Knitting question!

Shawna0801

I recently picked up knitting, i've got the casting on and the knit stich down pretty well.  My problem is when i get to the second or third row of knit stiching it gets sooo tight i cant get the needles through the yarn anymore.. What am i doing wrong that makes it so tight?

 

And im trying to make a blanket that called for a 10inch 5mm needle, is that a good place to start for a beginner or is a larger needle better?

 

 

THANKS!

nelsonca

Are you sure you're not twisting the stitches? 

 

http://knitwhits.wordpress.com/2006/09/28/knitting-tip-2-twisted-stitches/

 

The blanket should be fine for a beginner. The needle size doesn't really matter, as long as the pattern is appropriate.  

Rock-n-Voll

New knitters have a tendency to stitch too tightly so you're in good company . Are you pulling the working yarn tight against the needle each time you do a knit stitch? I know it sometimes feels like you've got too much slack after knitting a stitch but experiment with keeping things more relaxed and try not to tighten the yarn.

megemoney

Rock-n-Voll:

New knitters have a tendency to stitch too tightly so you're in good company . Are you pulling the working yarn tight against the needle each time you do a knit stitch? I know it sometimes feels like you've got too much slack after knitting a stitch but experiment with keeping things more relaxed and try not to tighten the yarn.

I have been known to stitch too tightly.  I seem to do it when I haven't knitted in a while.  I forget what works for me and it takes me a little bit to get back into the hang of it.  

On another, similar, note... I also have a death grip on crochet hooks.  I think I do the same with knitting needles, but I haven't knitted in a long time.  I have crocheted more recently.  

scott&kim

I am also a new knitter and I am having the same issue.  I have been told it is just a matter of practice.  For now I am just knitting away at an aimless project - I have no idea if it will ever be anything but I'm getting practice with my tension and stitches.

Good luck. 

Raspberry807

I don't know if this is common practice, but before I take the stitch off the left needle, I give the stitch a little tug with the right needle to pull a little more yarn through.  I've found that if I do this consistently with every stitch, I'm able to keep good tension and it doesn't get too tight.  GL!

Shawna0801

Awesome advice! thanks all!

 

Reinedumonde

Ditto PP, it's very common for new knitters to knit very tightly.  It just takes practice and relaxing your grip a little.  Don't worry so much if all your stitches don't come out exactly even--everything evens out with blocking and wear.