And we made it! A day late, but what can you do? The RUclips fates had other plans yesterday. Thank you so much for your patience as I worked through some technical difficulties...ok on with the show. A few things: Number 1: This video is supposed to be entertaining. If you don't agree with my opinions, that's ok. My opinions are not judgements. Just relax and have a good time. Number 2: This video is more about techniques I'm just not really into and less about how "scary" they are. Some do intimidate me, indeed, but the whole "juice isn't worth the squeeze thing" sums this up pretty accurately. If you have an interest in ANY of these techniques, you should ABSOLUTELY try them. And to be honest, don't hold your breath because I may be trying a few at some point as well. In fact I linked to some patterns (in the description box) that may sway me. Number 3: I know. Don't knock it till you try it. I get it. Please see Number 1. Enjoy and thank you so much for being here to watch. You guys are just the best. ❤ PS: some of the categories aren’t spelled out completely. Not sure what happened, but I’m accepting it. 😅 Patterns for each category mentioned that may just change my mind: Shetland Lace: Shetland Shawl: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-shawl-10 Double Knitting: Linnea Scarf: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/linnea-scarf Brioche: Brioche Loop: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brioche-loop-2 Intarsia: Karelia www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/karelia-5 Amigurumi: Frog and Toad www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frog-and-toad
For the second time in a couple of weeks I couldn’t add a comment to your episode, so I’m doing a work around. Good thought provoking episode! Fell in love with Kaffe Fassett designs then discovered almost all his patterns were intarsia 😢. Discovered brioche and found it relatively easy and then Nancy Marchand reinvented it with ‘barks’ and ‘burps’ 😢 pattern availability exploded but the language she invented made it tedious for me. I have made a couple of amigurumi items. Kawai! Not my go to for fun knitting. Love the history of Shetland lace knitting and found a pattern for a black lace weight shawl that is covered in bats that one day I might knit when I can set aside six months or a year to work only on that. Maybe I can adapt the pattern to a bandana? Double knitting? If I wanted to use up yarn, I’d just crochet. Which requires 25 - 30% more yarn than the same pattern in knitting. 😮 In the intarsia category I include entrelac. Ironically, I LOVE fair isle and cables in every iteration: socks, sweaters, hats , etc. Thanks, Tayler☠️💀
@@ccsullivan9164 First of all, I'm sorry to learn that you're having trouble commenting. Not sure why that is, but that's frustrating. Also I remember hearing about barks and burps in brioche as a sort of mnemonic for remembering how to execute the stitches. It's interesting that that made the process seem more tedious, but I can see that happening. As for Sheltand lace, I love the history, I love watching Shetland Wool Week videos about it. I think it's beautiful. Just not for me. Now the same designs in maybe fingering-weight yarn, I can get behind that. Lace isn't hard for me per se, it's just the idea of the teeny yarn that doesn't interest me. And I'm with you. I love colorwork/Fair Isle and I do love some good cables. ❤
I was taught to knit by my Danish grandmother. The first thing she made me knit was a sweater with a a beautiful, but complicated Scandinavian yoke with at least 5 different colours. She said, if I can knit that, I can knit anything! I was 13!
Perhaps it’s because I LOVE steeks and love executing them and feel no fear whatsoever about steeks…….. HA! yeah right. They terrify me. Leaving them out was a gross oversight. 😂
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Haha you got me! I thought: I love steeks too, omg i'm not the only one! I'm actually teaching a steeking class tomorrow at Knit City in Montreal, you should make the trip next time. 😉
I have avoided one technique for years. Knitting in the round. It looked and sounded complicated to my 59 y/o knitting mind and straight needle fingers. But I broke the mould for this channel and the #something old something new mal because I wanted to make the Ilene bag. I have done it, despite a couple of rookie errors, it is finished and I am very proud of myself 😊
Taylor! You need to try brioche! (I'm not being bossy, I'm just very enthusiastic about this topic, haha!) As Andrea Mowry says, if you can slip stitches and you can do yarnovers, then you can do brioche. It's really very simple and it feels very calming and meditative while you knit it. It does slow me down a little but nothing beats a brioche project when I'm in the mood for it. Oh! And the squish! You have to feel the squish, there's nothing like it.
I agree, simple two colour brioche is actually really nice to work! But I’d you don’t love the look of the finished result it’s not really worth it imo. It’s very counter intuitive, but I agree about the Andréa mowry quote rings true! Definitely life line though, because learning how to read brioche enough to fix mistakes sucks
I was surprised steeking didn’t make it on the list. I like doing scary things and sure enough I added a few patterns using these techniques to my ravelry favorites to try later haha. That said, brioche is not too bad. I took a brioche class and if anything was disappointed that it wasn’t more challenging.
I do some Shetland style lace knitting and find it to be less complicated then people think. there are really only 5 stitches that you ever do and they become quite ease to read on your needles. If you are intimidated bye the yarn thickness I recommend trying a pattern with fingering weight yarn instead for the first time. Minogame, one of the first images you showed is a great beginner friendly pattern and works great in fingering weight yarn with a little bit larger needle size. Its interesting to see what other knitters find scary.
I have recently fallen in LOVE with brioche knitting, especially two-colour brioche. Why? Because, apart from boring horizontal stripes, it is the easiest two-colour technique ever. That "knit each row twice" thing is what makes the colour so easy, because you do not have the nightmare of trying to knit with two colours at the same time - you knit first in one colour, put that yarn down, and then knit with the other colour. It makes the yarn management so easy! That being said, I have yet to master the increases and decreases (which is what takes two-colour brioche to the next level) but I am still happy with my vertical stripes and my lofty, squishy fabric.
The only thing that scares me in knitting is steeking. I had to do it once out of necessity when I totally forgot to leave open space for a thumb in a glove. I have made some super quick, fun, small intarsia pillows with holiday motifs (snowflakes, gnomes, rabbits, ghosts) that only took me 2 days each. The key was using bulky yarn and limiting to 1 or 2 extra colors. I have done some lace work, but have abandoned a lot, too. Agree with you on amigurimi, but I have a book called Knit Your Own Cat that I want to make at least one of some day. I have seen some brioche done in the round that doesn’t look too difficult (1 color], so I may try it some day. I like to challenge myself even if the results are sometimes a disaster. 😊
Ironically enough Amigurimi was my gateway into the world of crochet and now just love the craft on general! It did teach me to read patterns from the beginning, so totally worth it 😂
LOL Intarsia! My first purchased knitting book was Kaffe Fassett's Glorious Knitting. I was captivated by the colors and patterns. Thirty years later, I still have not done any intarsia.
I definitely think this is a time in life assessment! I think you should redo this video in your next phase of life and see if your ratings change. I am back knitting after a 20 year break for 5 kids - I just couldn’t even cast on during that season! I definitely choose different challenges now. I think you are super brave in all the fiber art you accomplish! Super interesting video!
I completely feel where you're coming from friend. I'm a lifelong crocheter/novice knitter. I'm only drawn to projects that produce something I actually want and love. I've never felt like you have to go all in on a craft, just do what moves you ❤knit on!!
One of the reasons I avoid these (and other) techniques is I tend to get obsessive about new challenges. I buy all of the materials, work at it until I have a decent skill level, then abandon the whole thing for the next challenge. So, to save me from homelessness and divorce, I've learned to curb my enthusiasm. 😂
The only one of these I've done is brioche, and I considered myself a beginner still when I attempted it! I will say, I just did a scarf, so it wasn't terribly scary HOWEVER...when I messed up...going back to fix was an absolute pain in the butt. To the point where I started putting new lifelines in about every 10-15 rows to make sure I could unravel and not completely screw up! It was very time consuming but overall very happy with the scarf, I live in the Midwest where it gets very very cold in winters so that extra squish is *chefs kiss*.
I’ve been knitting for almost 50 years and have never knitted a sweater in more than one colour that didn’t involve stripes! Stranded colourwork gives me the heebie jeebies!
I've knit TONS of small toys (especially by Julie Williams, but also Susan B. Anderson, etc.) almost always as baby gifts. I too would be annoyed at the time spent if it was for myself, but when it's for a precious little one the time invested is perfect. Also, it makes awesome and very appreciated gifts. Baby garments are ridiculously cute and I enjoy knitting them, but the toys I've knit are definitely the gifts that are the most cherished by parents AND recipients! While garments are quickly outgrown, toys last for years... One technique that scares me and yet that I really want to try one day is steeking... Hi from France!
Re Brioche: I was so scared of it for so long, and finally decided to take the plunge after years of avoiding trying it. Guess what? It is so easy and rhythmic. I now love it!!! All it is is putting a yarn over around every other stitch while working the other stitch. It’s all in remembering where you left off when you put it down for a while.
