Yarn and Hold
The more I knit, the more I realize that in some cases the simplest solutions are the best.
The easiest and probably the most efficient way of placing stitches on hold is to use a tapestry needle and waste yarn. Waste yarn is the way in which we describe yarn that is not used in the actual knitted fabric. It can be any yarn that is available in a different color than the work in progress.
When using waste yarn as a holder, you will find that using a yarn that is thicker than the yarn being used for the project will facilitate the transfer back to the needle. If you don’t have yarn available that is thicker, then double the waste yarn when threading it through the stitches that are being placed on hold.
Using waste yarn as a holder is a simple technique to master. Thread a tapestry needle with the waste yarn. Insert the tapestry needle into the first stitch that is to be placed on a holder purlwise (as if to purl). Continue in this manner until all stitches designated for hold are on the waste yarn.
Leave a long tail on both ends. If you are worried about your stitches slipping off the waste yarn, tie the two tails together.
When it is time to work the stitches that have been placed on hold, insert the working needle into each stitch on the waste yarn purlwise. If you have used yarn that is thicker than the yarn with which you are knitting, you will find it very easy to insert the needle into each stitch in front of the waste yarn. When all stitches are on the needle, pull the waste yarn and remove.
If the waste yarn becomes stuck, stop. Find the spot that is causing the problem and carefully snip the waste yarn on either side.
I haven’t used a metal holder in years. Waste yarn allows the fabric-on-hold to fold in on itself and never causes stretching on the edges.
For several years, I have been using crochet cotton as waste yarn. I love the fact that it is smooth and doesn’t split. The stitches slide easily on the crochet cotton. Because crochet cotton is tightly twined, it makes the transfer of the stitches back to the knitting needle that much easier.
I keep the ball of crochet cotton at the bottom of my knitting bag or basket. It always there when I need it. Since it is a different texture than almost knitting yarns, I don’t even worry about having a contrasting color. If it is not thick enough, I double and even triple it when threading it through the stitches.
Filed under: Knitting, Techniques by cwulster
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