Hi,

I have a question/concern over my color work and twisting yarn. I am currently working on a Knit Along with School House Press and knitting a pair of very nice Latvian mittens.

This is now happened to me twice when working with multiple colors. My main color becomes very twisted and thin. It drives me nuts!

These are my observations:

It happens when I pick or throw.

With heavy weight yarn I have not had this problem.

I have had it with Dale Heilo and now Satakieli--both yarns 100% wool and not super wash.

Interesting both colors are navy blue!

Then I think I am being to picky!

I am knitting to gauge. The yarn is not tight on my needles each st moves easily.

I know I can hold yarn differently but the yarn only goes on your needles one way to knit!

I am only carrying two colors at a time on a round and there are three colors total I am working with.

I find it hard to un-twist the yarn as it keeps twisting. I have cut long pieces and that helps as the twist can work itself out as it is not attached to the ball.

Ok . . . everyone have at this and give me some pointers PLEASE!!!!!

The twist is a fun dance but I don't want twisted thin yarn!

HELP!

Some yarns will do this even if they are being worked by themselves. If you are just working with the yarn by itself does it still twist? If so, then it isn't you, it's the yarn. <smile>

If it happens only when you are doing stranded color work, you might look at whether you are pulling from the center or from the outside. You might also consider "catching" the strands less often, or look at how you are "catching" the strands to see if you are putting more twist into the yarn.

Hi KT,

The yarn is in a ball that I made as it came in a hank. So it has a center pull.

I haven't tried knitting with it alone---that is a good idea.

I am knitting the same way I have forever and why would twist in color work . . .
the mysteries of life!

nancy

I read somewhere that if you turn your work counter clockwise it will twist less.I find this to be true. So maybe if when you start a new round you turn your work counter clockwise first it will twist less. Good luck Janet