Crochet (US terms):
- that curly haired adhd woman on the social media said instead of making a scarf for a first project, make a plushie/amigurumi bc it’s only single crochet and will bring you more joy than a basic ass scarf. i agree. but if you’re going to do this as a first project, then specifically find a pattern that is single-color, no-sew, and does not use magic rings.
- instead of chain3 to start a row of double crochet, learn how to do a stacked single crochet. it looks better and is easier to slip stitch into.
- if you want garment textures similar to knit fabric, try: linen stitch, yarn-over slip stitch into back loop only (i think this ends up looking really similar to brioche knit), or tunisian crochet.
Knit:
- if you are knitting ribbing, i recommend the stretchy tubular cast on and the sewn tubular bind off. these are tedious af, but the finish is beautiful and looks like a folded over edge without any folding over. it‘s a good way of elevating the look and feel of your projects, and guarantees stretchiness 👍
- throwing stitches vs. picking up stitches: if you are right-handed and knitting continental then pick up your stitches. if you are right-handed and knitting English then throw your stitches. this applies to both knitting and purling, and will ensure that your stitches lay flat and are not twisted!! if your stitches are twisted, they may look more inconsistent in size when the project is finished and will be less likely to keep its shape.
- the most popular first project tends to be a garter stitch scarf because it orients you to knit stitch and knit stitch only. but if you’re getting into knitting for garment making, then you should orient yourself to purl stitch just as much. just my opinion tho. there are a lot of dishcloth patterns that i think would make great first projects.