Chapter 1
Introduction to switch stitch
This is another new knitting exploration. Switch stitch (Swst) is a technique that uses knit and purl stitches to make a colorful, textured fabric. It has the appearance of reversed stocking (stockinette) stitch on both sides.
The basic technique produces a striped effect on each side of the fabric.
It's easy to knit, you can use one yarn at a time along the row or hold them both in the same hand or one in each hand.
CHAPTER 1: video 1
INTRODUCTION
Chapter 2
Recommended materials
When you learn Switch stitch it is best to use two colors of the same type of yarn so that they behave the same, as it will really help the knitting stay balanced. A smooth yarn with a consistent thickness is the easiest for learning; I suggest a Sport or DK weight yarn.
Start with the largest recommended needle size for the yarn but then experiment with different sizes as you get comfortable with the knitting. This kind of knitting is tighter than you would get with single yarn knitting because the stitches switch sides on each row, and so your needle size needs to be larger.
Also, I find my gauge changes a little depending which technique I use.
Chapter 3
Learn the basics
There are several different ways to hold the yarns. You can use one yarn at a time and leave the other hanging (as you might in Fair Isle technique) or you can hold on to both at the same time.
It doesn't matter which style you use to hold the yarn (i.e. whether you knit with both yarns in one hand, or one yarn in each hand). It's the result that matters.
Below you will find a short video (#4) focusing on side edges (selvedges). In future, this will grow into another chapter, as there are several ways to make nice edges.
Chapter 3: Video 1
Both yarns in RIGHT hand
chapter 3: video 2
Both yarns in LEFT hand
Chapter 3: video 3
One yarn in each hand
Chapter 3: video 4
Wrapped edges
Chapter 4
Cast on methods
Any videos listed here but not yet visible are "in production" and will be posted in the coming few weeks.
We have a working schedule, but if there are any topics you are particularly keen to see, or any other topics you'd like Vicki to explain, please let us know using the email geoff@vickitwigg.com and we'll get on to it immediately.
Chapter 4: video 1
Reverse loop
Chapter 4: video 2
Crochet chain
Chapter 5
Cast off (bind off) methods
Any videos listed here but not yet visible are "in production" and will be posted in the coming few weeks.
We have a working schedule, but if there are any topics you are particularly keen to see, or any other topics you'd like Vicki to explain, please let us know using the email geoff@vickitwigg.com and we'll get on to it immediately.
Chapter 5: Video 1
Garter stitch edge
Chapter 5: Video 2
Chain
Chapter 5: video 3
Standard
Chapter 6
Stitch Patterns
Switch stitch is essentially two fabrics meshed together, you always match the stitch colors as you work along each row. As you see on the basic fabric, for each pair of stitches the purl color shows on the front. Here the video shows how to switch the colors, so you can choose which color shows on each side.
Chapter 6: Video 1
Changing colours
Chapter 7
Increases & decreases
When increasing or decreasing in Switch stitch, you must do it by increments of two stitches, so that your colors remain balanced.
Any videos listed here but not yet visible are "in production" and will be posted in the coming few weeks.
We have a working schedule, but if there are any topics you are particularly keen to see, or any other topics you'd like Vicki to explain, please let us know using the email geoff@vickitwigg.com and we'll get on to it immediately.
Chapter 7: Video 1
Reverse loop increase
Chapter 7: video 2
Standard increase
Chapter 7: video 3
decrease
Chapter 8
Correcting Mistakes
Some mistakes can be corrected. For instance, if you have done two stitches with the colors reversed on the previous row, you can correct them (see video 2 here).
Any videos listed here but not yet visible are "in production" and will be posted in the coming few weeks.
We have a working schedule, but if there are any topics you are particularly keen to see, or any other topics you'd like Vicki to explain, please let us know using the email geoff@vickitwigg.com and we'll get on to it immediately.