Take Time to Save Knitting Time: Rehearse the Process

A little bit of rehearsing will save time in the end by building confidence and reducing the chances of set-backs.
by Jackie E-S

If you are like me, there is such temptation to just dive into an unfamiliar project without any warm-up. We are so anxious to get started. But, a little bit of rehearsing will save time in the end by building confidence and reducing the chances of set-backs.

Here are some of the ways I've found to rehearse. Let me know if you find these helpful. Are there others you can suggest?

• Test your understanding of an unfamiliar stitch pattern or technique on a small sample swatch.
• Read the instructions out loud.
  
• Use larger needles and thicker yarn to practice with beforehand to familiarize the hands with the motions and rhythm of the pattern.
  
• Write out unfamiliar charting and text in your own words.
  
• Transcribe text instructions into a 'picture' chart or your own short-hand.
  
• Re-write each row (or round) of text instructions onto its own "flip card".
  
• Re-chart unfamiliar (or anti-intuitive) symbols into what is familiar to you. If there are symbols that could be easily confused, color coding with a highlighter can help.

Do you have a Question about knitting technique or skill? Please email me and I will consider it for an upcoming Q&A.

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