Easy Fair Isle

If you have a hard time knitting Fair Isle using both hands, use this easy method instead. Knit one round using just color A and slip the other stitches with yarn in back making sure they are stretched out just enough to lay flat. Then knit the next round using just Color B and slip the color A stitches purlwise with yarn in back. Two rounds knitted this way covers 1 row in a charted design.

Neater Cuffs on Sleeves

To make neat cuffs on a sweater that is knit flat, either knit the sleeves down to the cuffs or use a provisional cast on and knit from the top of the cuffs to the top of the sleeve. Sew the seams using a mattress stitch. Then pick up the cuff stitches and knit in the round using double pointed needles or 2 circulars so you have a seamless cuff.

Slip Stitch Edges

Use a slip stitch as a decorative front edge on sweaters or the edge of scarves and afghans but never use it where you are going to sew a seam such as on sweater front and back or sleeve pieces. It’s not a strong enough edging to hold a seam stable.

Long Tail Cast-On

The most common cast on method is the long tail. To make sure you have enough yarn, use the general rule of 4 times the length of the hem of whatever you are knitting as your guide.