The best thing about amigurami or any small knitting like that is that it takes knitting out of the clothing realm into a whole other place. Christmas ornaments, toys/stocking stuffers, home decor, etc. So it worth it to just make what you like and you will be surprised at how not hard it is once you sort of just decide to make it happen. ...my next big hurdle will be steeking because I love fair isle and want to make a cardigan...purling fair isle is a nightmare, bring on the steeking!
I took notes on your five categories and different knitting techniques for my personal journal. I loved your last comment to "knit what makes you happy - that's all that matters". Your stellar information will help me to avoid a pattern/knitting technique beyond my capabilities. Thank you!
Brioche knitting *looks* complicated until you realize it's just regular old knits and purls, but each one gets a shawl on its shoulders. And you don't make the stitches differently, you just knit or purl each stitch with its shawl. It's actually easier to learn with two colors, especially if you knit with one color in one hand and the other color in your other hand. Knitting two-handed is actually really good for the brain because it gets the right and left hemispheres talking to each other, which is good for anyone but especially for folks with ADHD. Nancy Marchant's books on Brioche are the BEST. Also, knitting 2-handed brioche in the round (for a hat, for example), the fabric grows quickly. 🙂 I find knitting Brioche back and forth to be confusing, but in the round is easy peasy. YMMV!
Coming from crochet, I was amazed at how light and thin knitting felt. But those Shetland lace shawls look like they’re to die for! I’d love to touch one and feel if it’s as drapery and light as it looks.
I'm so glad I watched this. I wasn't sure about the premise of the video, but I have to say, I 100% agree with you. Now the amigurumi I would definitely crochet, but not knit. Knit to me is wearables. Crochet is too holy to wear, so I like it for blankets and stuffies.
hahaha I absolutely loved the topic! I also consider myself a seasoned knitter but lately I’ve been trying a few of those techniques to sort of expand my knitting knowledge and skills a bit… but mostly to challenge myself… sometimes I get a bit bored with a full knitting in the round, and if there are a few different stitches along the way I noticed it keeps me more interested in the process. I recently did the Bolt Sweater by Max the knitter and I really enjoyed the intarsia and colour work. And as to the amigurumis, the’re not my favourite, but my kids really cherish them - I only make them by request, and I always say yes because I can usually finish them in 1-2 days. (They give me the happy hit of project finished and stash burning)! You should try!!
I hear you on the amigurumi BUT I just spend two days making a complete hobbit outfit for a frog (including a beaded leaf of lorien and a teensy ring) and tbh. The instant serotonin of finishing THE SMALLEST SWEATER IN EXISTENCE within like an hour can‘t be beat
Do you have Instagram or some social media so I can see it? I knitted a tiny frog a couple of months ago(it was basically my first knitting project) and a hobbit outfit on a frig sounds amazing 🌸
So interesting! Maybe you could do the flip side to this one and talk about knitting techniques that you haven't tried yet but that you want to? Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Taylor for this episode. I find it very refreshing and comforting that you're normalising having certain fears in knitting and to acknowledge that certain techniques are just not for you because it doesn't fit in with your lifestyle or you're not ready to commit due to the time investment or the complexity. One thing that's holding me back from intarsia is that I think that ideally one would knit it at a table where all the bobbins can be placed neatly in front of them. I have two small boys as well and knitting takes place in between small nuggets of time during caretaking tasks or in the evening when I'm sitting on the sofa watching something (this podcast for instance). That being said, I would like to learn intarsia and brioche as well. I have some intarsia patterns in mind that I find very attractive and will post them here so you might become more attracted to the technique as well 🙂 Here are some of my favourite intarsia designs: Elvan Shawl www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elvan-shawl (i love how this looks like Berber rugs) Scout shawl www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scout-shawl (also available as a mini version) Smilga shawl www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/smilga Salvatica scarf www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/silvatica (in a technique similar to intarsia) Amina sweater www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amina-sweater (also available as a cowl pattern) Nine patch cardigan or vest www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nine-patch-4 Gramercy cardigan www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gramercy-4
I started knitting literally 4 weeks ago. The first thing I did was fair isle colorwork with 6 colors. (I'm somewhat insane) but I'm here to tell you that it's not as scary as it looks! 😂💀
TIP: Brandon Mably and Kaffe Fassett did a short video on intarsia, yarn management, that was brilliant. No bobbins, and easy, but a tad fiddley. Small motifs, it is not bad at all. Look into it. Or for viewers that might want to look into it! You break yarn at “no more than an arms length- a US yard length and let hang in back until needed. He loops it with next two stitches and “no holes” at beginning or end of use/change of colors. It works, well.
I’m really weird… first thing I did when I picked up the needles again after a brief hiatus, I started knitting lace. With lace weight/cobweb yarn. And beads. 🫣 Brioche has always freaked me out though, because it looked and sounded so complicated… so this year’s challenge is knitting a nice chonky cardigan in one-colour brioche with double-knit edges 😂 And you know what? It’s not nearly as complicated as I thought it would be! 😊
This was such a great episode. I was actually cracking up a few times … “juice not worth the squeeze” and knitting “boxer shorts for frogs” are going into my repertoire. My “not interested” list is pretty similar to yours. I did buy Andrea Mowry’s Harlow hat to have a go at brioche.
Not trying to convince you that brioche isn't scary. BUT to put things in perspective, a brioche knit is a knit and a brioche purl is a purl. They aren't a completely different stitch, they just have a little extra yo that goes with the stitch and you are basically k2tog or p2tog those. Not as scary as it sounds. If you were to try your hands at brioche, start with a 1 color pattern, you don't have to knit rows twice, it brings the scare level way down.
It’s kinda fascinating what different knitters want to avoid. For me I just hate knitting socks, it’s complex, time consuming, not practical. I tried 2 or 3 times and don’t plan in future. Also garments, all these adjusting, making samples and always isn’t good enough, wearable. Though I will try to knit a cardigan for myself. I really don’t like knit heavier weight, I think for me needles 4,5 are comfortably the biggest and I like knitting thinner needles much more. The knitwear is nicer also. So for me estonian or shetland lace is more interesting. I really would love to make a shawl for myself for a wedding, in lace weight. And double knitting is so fun and satisfying. It’s colourfull, dynamic and simple at the same time. First few rows can be overwhelming but then it’s quite meditating.
You should do a shirt saying , The juice isn’t worth the squeeze. I just love that saying that you say. That is so true to knitting and other thing in life. Thank you for this episode.
double knitting probably takes about twice the yarn UNLESS it involves colorwork in which case, it's getting rid of floats entirely so it won't take as much yarn as just knitting the two sides separately unless you're knitting looser because of handling two yarns at a time
My knitting group made a lace shawl for one of our members who was getting married. Never again. There aren't enough stitch markers in the world to get me though lace work again. May I give it six scary skeleton faces?
I would love for you to make a small project in all these techniques and then reevaluating it, e.g. a lace doily, a double knit coaster, a brioche hat, a little frog and an intarsia snood! You could call it: "Facing my knitting fears"! Perfect halloween special :)
1. Shetland Lace: I kind of agree, I really have no use for it in my life. I never wear shawls, I’m terrified of my knit work getting snagged and ruined, but I could see myself willing to try a small doily or maybe a sweater with a Shetland lace style yoke. 2. Double knitting: I avoided it for a long time, but let me tell you double knit colorwork is really not that scary ESPECIALLY if done in the round. The perks is that there are no floats or tension to worry about, and it’s a finished looking fabric on both sides. And also, double knitting with one color is basically just continuing an Italian or tubular rib cast on in the round. (Knit 1, slip 1, then slip 1, purl 1) I like that look, the ease, and the feeling of the finished fabric. It does take twice as long to knit, just like brioche though. 3. Brioche: it really does take twice the amount of time to finish a project in brioche than in regular rib. That is a pain, no lie. I made an entire sweater in fishermans rib, and this is when I decided some sweaters are just better off store-bought. True brioche, with the slipped stitches and yarn overs, takes a minute to learn and can be a difficult knit, but the one color half or full fishermans rib really is easy as far as stitches go, the only downside is the time. 4. Intarsia: if you’re afraid to cut your skeins or use bobbins, then I can see why this wouldn’t be appealing. But flat Intarsia done properly (NOT trying to carry the strand across the back unbroken) is so freeing. I love Intarsia and I wish it was more popular these days, but I think the trend of in the round knitting over flat is really why it’s fallen out of style.
Brioche is not difficult, I’m so sad people have that impression! It’s actually a very soothing knitting rhythm and the payoff is huge, squishy amazing fabric. I encourage you to try!
