I chose this question because we all know what we love about knitting, but,

what would we remove from the knitting process, if we could?

Most knitters I surveyed, had an open mind about the question, but, I was surprised when a couple of people were alarmed that I would dare propose such a thought. As if contemplating anything negative could possibly stop us from knitting. I think we all can agree that even though we love our craft, there are those little (or not so little) things that bug us.

I don’t like to weave in ends. Let’s face it; it’s tedious and I don’t know about you, but I can never make them completely “invisible”. My solution is to weave as I go, overlapping ends within the knitting process. It’s what works for me and it eliminates knots or bumpy row ends.

Another thing I hate doing? Sewing seams, especially sleeves. I will find any shortcut I can to reduce the final amount of sewing. I do a three needle bind-off wherever possible, and, I have developed my own method of picking up stitches to set in a sleeve. I am determined, though, with my next project (an afghan), to learn the mattress stitch. With ten strips to sew together, I hope to master it by the end. The irony of it all? Sewing with fabric is another hobby of mine. And it is something I really enjoy. I wonder how many other knitters who don’t enjoy sewing their knitting garments, enjoy sewing with fabric.

I take some comfort in knowing I am in good company when it comes to sewing/weaving/finishing. Of the knitters who answered the survey, 40% agree, finishing of all kinds appears to be the bane of a knitter’s existence.

The rest of the answers varied greatly and were geared towards a knitter’s personal taste. The long time it takes to complete a project; repetitive stitches/pattern repeats; and picking up stitches were mentioned by 8% each

of all surveyed.

Next, with 7%, comes swatching; not enough time to knit; and something we’ve all dealt with, snooty LYS owners/employees. I’m quite surprised that swatching did not rank higher. “To swatch or not to swatch” has been hashed and rehashed throughout the ages. Personally, I don’t swatch, ever. I just don’t have the patience to do it, and I can’t stand to waste the yarn. Some would suggest to save up the swatches and make an afghan, but, really, how many of us actually do that. I have been knitting long enough to know that I will need to go down at least two needle sizes to get the right gauge. If it’s still too big and I have to frog, I’ll live.

Casting on and inaccuracy of patterns pulled 5%, and 3% don’t enjoy grafting, frogging, baubles, or purling. Patterns with charts only or patterns with no charts at all; dropping stitches; and inconsistency of yarn weights also came in with 3%.

The remaining complaints were voiced by 2% or less. They include: buttonholes; joining circular knitting; knots in yarn; double pointed needles; snapped needles; the expense of knitting; inconsistency in needle sizes between US and other; blocking; metal needles vs. bamboo; why aren’t pattern books spiral bound - let’s start a campaign; and last, but not least, intarsia.

So, did I cover your personal nemesis? Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure, we will put up with a lot to enjoy our passion. I think it’s worth it. How about you?

___________________________________

Renee knits, creates jewelry and cards, and blogs at Paper and Yarn.