Having decided to do such a kind of needlework as knitting , the first thing you will have to master is the complex science of making a patterned edge. And to do this, study in detail the descriptions that tell how to dial loops. It turns out that you can even start knitting socks or a sweater even by crocheting loops. And, if it is a convenient tool for you, then by tying the air chain and putting each link on the spoke, you will get a ready-made set edge. Further, it remains only to continue the work, following the description and drawing.
But the most common is the method, called the "long host". Using it, you will get a beautiful, neatly made first row, which will be quite elastic, but not subject to stretching, and will protect your product from deformation. For those who are still just mastering knitting, experienced craftswomen recommend practicing how to make loops, paying particular attention to the strength of the thread tension. Indeed, stiffness (softness), density (freedom) of the execution of the typesetting edge determines the appearance of the finished product and the convenience of its everyday wear. During training, you can do the necessary work with a single needle, but in the future we recommend that you make a set of loops by folding the two knitting needles together.
So, we begin the set of loops on the knitting needles by measuring out the necessary amount of free thread from the main skein. The length of the “tail” is calculated as follows: for each loop you will need from 1 to 2.5 cm (depending on the thickness of the knitting needles and yarn), and for a free tip that allows you to conveniently dial the last loops, add another 15-20 cm.
Lay the thread around the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, holding both ends in the palm of your hand. The free “tail” wraps around the thumb, and the lead to the ball - the index. Catch the thread between the thumb and forefinger (Fig. 1).
Pulling it with a needle towards yourself, slip under the yarn at the thumb (Fig. 2).
Next, hook the thread in front of the index finger (Fig. 3) and pull it through the loop on the thumb (Fig. 4).
When pulling on the thumb, a loop formed. Lower it and put the thread back on it (Fig. 5). Make sure that the 2 loops resulting from the manipulations performed do not jump off the knitting needle at this moment.
Figures 6-10 illustrate how to loop further, to the required number.
If this option for starting a set of loops seems difficult and difficult for you, then below we will give a description and illustrations of how to make loops using the “finished first loop” method:
holding the “free end” of the thread, wrap it once around the fingers (Fig. 11);
remove the loop from the hand (fig. 12);
pry the center thread onto the knitting needle, pull it out and tighten the loop (fig. 13).
Next, continue to set the loops as shown in figures 6 to 10. We hope that this description will help you easily and without problems master the science of making a patterned edge.