I loved my brioche hat that I made several years ago. Unfortunately we ended up with a clothing moth infestation and it started to disintegrate. I lost several skeins of cheaper wool yarn from it (my expensive stash lives in a cedar chest) at the same time. There is definitely a learning curve to brioche, and if you aren't keeping up with it, the relearning is pretty much the same as learning it the first time. I also have never made anything other than hats knit in the round as far as brioche goes.
I agree on the issues of fiddly techniques but a topic that is problematic for me is knitting in pieces and then seaming pieces together., I avoid those patterns at all costs.
My stepdaughter sent me a photo of a crocheted jellyfish with twirly tentacles. She has three daughters so I had to make THREE. After I made them and delivered, she said they love throwing them. I should have put a tennis ball in a handkerchief secured with a rubberband.
This is a celebration in diversity. Aren't we glad there are so many different ways to show our love for yarn? I never thought I'd like crochet and yet its now my passion. Are u ready for this? My 5 scary skeleton face knitting projects is sweaters. I'm so intimidated by them but I know I will dive into them someday. I'm am so grateful that there's something for every taste and style. For me, its one big adventure and I love learning about all of them.
I love the look of double knitting but I am terrified of managing two different colors for color work. Because I can’t even do color work on a single fabric. The Purl Soho double knit blanket you displayed looked totally manageable and is something I am considering for one day.
It’s good to know that I’m not the only one who thinks “that’s not something I want to get involved with” when looking at certain projects or types of knitting ❤
Shetland Lace: ☠️☠️☠️☠️ Double Knit: ☠️☠️ Brioche: ☠️☠️ (soothing/easy to knit, but a nightmare to fix mistakes) Amigurumi: ☠️ (the desire to do it outweighs the fear for me) Intarsia ☠️☠️☠️☠️ *I love seeing creators take some extra time to post videos. It sets an excellent example for having balance and an overall healthy relationship with your work ❤😊
Steeking is for sure on my list. I also must mention long sweaters or dresses. My adhd does not allow me to remain focused long enough to get through it.
My big scary was steeking, but i finally bit the bullet this spring and tried it and now im obsessed. Ive only tried felted steeks so far, but ill try other types at some point.
I want to try a crocheted reinforcement steek for a knitted cardigan but have been holding back. I have crocheted for many years, but have been knitting for less than a year, so I think a crocheted steek will be the way I go when I am ready. I found a small mug cozy that is steeked and maybe I will try that first.
I think I’m a little like Pippi Longstocking: I don’t know a thing is difficult so I think I can do it. Shetland lace: I began knitting lace decades ago, mostly as borders for pillowcases and so forth. Never those big very fine pieces that fit through a wedding ring. I have no need for such a piece. But I am dying to try one, keep hesitating. Intarsia, double knitting, brioche - have done all of them and look at the process as a self-taught knitting class rather than as making something I’ll need. I’m simply curious. Amigurami doesn’t interest me in the least. Sorry, but I’d have to give it a negative infinity scary skull rating. Since the rules won’t allow that, I’ll just forego talking about it at all. Fun episode, thanks. I’m glad we all like different things - if we all made the same things, we’d be on Camazotz. Xx
I love how you did the rankings. Practicality is something that I should consider more often with my knitting. Sometimes I just want to knit the thing regardless of how much it’ll be used.
I think that's a lot of us. We like the new and shiny and only consider the practicality after we've started and are thinking about how the "juice isn't worth the squeeze". I'm the very same. 😉
Entrelac is on my nope list, along with intarsia (except that sweater, which is in my favs list, too), for the same reasons you gave. I was confused when I saw lace (unqualified) in your community announcement, since you’ve obviously knit lace before, but Shetland… I feel like that falls under the header of “lacemaking” in a way that lace patterns in knit socks or market bags or sweaters do not. I dont have the eye for that or the patience for the large pieces of knitting where one usually finds it. I do love to look at it, though.
Hi Taylor. Great topic! I hated brioche the first time I tried it. The second time ... I love the fabric, and it really isn't that difficult - knits, purls, slip stitches with yarn overs. Brioche Knit and Brioche Purl are really just the normal knit and purl working the stitch with the yarn over (super easy!) It is very nice finding the groove. (I'm also a crazy sock knitter now... A few years ago I wouldn't have pictured myself knitting sock after sock on US1s, but I LOVE them: the knitting and the wearing. Recommend trying brioche! (2 color is easier to read than 1 color) Those other techniques though ..... ☠️
Taylor, I agreed with your selection of scary knitting techniques and my rankings mirror your own. I would add one more scary knitting technique to the list, and that is Entrelac. I have done it and can do it ok, but I wouldn’t choose to do it.
illusion/shadow knitting = 5 (don't love the look + seems time consuming) entrelac = 4 (don't love the look + seems too complicated to memorise) lace = 3 (don't like the process yet have made a few reasonably succesful items) double knitting = 4 (don't like the process) intarsia = 2 (excited to try in near future) intarsia in the round = 4 (heard terrible things about process) nalbinding = 5 (wanted to try but I was not able to wrap my mind around this) tunisian crochet = 5 (like the look but no incentive to try) brioche = 3 (don't love the look + too much effort) steeking = 3 (willing to try when occasion presents) short rows = 4 (doing it begrudgingly: have not yet found any method that both looks good and that I enjoy, still looking)
Brioche: ☠️ Started brioche projects last year, and once you get the rhythm of the different stitches it can be knit quite fast. Two-color brioche is a godsend for knitters like me who stashed up way too much crazy variegated yarn and need to stash bust Double-knitting: ☠️☠️ Meh, not afraid of it just also live in a warm climate. Shetland lace: ☠️☠️☠️ Have tried it in the past, but my life is just too damn chaotic to work with it AND use lace weight yarn Amigurumi: ☠️☠️☠️☠️ Tried this recently, just too small and too fiddly for my taste Intarsia: ☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️ NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE
I've have tried knitting all of these techniques and... I like lace knitting, find amigurumi to fiddly, I have no use for brioche and double knitting. I haven't done intarsia since the 1980's- 1990's Rowan Kaffe Fassett designs, and there is one technique you didn't mention that I really dislike, and that is entrelac knitting.
My grandsons are totally delighted with Kristine McGowan’s Frog and Toad and her Little Red Riding Hood! They didn’t take much time and because I make socks, the shaping was easy for me. Totally worth the time to see their smiles when they play with them. 💕
i LOVE lace knitting! i have yet to try proper traditional shetland lace, but i've done a couple lace weight lace shawls. everything else though i completely agree with. i dont know if this counts as a 'technique' but knitting with DPNs is definietly a five scary skeleton faces for me.
I have done double knitting and brioche. So both are 1 for me. You do have to get use to it but the basis is knit purl rib. My struggle was that I am a combination knitter so it took me a bit more research to figure out what it should be like. I live in way north US so it is needed around here.
Taylor, I must say that we are of one mind on most of these. I feel validated. I chastise myself for not challenging myself often enough. However, I often think in terms of wearability and practicality and time involved. Thanks for this video. I enjoyed it. If a knitting project causes too much anxiety I’m not going to do it. I knit for enjoyment.
I'm really new to knitting but I'm at the point where I'm like "okay let me just try everything and see what I like" So involved techniques don't really scare me I'm just like "not there yet, but I'll get there eventually to see if I like it"
Absolutely great podcast - love it! I always feel so guilty that I don’t want to try scary techniques but in this video you showed me it’s ok to do what makes you feel good!
I love that someone is talking about knitting that fits the space, energy and attention you have available in your regular knitting time. But I might be biased towards this because I'm scared of brioche knitting.
When my kids were young, I made them one amigurumi every year for Valentine's Day to show them some extra love. The HUGE advantage to amigurumi is that you can create something based on their special interests in the moment. So when we were reading The One and Only Ivan together, one kid got a gorilla, the other the elephant and they acted out moments of the story together. At 19 and 17, while I've stopped knitting them the little toys they continue to have the toys I did make (Kirby, Merida, a weird love alien, bunnies, cats, etc.) all displayed prominently in their rooms
Lace I cant manage. I have tried. Double knitting is easier than plane old colorwork because you can cross the yarn. It is when you double knit socks and have to keep the yarn uncrossed is where it gets complex. I haven't tried brioche yet. But it isn't scary but still might be worth the time? I could see a hat done in brioche. Amigurumi is just toy making under another name. Usually crochet but can be knit. The dotpebblesknits frog that you showed is a fast easy knit. It takes at most an hour at the least half an hour to complete. You can use whatever size yarn you want. Intarsia looks fiddly. I haven't gotten the gumption to try it yet. Since Im not allowed a zero on these things I guess most are a one and the last one a two.
