette with a double folded neckline. It was the fabric the yarns created and color that spoke to me. I thought, I can imagine wearing that vest time and time again and never getting bored with it. This is such a great post Kavitha, you make some very valid points. :)
I find that basic knits are the ones I wear most often. While complex designs might be fun to knit, they aren't as versatile in the wardrobe. And many knitters are interested in making garments for their family that will actually be worn. Finally, a basic pattern is often best for showcasing a really beautiful yarn.
Thank you for these insights, Sandi! I completely agree about complex knits not being versatile.
Such a valuable contribution! Also, with a basic knit you can use those gorgeous to look at but actually quite difficult to find a suitable project for colour variegated yarns. A somple knit gives them a place to shine.
Thank you Lily!! Absolutely. Basic knits can be a great way to balance and showcase interesting yarns like variegated, speckled, gradients.
I've just discovered your account but I'm 100% for basic knits. As much as I enjoy working more complex patterns, I mostly knit while at home with my toddler, and am interrupted frequently. Trying to keep track of anything more complex than K2P2 is a *challenge* when you're putting it down every half-row. I'm sure as I gain more skill I'll get better at more complex patterns, but for now, simple is so helpful!
Good for you to be learning something while raising your toddler. I learned to knit when my kids were young too. It is prudent of you to stick to the simple stuff for now. Hope you are knitting something nice for yourself. 🫶🏽
I love the breakdown of basic knits. Very informative! Thank you! Your socks are adorable!
Thank you so much for your kind words. ♥️
I do like basic knits, both for the relaxing knitting and wearing.
Exactly, double the joy. 😄
Interesting read! for new knitters basic knits cause less frustration and they can get comfortable with knitting.
Exactly! And it is such a confidence booster, when they have something that's actually wearable in the end. Sandy here, called it "building one's knitting muscle." :)
Yes!! Great read. Basics are how you learn to be more creative with your knits!
Thank you so much. Totally agree. Knitters can just take one aspect they like, say a drop shoulder or contiguous seam and get infinitely creative.
Agreed!!
Not to mention, basics can be a great canvas for knitters to play with- adding their own cables, lace, color, or all three!
Exactly! Thank you for bringing up that one. Basics truly never have to be boring.
You are so right to sing the song of knitting basic knits! Lots of good stuff in your post! 🤗
I think most of us know that a few basic items of clothing can go a long way towards having the right thing to throw on before heading out the door. And knitting some basic items can go a long way toward getting comfortable with knitting! I think of it as building my knitting muscles. Tuning up your fingers and hands to read the tension and knowing when you have just knit that stitch correctly. This requires having paid attention while knitting several items. I love finding a basic pattern of something like a simple summer top and making it several times. Sometimes just changing the color or fiber content. Other times adding an allover textured knit-in pattern, like oatmeal stitch. Or maybe a pattern stitch just at the bodice. I may try a different neck opening, or armhole finish. Always keeping in mind that I want something that I will wear! That it will easily mix and match with my everyday clothes. We knitters can use your help in getting us off on the right foot, with basic knits. 👍✨
Sandy, thank you so much for your kind words about the writing. I love that you said "building one's knitting muscle." That's exactly it! Thank you for sharing so many cool ideas that can be done with a basic knit. That reminds me, I need to look more into summer tops and explore plant yarns a bit. So far I haven't been very successful.
Little by little I have found a few different fibers to knit with. Some are blends with either wool or cashmere. I take notice when I happen on a manufactured knit that I like and is easy to care for. These items are usually fine machine knits and sometimes the blends are unique. One example was a pair of cotton/hemp socks that I really liked. They are summer weight and hold their shape and feel great. But finding a hemp/blend hand knitting weight yarn that is light enough to duplicate these socks has not been easy. Just because a yarn has hemp in it, does not mean I will like it. When a fiber becomes popular, yarn manufacturers will sometimes ride the tide with anything they can put on the market. I have taken to the tried-and-true test of buying a single skein and knitting up a swatch to see what the 'knit fabric' will feel like and what it is like to care for. I am currently also on the hunt for a cotton/cashmere blend that is primarily cotton. There are many out there, but again I want the one that will hold up to wear and care and feel great for years! 👍😊
Wonderful!! I almost do similar things. I have started taking note of fit and drape of the fabric when I love a store bought item. I haven't thought about going for the same blends. Cotton/hemp and cotton/cashmere both sound interesting. Good luck with those. :) Cotton used to be a big no-no for sock knitting but I do see a lot of cotton blend sock yarn lately. I haven't tried yet though. One skein and a swatch is what Clara Parkes recommends for fiber exploration. :) My latest failure in plant fiber is a 100% linen. I have given up on that. But after several tries I am beginning to like a 50% -50%. merino-silk blend and I am excited for that currently. :)
I have knit with a cotton/linen thread that made quite a nice cardigan, though the brand is no longer available. ☹ I try to stay willing to try another brand when looking for something that I can work with. It may cost an extra penny or two. Such is life when we need to pay for better quality. BTW - I have been using your suggestion to keep my swatches in separate baggies along with their labels and my notes about the needles used, stitch gauge, etc. I pin them together by fiber content. Love finding that bit of organization in my knitting world! 🤩
I wholeheartedly agree that basic knits need not be boring! I came across the most stunning knitted vest sample in a yarn shop, the style was so simple yet classic. All stockinette with a double folded neckline. It was the fabric the yarns created and color that spoke to me. I thought, I can imagine wearing that vest time and time again and never getting bored with it. This is such a great post Kavitha, you make some very valid points. :)