Twisting Chains: The Most Frustrating Beginner Mistake

Knitting is a creative craft, but becomes frustrating for beginners because of the frequent and early mistakes at the beginning of the cast-on chain on knitting needles. Your entire project was derailed by this error before the start of your creation. Let's cover in this blog the causes, effects, and provide all the advice you need to strengthen your foundation.

What is Twisting Chain?

Twisting chain is stitches cast on circular knitting needles or double-pointed to create a series of loops, and later, these are joined into a round to form a seamless tube. But even a single twist of the cast-on row produces a loop or spiral that deviates from the pattern's organic flow. For newbies, it's too late to find out what went wrong, and they end up with an unwearable item that took hours to make.

Why Does the Chain Twist?

Several reasons contribute to it. Let's check out:

• When using a long-tail cast-on, it means more stitches and chance for the chain to twist.
• As a beginner, you might not know what to look for to catch the twist.
• Handling loops or stitches on circular or double-pointed knitting needles becomes harder because it is difficult to keep the chain straight.
• Without the use of stitch markers, you won't know which is the starting point.

Explore the Tools that affect twisting

Tools	Pros	Cons
Single-pointed needles	Easy to check the twist	Not suitable for round knitting
Circular Needles	Good to create hats, mittens, or a large sweater	High twist risk due to the join.
Double-pointed knitting needle	Ideal for socks or sleeves	Due to multiple needles and joins, it increases the twist in the chain.

Effects of Twisting Chains

Let's break down how twists can affect your project:

Benefits (when you catch it at an early age)

• It saves time and energy.
• Prevent yarn wastage.
• Boost confidence in solving the issue.
• Knowing at an early stage will help in fixing the issue.

Drawback ( If left unfixed)

• It distorts the shape and fabric.
• You might need to start it over again.
• You face uneven tension throughout the project.
• The project becomes unusable.

Uses of Twist in Projects

Here are some uses of twisted chain in your creations:

• You can incorporate a ribbing twisted pattern to add texture and make it visually appealing.
• Make a lace pattern that often uses twisted stitches, providing decorative effects.

How to Spot the Twist, before it's too late?

Let's start by laying your circular cast-on flat on a table before beginning the first round of knitting. Check that every bump on the cast-on edge is pointing in the same direction, which is typically inward toward the circle's center. Now, examine each loop as you slowly rotate the needle. At the start of the round, mark your starting point with a stitch marker. This facilitates row counting and makes it simple to identify any strange patterns. 

How to Fix Twisting?

If you find the twist before the start of knitting, follow these tips below:

• Slide the stitches onto the cord so that they lie flat.
• To untwist the chain, gently rotate the cord.
• Always place the stitch marker at the beginning.
• Join the ends with yarn in the correct position.

In case you find twists after a few rows:

• In that case, you have to unravel the project.
• Do it carefully, when unraveling the creation till the cast on.

Points to Keep in Mind

• Double-check your stitch count.
• Before joining, make sure the cast-on edge is lying flat on a table.
• With circular needles, pull the cord to spread stitches and reveal any twist.

Every beginner makes the same kind of error at least once: twisting chains. 

However, you can avoid this issue early on if you have the proper knowledge, tools, and methods. Carefully check your cast-on row at all times. Make sure to use stitch markers consistently. You have everything you need to knit without frustration if you're using a knitting needle set from Lantern Moon. You now know how to knit right over the bump that is twisting, which is simply a part of the journey.