Troubleshooting

If your knitting doesn’t match the pattern’s gauge, here’s what you can do to get back on track:

Check your needle Size

• If your stitches are smaller (too many per 10 cm/4"): Switch to larger needles.

• If your stitches are larger (too few per 10 cm/4"): Switch to smaller needles

Review your yarn and Technique

• Yarn Weight: Ensure the yarn matches the weight specified in Kikas pattern (e.g., fingering, worsted). Substituting a different yarn weight can impact your gauge.

• If the yarn you're using doesn't work, consider switching to a yarn that matches the pattern’s weight and characteristics. Ensure the yarn matches the weight specified in Kikas pattern (e.g., fingering, worsted). Substituting a different yarn weight can impact your gauge.

Block Your Swatch

• Many patterns specify a the gauge after blocking which means the gauge is measured after washing and blocking the fabric.

• Wash and block your swatch as you would the finished project, then measure it again. Blocking can stretch or relax stitches, helping you achieve the correct gauge.

Adjust Pattern instructions

If you’re unable to match the gauge exactly, consider modifying the pattern:

• Stitch Count: Recalculate the number of stitches to achieve the desired width or circumference.

• Row Count: Adjust for the required length, particularly for fitted pieces.

Knitting edges curling?

No worries—it’s common, especially with stockinette stitch. Here’s how to fix it:

Add a Border
Use garter stitch, ribbing, or seed stitch along the edges to keep them flat.

Block It
Wet or steam block your piece and pin it flat—this helps smooth and flatten edges.

Balance It Out
Double-sided designs or a heavier yarn can help if curling persists.

If your project is changing width without meaning to, it’s usually due to one of these common reasons:

Accidental Increases or Decreases
Adding or skipping stitches by mistake is the most common cause. Check your stitch count regularly to catch errors early.

Inconsistent Tension
Looser or tighter stitches can subtly change the width of your project. Focus on maintaining even tension as you knit.

Dropped or Picked-Up Stitches
Dropped stitches can make your project narrower, while unintentionally picking up stitches can make it wider. Spot and fix these as you go.

Using the Wrong Edge Techniques
Uneven edges happen when edge stitches are handled inconsistently. Try slipping the first stitch of every row for a neater, uniform edge.

Here are some tips on how to prevent making holes under the arm when picking up stitches.

You can also check out Kika's video for more guidance.

Pick Up Extra Stitches
When picking up stitches around the armhole, pick up one or two extra stitches at the corners or gaps where holes are likely to form.

On the following round, knit those extra stitches together with the adjacent ones to close the gap.

Avoid Stretching the Yarn
Be careful not to stretch the stitches too much when picking up and knitting.

Duplicate Stitch Repair
If a hole still appears, you can close it neatly after finishing by using a duplicate stitch with a tapestry needle and matching yarn.

Mistakes happen, and it’s easy to fix if you accidentally add or lose a stitch:

If You Added a Stitch:
Identify the Extra Stitch: Look for an accidental yarn-over or an unintentional increase.
Fix It: Knit two stitches together (k2tog) at a discreet spot in the same row to get back to the correct stitch count.

If You Lost a Stitch:
Find the Dropped Stitch: Look below your needles for the loose loop.
Fix It: Use a crochet hook or your knitting needle to pick the loop back up, row by row, and place it back on your needle.

For Both Cases:
Count your stitches regularly to catch mistakes early. If it’s too far back, consider unraveling a few rows (frogging) and reknitting carefully.

Little mishaps are part of the process—fix them and keep going! 🧶

A tight bind-off can happen to the best of us—don’t worry! Here’s how to fix it:

Use a Larger Needle
Swap to a needle one or two sizes larger than the one you’ve been using for your project. This will loosen up your stitches as you bind off.

Try a Stretchy Bind-Off
Techniques like the Italian Bind-Off or the Standard Bind-Off are great for edges that need extra flexibility, but there are also many other stretchy bind-off methods you can use to loosen up a tight bind-off. Choose what's best for you!

Relax Your Tension
Focus on keeping your stitches loose as you bind off. Take it slow, and give each stitch a little more slack than usual.

Above all, remember to relax and enjoy the process. With a bit of care, your edges will turn out beautiful and smooth!