I’ve done them all over the years. I always say to new knitters ; there are only two stitches and everything else is a variation. I’m doing my first brioche currently, the September sweater, which I highly recommend. I spent time with RUclips first learning how to fix brioche mistakes. The only technique that I doubt I’ll ever try is argyle. In the end , knit what makes you happy!
I started my first brioche project not realising it was something different or difficult and while there are mistakes I really enjoyed it so I don't think its scary. Personally I prefer 2 coloured brioche as it's easier to see which stitch you are working. I would love one day to knit a Shetland lace shawl but not at present.
Btw: what a great way to analyze types of knitting (and projecting to other aspects of life!)-for narrowing down what to try if I Wanted to-least of the worst, and deciding what to spend (limited available) time on. Lovely inspiration 🎉
My ratings (just general ratings, no specific averaging) would be: Brioche: 1. I've done it before, time requirements is the worst part, but I like the fabric and it's really straightforward Lace: 2. I'm probably being a bit over ambitious here, but I'd love to do a super complex lace shawl someday. I haven't had time yet, but someday. Double Knitting: 2. The idea of trying it doesn't scare me, but I haven't seen many patterns that really appeal to me, so I'm unlikely to try it any time soon. Knitted Amigurumi: 4. I've tried to make some, and I won't be making many more. I don't love small diameter knitting in the round, not even sock knitting. They feel way too fiddly for me. Crochet Amigurumi (extra!): 1. I crochet amigurumi all the time. I love it, there are so many beautiful patterns, some small and some big. I have made so many crocheted stuffed animals. I don't love sewing them together, but it's worth it to me. Intarsia: 5. The yarn management scares me. I think I'll probably try it someday, but definitely not with a big color block sweater. I agree with everything Tayler said. Amazing video, lots of fun to watch. Thanks for sharing!
Love this video. Yes i love knitting and stitching but with 2 kids under 3 i only have so much time for myself in the day. I need to be able to do it while watching tv or i am not even starting the project 😂
IMO, the use of the specialized terms for brioche, like brk and brp, makes it seem more scary than it is. It's just knitting or purling a stitch together with its yarn over. Once you get into a rhythm--which does take some time--it's not much different than working a 1x1 rib. I'm with you on intarsia. Just NOPE.
I started knitting gnomes and small creatures for myself and my grandkids. Love it! I used stash yarns and new techniques. Intarsia was included in a fox pattern. I went to a knitting retreat and learned double knitting techniques. Loved it. I started lace knitting for wedding shawls for my daughter's. Brioche is Hell to the NO! Generally I like learning new techniques but no interest in brioche. You may change your mind in various techniques as your life changes. Great topic 😊
I agree with regarding Lace projects- they are beautiful but I will probably never knit one. It takes like 50 rows to knit an inch and a year later, when I wear my newly finished shawl, it will snag on something and be ruined!!!!!
I'm doing single color brioche for an ear warmer. It's not hard at all. I'm loving it because you get the look of ribbing without having to purl. I'm going to try a hat next. I too live in the southwest (AZ).
Love the look of brioche but couldn't wrap my brain around how to make left leaning brioche or right leaning so I am just using fisherman's rib for now 😂I would give 5 scary face to the lace work definitely! I just couldn't see myself ever finishing one project because of the time it would take.
I tried a brioche project starting last August, it only came off the needles in April. Unfortunately errata was sent out the week before I finished the project AND was the area I struggled with the most. I frogged the first 2 of 3 charts at least 20 times before I just bulldozed my way to the right stitch count and continued from there. The frustration of that project may prevent me from ever doing another brioche project again.
I'm with you on all of these. I've taken classes in double knitting and it's not really as bad as it seems, but it is a lot of effort and it takes more brain space than I want to devote in my leisure time. And so glad to know that there are others like me who don't happily jump into brioche.
Taylor, I am totally with you on every technique. I like to knit comfortably and not become frustrated. I must say I like it to be something I can wear or use in the end. So I’m a practical knitter I guess. As far as decorating items or cute animals types of things, love them as gifts but I have no interest in making them myself. I like classic simple sweaters, not even any Lacey holes anywhere. I think that’s why I like watching you because I can relate so easily. Not that I don’t like to see and learn different ideas etc but it’s nice to be in tune if you know what I mean. Thank you!
There’s some memorable quotables in this video that made lol! 😂 Because I’m a new knitter, I would give all of these techniques: ☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️, but I’m not afraid to try them out in the future once I have a few basic knitting projects under my belt. 😀 I found this video inspiring, thank you Tayler!! 💗
What a fun topic!! As far as I'm concerned: Shetland Lace: 3 skulls overall (Biggest issues are practicality and fussiness. Haven't done this yet but I figure that I have so little need for new FOs that I should undertake something that will take a good long while 🙂). Double knitting: 1 skull overall (I've done it on multiple occasions and it's actually more fun than you'd think - also, makes such a stable fabric). Brioche: 2 skulls overall (I avoided this for years, just cuz I had other things I wanted to knit more and I find the fabric kind of creepy for some reason, esp 2-colour! Also, everyone says it's a misery which worried me. But over the last 2 yrs I've done fisherman's rib and brioche and the half versions. It's actually not difficult to fix if you watch a couple of videos. Once I realized that, it didn't worry me. Still not my fave though. Amigarumi: 2 skulls overall (I've barely ever thought about this one! This seems ultra-fiddly and I have no need for cute little stuffies. I mean, never say never, but can't see this in my future near or far.) Intarsia: 1 skull overall (I did this unknowingly in my first year of knitting, having no idea what it was called or that it was hard. I have to say, of all of the scary options presented here, my take is that this is the least concerning in terms of technical skill required. It is NOT hard, even if it doesn't appeal. If yarn management irritates, then I can see how it would be a nonstarter. But, just IMO, it's so much more practical that stranded colourwork because it doesn't create a double fabric.
I love your ratings here and I totally see what you mean about the practicality of Intarsia versus that of stranded colorwork. It's so funny because reading everyone's thoughts on these techniques has served to sort of inspire me to try some of those ones I really didn't have interest in going into this.
My very first finished knitting project was double knit. Aside from all my stitches being twisted it turned out fine, and that’s because I had been doing my knit stitches wrong the whole time.
I learned to knit about 6 yrs ago which was scary enough (I'm 59). I crocheted since I was 7 so it was about time to learn knitting. After my first lesson it was to fiddly so I stopped. I started again after seeing Continental which I found similar to crochet and so now I've been knitting constantly in the last 2 years. I don't find any stitch scary so far. Most of them I pick the pattern, yarn then start. Then I read the pattern and go "oh crap" what is that! Then I watch all the youtube videos. Now I love brioche its amazingly easy but it does take a long time to knit up. I stumbled on intarsia and the yarn management is irritating but once you get into it, it's not too bad. I'm also doing amigurumi but I use worsted yarn so it's bigger :) I've never knit or crocheted a sweater, that's scary to me!
And we made it! A day late, but what can you do? The RUclips fates had other plans yesterday. Thank you so much for your patience as I worked through some technical difficulties...ok on with the show. A few things:
Number 1: This video is supposed to be entertaining. If you don't agree with my opinions, that's ok. My opinions are not judgements. Just relax and have a good time.
Number 2: This video is more about techniques I'm just not really into and less about how "scary" they are. Some do intimidate me, indeed, but the whole "juice isn't worth the squeeze thing" sums this up pretty accurately. If you have an interest in ANY of these techniques, you should ABSOLUTELY try them. And to be honest, don't hold your breath because I may be trying a few at some point as well. In fact I linked to some patterns (in the description box) that may sway me.
Number 3: I know. Don't knock it till you try it. I get it. Please see Number 1.
Enjoy and thank you so much for being here to watch. You guys are just the best. ❤
PS: some of the categories aren’t spelled out completely. Not sure what happened, but I’m accepting it. 😅
Patterns for each category mentioned that may just change my mind:
Shetland Lace:
Shetland Shawl:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-shawl-10
Double Knitting:
Linnea Scarf:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/linnea-scarf
Brioche:
Brioche Loop:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brioche-loop-2
Intarsia:
Karelia
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/karelia-5
Amigurumi:
Frog and Toad
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frog-and-toad
the Karelia sweater is not intarsia, its a weaving technique?
