Stitches

How do I keep my knitting loose?

I just started knitting and I can't keep it loose. After a couple of stitches it becomes really tight and I can barley move the row. Help!

Public Comments

1. don't hold the tail of the yarn (what you are working with) tight, just guide it with your fingers or however you are holding it, don't wrap in around your fingers so tight.. just let us slide over them to guide it.
2. When beginners start to knit, they tend to knit tightly. Don't worry about this too much right now, as you will gradually get a more consistent gauge, and hopefully relax a little more. :) There is an easy solution until you get more comfortable. To fix the tightness problem, I usually recommend that new knitters knit on larger sized needles -- about 1-2 sizes larger than what the yarn recommends/requires (check the label to see what size needle then yarn manufacturer is recommending). For example, if you are using worsted weight yarn that recommends a US #7 (4.5mm) needle, opt for a US #8 (5mm) or US #9 (5.5mm) instead. And if you knit super super duper tight, then you could even consider using a US #10 (6mm) needle. If you are attempting to make an item where size does matter (hat, sweater) make sure you still check gauge. If you are making a scarf or stole, the gauge doesn't matter too much.
3. i know how u feel im a guy to and im really mad if its tight.try learnin from a pro or ask an old lady or take knitting classes on how to loosen stiches and not to tight knitting p.s.i use pencils while i knit know where to find some for me
4. I taught knitting for a while, and I noticed that when they got so tight they couldn't even knit another stitch, they actually were doing the stitch wrong. I think beginning knitters think that there is more to do with the needles than there are. I attached a video showing how to do the actual knit stitch. Compare this with what you are doing to see if you are twisting the yarn too much. If you truly are doing the actual stitch right, remember not to pull your yarn tight after each stitch and move up a needle size or two.
5. Relax! Your knitting will loosen up with some practice. New knitters often have this problem. One thing you can do is use a slightly larger needle than the pattern calls for. This will help to compensate for the tighter knitting. You shouldn't pull the yarn so tight after you complete a stitch and don't weave the tail of the working yarn through your fingers, as this tends to make the knitting tighter. Also, you could try a little practice knitting on really large needles. (I think they go up to size 35 or so).