I have quite a few favorite techniques that I use in multiple patterns. Here are some instructions and links to videos to help you out if you run into difficulties.
3 needle bind off: Hold the two sets of sts to join parallel. Knit the first st on both needles together. *Knit the next st on both needles together. Pass the right st on the right hand needle over the left st and off. 1 st remains on right hand needle. Repeat from * to last st. Pull yarn through remaining st.
Backwards loop cast on (aka e-wrap cast on): I frequently use this cast on to create new stitches at the back of the thumb in mittens. The yarn will be connected to the right hand needle. Twist a loop of the yarn and put it on the right needle. Tighten.
Increases: m1, M1L, M1R
Some patterns use the term m1 for increases. They are usually spaced throughout the pattern and it does not matter whether the increased stitch leans one way or another. I use M1L.
Some patterns have paired increases (e.g., in the thumb gusset of mittens) where it looks good to have a right-leaning increase on one side and a left-leaning on the other side. In these situations I use M1L for the first increase and M1R for the second increase. These increases are both worked by lifting the bar between the last st knit and the next st to knit and knitting it.
M1L: lift the bar between the sts from front to back and place it on the LHN. Knit into the back of this st.
M1R: lift the bar between the sts from back to front and place it on the LHN. Knit into the front of this st.
Judy’s Magic Cast On (JMCO): This special cast on results in stitches loaded on two needles ready to work in either direction. It can also be used as a provisional cast on. Knitty has an excellent pictorial explanation of Judy’s Magic Cast On.
Kitchener stitch (grafting): This technique is used to create a seemingly seamless finish in knitting. The instructions below refer to grafting stockinette stitch. Cut the yarn leaving about 3 times the length of the seam to work with. Thread a needle with the yarn. Hold the two sets of stitches to join parallel with the purl sides together and the yarn coming from the back needle.
Prepare: Insert the needle purlwise into the first st on the front needle and pull the yarn through. Insert the needle knitwise into the first st on the back needle and pull the yarn through.
Repeated steps:
1. Insert needle knitwise into first st on front needle and slip st off needle. Insert needle purlwise into next st on front needle and pull the yarn through.
2. Insert needle purlwise into first st on back needle and slip st off needle. Insert needle knitwise into next st on back needle and pull the yarn through.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until only 2 sts remain.
Finishing: Insert needle knitwise into st on front needle and slip st off needle. Insert needle purlwise into st on back needle and slip st off needle.
Loose bind off methods (or use your preferred method)
1. use a needle 2 sizes larger for bind off
2. k1, *k1, k2 sts on right needle together, repeat from * for all stitches
Wet blocking
Soak in cool water with a wool wash for at least 10 min. Remove from water and gently squeeze out extra moisture. Follow finishing instructions in pattern to achieve appropriate size, shape, and fabric.
This may change depending on the instructions on the ball band.
