Knitting tension is sometimes referred to as stitch gauge. It refers to how even in size and tightness a knitted stitch is on a knitted garment.
Knitting with large needles and chunky or super chunky yarn results in a loose-knit, floppy and relaxed garment. A much thinner needle will result in a denser style garment with less flexibility
Tension that is too loose or too tight may mean a finished product that disappoints. Yet learning the fine art of maintaining consistent tension when knitting can at times seem impossible.
Tension Tips
To achieve consistency in tension, stitches must be kept the same size. There are a host of tips and tricks for ensuring that this happens while you are knitting your project.
When knitting, the yarn should always be kept as close as possible to the top of the needle. By doing this, you are ensuring that stitches are not too large and not too tight.
The needle itself can prove a useful tool or gauge for determining stitch size. Ensure that the yarn is pulled neither too tightly nor too loosely around your needle.
When alternating between knit and purl rows, it can also be useful to switch between needle sizes for each. This helps keep purl stitches tight, thereby matching your knit stitches better.
It is also useful to use wool rather than plant-based fibres, as it tends to be more forgiving when facing issues with maintaining tension.
Knitting Supplies
For those looking to tidy up their tension, or for those looking to experiment with different stitch gauges, there are a wealth of available supplies to assist. Stockists like Wool Couture offer a wide range of needles in different sizes and different yarn types from super chunky yarn to soft merino wool.
Relaxing the body can also play a crucial role in maintaining tension when knitting. Shoulders should be relaxed and the grip on the needles must not be too tight. Before starting your next knitting adventure, take some time to shake out your hands, take some deep breaths and relax your shoulders.