For the second time in a couple of weeks I couldn’t add a comment to your episode, so I’m doing a work around. Good thought provoking episode! Fell in love with Kaffe Fassett designs then discovered almost all his patterns were intarsia 😢. Discovered brioche and found it relatively easy and then Nancy Marchand reinvented it with ‘barks’ and ‘burps’ 😢 pattern availability exploded but the language she invented made it tedious for me. I have made a couple of amigurumi items. Kawai! Not my go to for fun knitting. Love the history of Shetland lace knitting and found a pattern for a black lace weight shawl that is covered in bats that one day I might knit when I can set aside six months or a year to work only on that. Maybe I can adapt the pattern to a bandana? Double knitting? If I wanted to use up yarn, I’d just crochet. Which requires 25 - 30% more yarn than the same pattern in knitting. 😮 In the intarsia category I include entrelac. Ironically, I LOVE fair isle and cables in every iteration: socks, sweaters, hats , etc. Thanks, Tayler☠️💀
@@ccsullivan9164 First of all, I'm sorry to learn that you're having trouble commenting. Not sure why that is, but that's frustrating.
Also I remember hearing about barks and burps in brioche as a sort of mnemonic for remembering how to execute the stitches. It's interesting that that made the process seem more tedious, but I can see that happening. As for Sheltand lace, I love the history, I love watching Shetland Wool Week videos about it. I think it's beautiful. Just not for me. Now the same designs in maybe fingering-weight yarn, I can get behind that. Lace isn't hard for me per se, it's just the idea of the teeny yarn that doesn't interest me.
And I'm with you. I love colorwork/Fair Isle and I do love some good cables. ❤
I was taught to knit by my Danish grandmother. The first thing she made me knit was a sweater with a a beautiful, but complicated Scandinavian yoke with at least 5 different colours. She said, if I can knit that, I can knit anything! I was 13!
Wow. Well I'd say she was right! That's impressive. ❤️
I can't believe you didn't talk about steeks! That's like THE #1 scary technique people are usually absolutely terrified of!
I agree!
Perhaps it’s because I LOVE steeks and love executing them and feel no fear whatsoever about steeks……..
HA! yeah right. They terrify me. Leaving them out was a gross oversight. 😂
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Haha you got me! I thought: I love steeks too, omg i'm not the only one! I'm actually teaching a steeking class tomorrow at Knit City in Montreal, you should make the trip next time. 😉
I think steeking deserves its own scary episode. It’s in a category of its own. 😰
And the corollary to steeking, cut in heels on socks. Shoot, anything that requires cutting the fabric you just made freaks people out.
I have avoided one technique for years. Knitting in the round. It looked and sounded complicated to my 59 y/o knitting mind and straight needle fingers. But I broke the mould for this channel and the #something old something new mal because I wanted to make the Ilene bag. I have done it, despite a couple of rookie errors, it is finished and I am very proud of myself 😊
Taylor! You need to try brioche! (I'm not being bossy, I'm just very enthusiastic about this topic, haha!) As Andrea Mowry says, if you can slip stitches and you can do yarnovers, then you can do brioche. It's really very simple and it feels very calming and meditative while you knit it. It does slow me down a little but nothing beats a brioche project when I'm in the mood for it. Oh! And the squish! You have to feel the squish, there's nothing like it.
Ok ok. You’ve convinced me. I’ll do it! ❤
Yes, I did her Harlow hat as a first brioche project and quickly got the rhythm of it!
Totally agree, Brioche is really not hard to do.. Don't know why so many knitters are afraid of it 😂
Yes! All of this!!!
I agree, simple two colour brioche is actually really nice to work! But I’d you don’t love the look of the finished result it’s not really worth it imo. It’s very counter intuitive, but I agree about the Andréa mowry quote rings true! Definitely life line though, because learning how to read brioche enough to fix mistakes sucks
I was surprised steeking didn’t make it on the list. I like doing scary things and sure enough I added a few patterns using these techniques to my ravelry favorites to try later haha. That said, brioche is not too bad. I took a brioche class and if anything was disappointed that it wasn’t more challenging.
I FORGOT ABOUT STEEKING!!! 😳😳😳
Found this video and went “ooo more things to learn!”
‘The juice isn’t worth the squeeze’ 😂 love some of your awesome sayings!
I do some Shetland style lace knitting and find it to be less complicated then people think. there are really only 5 stitches that you ever do and they become quite ease to read on your needles. If you are intimidated bye the yarn thickness I recommend trying a pattern with fingering weight yarn instead for the first time. Minogame, one of the first images you showed is a great beginner friendly pattern and works great in fingering weight yarn with a little bit larger needle size. Its interesting to see what other knitters find scary.
You didn't talk about steeking! Cutting my knit fabric sounds so terrifying. 😬😬😬
I have recently fallen in LOVE with brioche knitting, especially two-colour brioche. Why? Because, apart from boring horizontal stripes, it is the easiest two-colour technique ever. That "knit each row twice" thing is what makes the colour so easy, because you do not have the nightmare of trying to knit with two colours at the same time - you knit first in one colour, put that yarn down, and then knit with the other colour. It makes the yarn management so easy! That being said, I have yet to master the increases and decreases (which is what takes two-colour brioche to the next level) but I am still happy with my vertical stripes and my lofty, squishy fabric.
The only thing that scares me in knitting is steeking. I had to do it once out of necessity when I totally forgot to leave open space for a thumb in a glove. I have made some super quick, fun, small intarsia pillows with holiday motifs (snowflakes, gnomes, rabbits, ghosts) that only took me 2 days each. The key was using bulky yarn and limiting to 1 or 2 extra colors. I have done some lace work, but have abandoned a lot, too. Agree with you on amigurimi, but I have a book called Knit Your Own Cat that I want to make at least one of some day. I have seen some brioche done in the round that doesn’t look too difficult (1 color], so I may try it some day. I like to challenge myself even if the results are sometimes a disaster. 😊
"I'm not going to spend it knitting tiny boxers for a frog". I SNORTED
☺️☺️☺️❤️❤️❤️
😂😅❤
Ironically enough Amigurimi was my gateway into the world of crochet and now just love the craft on general!
It did teach me to read patterns from the beginning, so totally worth it 😂
LOL Intarsia! My first purchased knitting book was Kaffe Fassett's Glorious Knitting. I was captivated by the colors and patterns. Thirty years later, I still have not done any intarsia.
I definitely think this is a time in life assessment! I think you should redo this video in your next phase of life and see if your ratings change. I am back knitting after a 20 year break for 5 kids - I just couldn’t even cast on during that season! I definitely choose different challenges now. I think you are super brave in all the fiber art you accomplish! Super interesting video!
I completely feel where you're coming from friend. I'm a lifelong crocheter/novice knitter. I'm only drawn to projects that produce something I actually want and love. I've never felt like you have to go all in on a craft, just do what moves you ❤knit on!!
Yes! Life is too short to make projects you don’t love!
One of the reasons I avoid these (and other) techniques is I tend to get obsessive about new challenges. I buy all of the materials, work at it until I have a decent skill level, then abandon the whole thing for the next challenge. So, to save me from homelessness and divorce, I've learned to curb my enthusiasm. 😂
The only one of these I've done is brioche, and I considered myself a beginner still when I attempted it! I will say, I just did a scarf, so it wasn't terribly scary HOWEVER...when I messed up...going back to fix was an absolute pain in the butt. To the point where I started putting new lifelines in about every 10-15 rows to make sure I could unravel and not completely screw up! It was very time consuming but overall very happy with the scarf, I live in the Midwest where it gets very very cold in winters so that extra squish is *chefs kiss*.
I’ve been knitting for almost 50 years and have never knitted a sweater in more than one colour that didn’t involve stripes! Stranded colourwork gives me the heebie jeebies!
I've knit TONS of small toys (especially by Julie Williams, but also Susan B. Anderson, etc.) almost always as baby gifts. I too would be annoyed at the time spent if it was for myself, but when it's for a precious little one the time invested is perfect. Also, it makes awesome and very appreciated gifts. Baby garments are ridiculously cute and I enjoy knitting them, but the toys I've knit are definitely the gifts that are the most cherished by parents AND recipients! While garments are quickly outgrown, toys last for years...
One technique that scares me and yet that I really want to try one day is steeking...
Hi from France!
Re Brioche: I was so scared of it for so long, and finally decided to take the plunge after years of avoiding trying it. Guess what? It is so easy and rhythmic. I now love it!!! All it is is putting a yarn over around every other stitch while working the other stitch. It’s all in remembering where you left off when you put it down for a while.
The best thing about amigurami or any small knitting like that is that it takes knitting out of the clothing realm into a whole other place. Christmas ornaments, toys/stocking stuffers, home decor, etc. So it worth it to just make what you like and you will be surprised at how not hard it is once you sort of just decide to make it happen. ...my next big hurdle will be steeking because I love fair isle and want to make a cardigan...purling fair isle is a nightmare, bring on the steeking!
I took notes on your five categories and different knitting techniques for my personal journal. I loved your last comment to "knit what makes you happy - that's all that matters". Your stellar information will help me to avoid a pattern/knitting technique beyond my capabilities. Thank you!
