I have no idea how to do this. Sometimes I pick up the yarn and it runs nicely, sometimes I end up with, say, 1 inch of length that just keeps getting shorter the more stitches I make and I must manually pull more from the ball instead of me just getting more yarn from the ball naturally with each stitch. (“1 inch” was just made up for this example, never actually measured it.) I have no idea what is affecting this. But the tension is awful and my practice piece looks like this. Please help me!
Honestly, I always yank some yarn out of the ball before I knit some stitches so that there is no tension on the yarn at all, and then I manage all of the tension I want to add with my hand/fingers alone. But…I’m an English-style knitter. Though I also do that when using both hands for two-color stranded colorwork. So yeah, maybe don’t rely on it coming out of the skein or off of the ball smoothly; it’s yarn, it has a tendency to grip to itself and tangle.
Hopefully this comment helps because I have to admit, I’m not 100% sure what you mean. Either way, best of luck!
I knit continental by default and do this too. I think it’s much easier getting the tension with my hands as I have more control. There are so many factors that determine how smoothly yarn comes of the skein (e.g. the fiber itself) so I don’t want to depend on that.
Usually I tension with my index finger, one wrap for grippy yarn and two wraps for slick yarn.
English-style is my default, and my tension isn’t perfect with that style, just better than in continental. So I’ll take that advice! Thank you anyways!
I am a throwing English knitter. That’s how I was taught. It took me years to get my tension even and even then it still isn’t perfect. I also have the problem of casting on a little too tight and then it “grows” as I get going. Not helping solve your issue but wanted you to know you aren’t alone.
I knit continental. Usually I tend towards too much tension. Here’s what I do to manage tension:
- As others mentioned, only use your index finger to manage the tension on your stitch. I pass the yarn between my fingers to increase friction and hold it with the pinky. Then I can loosen my grip between stitches to pull more yarn. The tension on the stitch is managed by the index finger. If you feel the yarn is too slippy, you can wrap it around your pinky to further increase friction. I only tension the yarn with my index finger to the point that it doesn’t have slack, maybe a little more. You don’t have to pull it taught.
- Where your stitches are on the needles when you stitch them also matters. The closer to the tip, the tighter they will be. I have to remind myself to leave enough yarn so I can pull the stitch off the needle from nearly 1cm back. It looks like a huge, sloppy stitch when pulling it off, but turns out fine afterwards.
Try using different methods of working the yarn around your left hand. I have a “standard” method, but some yarns need more or less tension to run smoothly through your fingers, so I adapt.
Different material for needles, different types of needles maybe. I find it easier to knit evenly on circulars. Play around with needle size as well.
Another thing is your “inner tension”. It’s easier to knit evenly when you’re relaxed.
Could you ask another knitter in person?
It’s sometimes easier to spot problems when you watch someone doing the thing.