Thank goodness there are simple lace patterns where you purl back across after every knit row.
Brioche knitting *looks* complicated until you realize it's just regular old knits and purls, but each one gets a shawl on its shoulders. And you don't make the stitches differently, you just knit or purl each stitch with its shawl. It's actually easier to learn with two colors, especially if you knit with one color in one hand and the other color in your other hand. Knitting two-handed is actually really good for the brain because it gets the right and left hemispheres talking to each other, which is good for anyone but especially for folks with ADHD. Nancy Marchant's books on Brioche are the BEST. Also, knitting 2-handed brioche in the round (for a hat, for example), the fabric grows quickly. 🙂 I find knitting Brioche back and forth to be confusing, but in the round is easy peasy. YMMV!
Coming from crochet, I was amazed at how light and thin knitting felt. But those Shetland lace shawls look like they’re to die for! I’d love to touch one and feel if it’s as drapery and light as it looks.
I'm so glad I watched this. I wasn't sure about the premise of the video, but I have to say, I 100% agree with you. Now the amigurumi I would definitely crochet, but not knit. Knit to me is wearables. Crochet is too holy to wear, so I like it for blankets and stuffies.
hahaha I absolutely loved the topic! I also consider myself a seasoned knitter but lately I’ve been trying a few of those techniques to sort of expand my knitting knowledge and skills a bit… but mostly to challenge myself… sometimes I get a bit bored with a full knitting in the round, and if there are a few different stitches along the way I noticed it keeps me more interested in the process. I recently did the Bolt Sweater by Max the knitter and I really enjoyed the intarsia and colour work.
And as to the amigurumis, the’re not my favourite, but my kids really cherish them - I only make them by request, and I always say yes because I can usually finish them in 1-2 days. (They give me the happy hit of project finished and stash burning)! You should try!!
I hear you on the amigurumi BUT I just spend two days making a complete hobbit outfit for a frog (including a beaded leaf of lorien and a teensy ring) and tbh. The instant serotonin of finishing THE SMALLEST SWEATER IN EXISTENCE within like an hour can‘t be beat
Oh I can totally imagine. I'm applauding you right now. That's amazing! ❤️
Do you have Instagram or some social media so I can see it? I knitted a tiny frog a couple of months ago(it was basically my first knitting project) and a hobbit outfit on a frig sounds amazing 🌸
So interesting! Maybe you could do the flip side to this one and talk about knitting techniques that you haven't tried yet but that you want to? Thanks for sharing!
You’re reading my mind. ☺️
Thank you Taylor for this episode. I find it very refreshing and comforting that you're normalising having certain fears in knitting and to acknowledge that certain techniques are just not for you because it doesn't fit in with your lifestyle or you're not ready to commit due to the time investment or the complexity. One thing that's holding me back from intarsia is that I think that ideally one would knit it at a table where all the bobbins can be placed neatly in front of them. I have two small boys as well and knitting takes place in between small nuggets of time during caretaking tasks or in the evening when I'm sitting on the sofa watching something (this podcast for instance).
That being said, I would like to learn intarsia and brioche as well. I have some intarsia patterns in mind that I find very attractive and will post them here so you might become more attracted to the technique as well 🙂
Here are some of my favourite intarsia designs:
Elvan Shawl www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elvan-shawl (i love how this looks like Berber rugs)
Scout shawl www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scout-shawl (also available as a mini version)
Smilga shawl www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/smilga
Salvatica scarf www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/silvatica (in a technique similar to intarsia)
Amina sweater www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amina-sweater (also available as a cowl pattern)
Nine patch cardigan or vest www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nine-patch-4
Gramercy cardigan www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gramercy-4
I started knitting literally 4 weeks ago. The first thing I did was fair isle colorwork with 6 colors. (I'm somewhat insane) but I'm here to tell you that it's not as scary as it looks! 😂💀
TIP: Brandon Mably and Kaffe Fassett did a short video on intarsia, yarn management, that was brilliant. No bobbins, and easy, but a tad fiddley. Small motifs, it is not bad at all. Look into it. Or for viewers that might want to look into it! You break yarn at “no more than an arms length- a US yard length and let hang in back until needed. He loops it with next two stitches and “no holes” at beginning or end of use/change of colors. It works, well.
I’m really weird… first thing I did when I picked up the needles again after a brief hiatus, I started knitting lace. With lace weight/cobweb yarn. And beads. 🫣 Brioche has always freaked me out though, because it looked and sounded so complicated… so this year’s challenge is knitting a nice chonky cardigan in one-colour brioche with double-knit edges 😂 And you know what? It’s not nearly as complicated as I thought it would be! 😊
BTW I love the clever edits you make to your videos! They are fun (on top of your bubbly smart presentations, of course)!!
Im with you ! I avoid stress inducing techniques.
This was such a great episode. I was actually cracking up a few times … “juice not worth the squeeze” and knitting “boxer shorts for frogs” are going into my repertoire. My “not interested” list is pretty similar to yours. I did buy Andrea Mowry’s Harlow hat to have a go at brioche.
Not trying to convince you that brioche isn't scary. BUT to put things in perspective, a brioche knit is a knit and a brioche purl is a purl. They aren't a completely different stitch, they just have a little extra yo that goes with the stitch and you are basically k2tog or p2tog those. Not as scary as it sounds. If you were to try your hands at brioche, start with a 1 color pattern, you don't have to knit rows twice, it brings the scare level way down.
It’s kinda fascinating what different knitters want to avoid.
For me I just hate knitting socks, it’s complex, time consuming, not practical. I tried 2 or 3 times and don’t plan in future.
Also garments, all these adjusting, making samples and always isn’t good enough, wearable. Though I will try to knit a cardigan for myself.
I really don’t like knit heavier weight, I think for me needles 4,5 are comfortably the biggest and I like knitting thinner needles much more. The knitwear is nicer also.
So for me estonian or shetland lace is more interesting. I really would love to make a shawl for myself for a wedding, in lace weight.
And double knitting is so fun and satisfying. It’s colourfull, dynamic and simple at the same time. First few rows can be overwhelming but then it’s quite meditating.
Inga from Knitting Traditions made a checkerboard intarsia sweater and it was gorgeous!
You should do a shirt saying , The juice isn’t worth the squeeze. I just love that saying that you say. That is so true to knitting and other thing in life. Thank you for this episode.
double knitting probably takes about twice the yarn UNLESS it involves colorwork in which case, it's getting rid of floats entirely so it won't take as much yarn as just knitting the two sides separately unless you're knitting looser because of handling two yarns at a time
My knitting group made a lace shawl for one of our members who was getting married. Never again. There aren't enough stitch markers in the world to get me though lace work again. May I give it six scary skeleton faces?
I would love for you to make a small project in all these techniques and then reevaluating it, e.g. a lace doily, a double knit coaster, a brioche hat, a little frog and an intarsia snood! You could call it: "Facing my knitting fears"! Perfect halloween special :)
Sooo, this may be the single most genius idea for a Halloween knitting podcast episode...don't mind me while I go jot this one down...❤️
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS That's awesome, I'm looking forward to it! I also suggested it on the tipline :)
1. Shetland Lace: I kind of agree, I really have no use for it in my life. I never wear shawls, I’m terrified of my knit work getting snagged and ruined, but I could see myself willing to try a small doily or maybe a sweater with a Shetland lace style yoke.
2. Double knitting: I avoided it for a long time, but let me tell you double knit colorwork is really not that scary ESPECIALLY if done in the round. The perks is that there are no floats or tension to worry about, and it’s a finished looking fabric on both sides. And also, double knitting with one color is basically just continuing an Italian or tubular rib cast on in the round. (Knit 1, slip 1, then slip 1, purl 1) I like that look, the ease, and the feeling of the finished fabric. It does take twice as long to knit, just like brioche though.
3. Brioche: it really does take twice the amount of time to finish a project in brioche than in regular rib. That is a pain, no lie. I made an entire sweater in fishermans rib, and this is when I decided some sweaters are just better off store-bought. True brioche, with the slipped stitches and yarn overs, takes a minute to learn and can be a difficult knit, but the one color half or full fishermans rib really is easy as far as stitches go, the only downside is the time.
4. Intarsia: if you’re afraid to cut your skeins or use bobbins, then I can see why this wouldn’t be appealing. But flat Intarsia done properly (NOT trying to carry the strand across the back unbroken) is so freeing. I love Intarsia and I wish it was more popular these days, but I think the trend of in the round knitting over flat is really why it’s fallen out of style.
I am going to try Ferrule from Neons and Neutrals, an intarsia pattern that is NOT kitschy. 😀
Brioche is not difficult, I’m so sad people have that impression! It’s actually a very soothing knitting rhythm and the payoff is huge, squishy amazing fabric. I encourage you to try!
I loved my brioche hat that I made several years ago. Unfortunately we ended up with a clothing moth infestation and it started to disintegrate. I lost several skeins of cheaper wool yarn from it (my expensive stash lives in a cedar chest) at the same time. There is definitely a learning curve to brioche, and if you aren't keeping up with it, the relearning is pretty much the same as learning it the first time. I also have never made anything other than hats knit in the round as far as brioche goes.
Honestly, I’m going to try for sure. Even if it’s just so I can sample it and share my experience. I totally understand what you’re saying here. ❤️
My grandmother used to tat with a little shuttle that produced beautiful lace. That’s a 5 scary skeletons.
Intarsia: 1
Amigurumi: 2
Double knitting: 1
Lace: 3
Brioche: 3
Wont stop me from trying out lace abd brioche as often as i can though 😅
I agree on the issues of fiddly techniques but a topic that is problematic for me is knitting in pieces and then seaming pieces together., I avoid those patterns at all costs.
My stepdaughter sent me a photo of a crocheted jellyfish with twirly tentacles. She has three daughters so I had to make THREE. After I made them and delivered, she said they love throwing them. I should have put a tennis ball in a handkerchief secured with a rubberband.
🤣 😂😂🥲😂🤣
I’ve only made a brioche trim on a cardigan but I really want to make a project using only brioche!! (Super scary!!)
Since I don't know how to knit at all, every technique is 5 scary skeleton faces 💀😎
This is a celebration in diversity. Aren't we glad there are so many different ways to show our love for yarn? I never thought I'd like crochet and yet its now my passion. Are u ready for this? My 5 scary skeleton face knitting projects is sweaters. I'm so intimidated by them but I know I will dive into them someday. I'm am so grateful that there's something for every taste and style. For me, its one big adventure and I love learning about all of them.
I love the look of double knitting but I am terrified of managing two different colors for color work. Because I can’t even do color work on a single fabric. The Purl Soho double knit blanket you displayed looked totally manageable and is something I am considering for one day.
It’s good to know that I’m not the only one who thinks “that’s not something I want to get involved with” when looking at certain projects or types of knitting ❤
Shetland Lace: ☠️☠️☠️☠️
Double Knit: ☠️☠️
Brioche: ☠️☠️ (soothing/easy to knit, but a nightmare to fix mistakes)
Amigurumi: ☠️ (the desire to do it outweighs the fear for me)
Intarsia ☠️☠️☠️☠️
*I love seeing creators take some extra time to post videos. It sets an excellent example for having balance and an overall healthy relationship with your work ❤😊
Steeking is for sure on my list. I also must mention long sweaters or dresses. My adhd does not allow me to remain focused long enough to get through it.
My big scary was steeking, but i finally bit the bullet this spring and tried it and now im obsessed. Ive only tried felted steeks so far, but ill try other types at some point.
I want to try a crocheted reinforcement steek for a knitted cardigan but have been holding back. I have crocheted for many years, but have been knitting for less than a year, so I think a crocheted steek will be the way I go when I am ready. I found a small mug cozy that is steeked and maybe I will try that first.
I think I’m a little like Pippi Longstocking: I don’t know a thing is difficult so I think I can do it.
Shetland lace: I began knitting lace decades ago, mostly as borders for pillowcases and so forth. Never those big very fine pieces that fit through a wedding ring. I have no need for such a piece. But I am dying to try one, keep hesitating.
Intarsia, double knitting, brioche - have done all of them and look at the process as a self-taught knitting class rather than as making something I’ll need. I’m simply curious.
Amigurami doesn’t interest me in the least. Sorry, but I’d have to give it a negative infinity scary skull rating. Since the rules won’t allow that, I’ll just forego talking about it at all.
Fun episode, thanks. I’m glad we all like different things - if we all made the same things, we’d be on Camazotz. Xx
Intarsia is how we used to knit Mary Maxim sweaters for everyone. Very east to do.
I agree with the brioche and lace knitting.
I love how you did the rankings. Practicality is something that I should consider more often with my knitting. Sometimes I just want to knit the thing regardless of how much it’ll be used.
I think that's a lot of us. We like the new and shiny and only consider the practicality after we've started and are thinking about how the "juice isn't worth the squeeze". I'm the very same. 😉
Entrelac is on my nope list, along with intarsia (except that sweater, which is in my favs list, too), for the same reasons you gave. I was confused when I saw lace (unqualified) in your community announcement, since you’ve obviously knit lace before, but Shetland… I feel like that falls under the header of “lacemaking” in a way that lace patterns in knit socks or market bags or sweaters do not. I dont have the eye for that or the patience for the large pieces of knitting where one usually finds it. I do love to look at it, though.
Hi Taylor. Great topic!
I hated brioche the first time I tried it. The second time ... I love the fabric, and it really isn't that difficult - knits, purls, slip stitches with yarn overs. Brioche Knit and Brioche Purl are really just the normal knit and purl working the stitch with the yarn over (super easy!) It is very nice finding the groove. (I'm also a crazy sock knitter now... A few years ago I wouldn't have pictured myself knitting sock after sock on US1s, but I LOVE them: the knitting and the wearing.
Recommend trying brioche! (2 color is easier to read than 1 color)
Those other techniques though ..... ☠️
Taylor, I agreed with your selection of scary knitting techniques and my rankings mirror your own. I would add one more scary knitting technique to the list, and that is Entrelac. I have done it and can do it ok, but I wouldn’t choose to do it.
illusion/shadow knitting = 5 (don't love the look + seems time consuming)
entrelac = 4 (don't love the look + seems too complicated to memorise)
lace = 3 (don't like the process yet have made a few reasonably succesful items)
double knitting = 4 (don't like the process)
intarsia = 2 (excited to try in near future)
intarsia in the round = 4 (heard terrible things about process)
nalbinding = 5 (wanted to try but I was not able to wrap my mind around this)
tunisian crochet = 5 (like the look but no incentive to try)
brioche = 3 (don't love the look + too much effort)
steeking = 3 (willing to try when occasion presents)
short rows = 4 (doing it begrudgingly: have not yet found any method that both looks good and that I enjoy, still looking)
How dare you all say those mean things about my beloved brioche
Brioche: ☠️ Started brioche projects last year, and once you get the rhythm of the different stitches it can be knit quite fast. Two-color brioche is a godsend for knitters like me who stashed up way too much crazy variegated yarn and need to stash bust
Double-knitting: ☠️☠️ Meh, not afraid of it just also live in a warm climate.
Shetland lace: ☠️☠️☠️ Have tried it in the past, but my life is just too damn chaotic to work with it AND use lace weight yarn
Amigurumi: ☠️☠️☠️☠️ Tried this recently, just too small and too fiddly for my taste
Intarsia: ☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️ NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE
I've have tried knitting all of these techniques and...
I like lace knitting, find amigurumi to fiddly, I have no use for brioche and double knitting. I haven't done intarsia since the 1980's- 1990's Rowan Kaffe Fassett designs, and there is one technique you didn't mention that I really dislike, and that is entrelac knitting.
*shudder* I really dislike entrelac! It had a massive moment about 15 years ago and I'm so glad it's over now.
My grandsons are totally delighted with Kristine McGowan’s Frog and Toad and her Little Red Riding Hood! They didn’t take much time and because I make socks, the shaping was easy for me. Totally worth the time to see their smiles when they play with them. 💕
i LOVE lace knitting! i have yet to try proper traditional shetland lace, but i've done a couple lace weight lace shawls. everything else though i completely agree with. i dont know if this counts as a 'technique' but knitting with DPNs is definietly a five scary skeleton faces for me.
I have done double knitting and brioche. So both are 1 for me. You do have to get use to it but the basis is knit purl rib. My struggle was that I am a combination knitter so it took me a bit more research to figure out what it should be like. I live in way north US so it is needed around here.
Taylor, I must say that we are of one mind on most of these. I feel validated. I chastise myself for not challenging myself often enough. However, I often think in terms of wearability and practicality and time involved. Thanks for this video. I enjoyed it. If a knitting project causes too much anxiety I’m not going to do it. I knit for enjoyment.
I'm really new to knitting but I'm at the point where I'm like "okay let me just try everything and see what I like" So involved techniques don't really scare me I'm just like "not there yet, but I'll get there eventually to see if I like it"
Knitting lace with lace weight-1 (done it); double knitting-1 (haven't done it but willing to try); brioche-2 (haven't done it, willing to try, don't know anything about it); amigurumi-1 (done it); intarsia-1 (done it)
Absolutely great podcast - love it! I always feel so guilty that I don’t want to try scary techniques but in this video you showed me it’s ok to do what makes you feel good!
I love that someone is talking about knitting that fits the space, energy and attention you have available in your regular knitting time. But I might be biased towards this because I'm scared of brioche knitting.
When my kids were young, I made them one amigurumi every year for Valentine's Day to show them some extra love. The HUGE advantage to amigurumi is that you can create something based on their special interests in the moment. So when we were reading The One and Only Ivan together, one kid got a gorilla, the other the elephant and they acted out moments of the story together. At 19 and 17, while I've stopped knitting them the little toys they continue to have the toys I did make (Kirby, Merida, a weird love alien, bunnies, cats, etc.) all displayed prominently in their rooms
Lace I cant manage. I have tried. Double knitting is easier than plane old colorwork because you can cross the yarn. It is when you double knit socks and have to keep the yarn uncrossed is where it gets complex. I haven't tried brioche yet. But it isn't scary but still might be worth the time? I could see a hat done in brioche. Amigurumi is just toy making under another name. Usually crochet but can be knit. The dotpebblesknits frog that you showed is a fast easy knit. It takes at most an hour at the least half an hour to complete. You can use whatever size yarn you want. Intarsia looks fiddly. I haven't gotten the gumption to try it yet. Since Im not allowed a zero on these things I guess most are a one and the last one a two.
I’ve done them all over the years. I always say to new knitters ; there are only two stitches and everything else is a variation. I’m doing my first brioche currently, the September sweater, which I highly recommend. I spent time with RUclips first learning how to fix brioche mistakes. The only technique that I doubt I’ll ever try is argyle. In the end , knit what makes you happy!
“Knitting up a pair of tiny boxer shorts for a frog.” 😂😂😂
I started my first brioche project not realising it was something different or difficult and while there are mistakes I really enjoyed it so I don't think its scary. Personally I prefer 2 coloured brioche as it's easier to see which stitch you are working. I would love one day to knit a Shetland lace shawl but not at present.
Btw: what a great way to analyze types of knitting (and projecting to other aspects of life!)-for narrowing down what to try if I Wanted to-least of the worst, and deciding what to spend (limited available) time on. Lovely inspiration 🎉
My ratings (just general ratings, no specific averaging) would be:
Brioche: 1. I've done it before, time requirements is the worst part, but I like the fabric and it's really straightforward
Lace: 2. I'm probably being a bit over ambitious here, but I'd love to do a super complex lace shawl someday. I haven't had time yet, but someday.
Double Knitting: 2. The idea of trying it doesn't scare me, but I haven't seen many patterns that really appeal to me, so I'm unlikely to try it any time soon.
Knitted Amigurumi: 4. I've tried to make some, and I won't be making many more. I don't love small diameter knitting in the round, not even sock knitting. They feel way too fiddly for me.
Crochet Amigurumi (extra!): 1. I crochet amigurumi all the time. I love it, there are so many beautiful patterns, some small and some big. I have made so many crocheted stuffed animals. I don't love sewing them together, but it's worth it to me.
Intarsia: 5. The yarn management scares me. I think I'll probably try it someday, but definitely not with a big color block sweater. I agree with everything Tayler said.
Amazing video, lots of fun to watch. Thanks for sharing!
Love this video. Yes i love knitting and stitching but with 2 kids under 3 i only have so much time for myself in the day. I need to be able to do it while watching tv or i am not even starting the project 😂
IMO, the use of the specialized terms for brioche, like brk and brp, makes it seem more scary than it is. It's just knitting or purling a stitch together with its yarn over. Once you get into a rhythm--which does take some time--it's not much different than working a 1x1 rib.
I'm with you on intarsia. Just NOPE.
Hurrah! Hurrah! Someone who feels the same. I’m too practical to attempt these type of patterns. Thank you!!!
I started knitting gnomes and small creatures for myself and my grandkids. Love it! I used stash yarns and new techniques. Intarsia was included in a fox pattern. I went to a knitting retreat and learned double knitting techniques. Loved it. I started lace knitting for wedding shawls for my daughter's. Brioche is Hell to the NO! Generally I like learning new techniques but no interest in brioche. You may change your mind in various techniques as your life changes. Great topic 😊
I agree with regarding Lace projects- they are beautiful but I will probably never knit one. It takes like 50 rows to knit an inch and a year later, when I wear my newly finished shawl, it will snag on something and be ruined!!!!!
I'm doing single color brioche for an ear warmer. It's not hard at all. I'm loving it because you get the look of ribbing without having to purl. I'm going to try a hat next. I too live in the southwest (AZ).
Love the look of brioche but couldn't wrap my brain around how to make left leaning brioche or right leaning so I am just using fisherman's rib for now 😂I would give 5 scary face to the lace work definitely! I just couldn't see myself ever finishing one project because of the time it would take.
I tried a brioche project starting last August, it only came off the needles in April. Unfortunately errata was sent out the week before I finished the project AND was the area I struggled with the most. I frogged the first 2 of 3 charts at least 20 times before I just bulldozed my way to the right stitch count and continued from there. The frustration of that project may prevent me from ever doing another brioche project again.
I'm with you on all of these. I've taken classes in double knitting and it's not really as bad as it seems, but it is a lot of effort and it takes more brain space than I want to devote in my leisure time. And so glad to know that there are others like me who don't happily jump into brioche.
Taylor, I am totally with you on every technique. I like to knit comfortably and not become frustrated. I must say I like it to be something I can wear or use in the end. So I’m a practical knitter I guess. As far as decorating items or cute animals types of things, love them as gifts but I have no interest in making them myself. I like classic simple sweaters, not even any Lacey holes anywhere. I think that’s why I like watching you because I can relate so easily. Not that I don’t like to see and learn different ideas etc but it’s nice to be in tune if you know what I mean. Thank you!
There’s some memorable quotables in this video that made lol! 😂 Because I’m a new knitter, I would give all of these techniques: ☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️, but I’m not afraid to try them out in the future once I have a few basic knitting projects under my belt. 😀 I found this video inspiring, thank you Tayler!! 💗
What a fun topic!! As far as I'm concerned: Shetland Lace: 3 skulls overall (Biggest issues are practicality and fussiness. Haven't done this yet but I figure that I have so little need for new FOs that I should undertake something that will take a good long while 🙂). Double knitting: 1 skull overall (I've done it on multiple occasions and it's actually more fun than you'd think - also, makes such a stable fabric). Brioche: 2 skulls overall (I avoided this for years, just cuz I had other things I wanted to knit more and I find the fabric kind of creepy for some reason, esp 2-colour! Also, everyone says it's a misery which worried me. But over the last 2 yrs I've done fisherman's rib and brioche and the half versions. It's actually not difficult to fix if you watch a couple of videos. Once I realized that, it didn't worry me. Still not my fave though. Amigarumi: 2 skulls overall (I've barely ever thought about this one! This seems ultra-fiddly and I have no need for cute little stuffies. I mean, never say never, but can't see this in my future near or far.) Intarsia: 1 skull overall (I did this unknowingly in my first year of knitting, having no idea what it was called or that it was hard. I have to say, of all of the scary options presented here, my take is that this is the least concerning in terms of technical skill required. It is NOT hard, even if it doesn't appeal. If yarn management irritates, then I can see how it would be a nonstarter. But, just IMO, it's so much more practical that stranded colourwork because it doesn't create a double fabric.
I love your ratings here and I totally see what you mean about the practicality of Intarsia versus that of stranded colorwork. It's so funny because reading everyone's thoughts on these techniques has served to sort of inspire me to try some of those ones I really didn't have interest in going into this.
My very first finished knitting project was double knit. Aside from all my stitches being twisted it turned out fine, and that’s because I had been doing my knit stitches wrong the whole time.
I learned to knit about 6 yrs ago which was scary enough (I'm 59). I crocheted since I was 7 so it was about time to learn knitting. After my first lesson it was to fiddly so I stopped. I started again after seeing Continental which I found similar to crochet and so now I've been knitting constantly in the last 2 years. I don't find any stitch scary so far. Most of them I pick the pattern, yarn then start. Then I read the pattern and go "oh crap" what is that! Then I watch all the youtube videos. Now I love brioche its amazingly easy but it does take a long time to knit up. I stumbled on intarsia and the yarn management is irritating but once you get into it, it's not too bad. I'm also doing amigurumi but I use worsted yarn so it's bigger :) I've never knit or crocheted a sweater, that's scary to me!
I think if you tried crochet amigurimi you might like that better. Lot easier on my hands and it’s 99% single crochet. Super fast and easy