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We all start somewhere. At first, it’s casting on, maybe a few wobbly rows of garter stitch, followed by the thrill of finally mastering a scarf. But what happens when that scarf starts to feel a bit... well, samey?
That’s where advanced knitting techniques come in. They're the key to unlocking a world of detail, texture and creativity. Whether you want to knit heirloom baby garments, stylish accessories or pieces that make your fellow knitters go “wait… how did you do that?” - stepping up your game is the way forward.
These techniques aren’t just about showing off (although we won’t lie, it is satisfying to see jaws drop). They're also a way to understand your craft more deeply, to solve problems more creatively, and to keep things exciting - especially when you’ve already memorised the basic stitches in your sleep.
Before you start diving into advanced techniques, it's worth making sure you have a few essentials to hand. No need to go overboard - just a toolkit that keeps up with your ambition.
A set of interchangeable circular needles is a must - they’re not just for hats and socks anymore. You’ll also want a crochet hook for fixing mistakes (and for provisional cast-ons - more on that in a minute), a handful of stitch markers, a tapestry needle, and, if you're feeling fancy, some blocking mats to give your finished pieces that pro-level polish.
Oh - and good lighting. We cannot stress this enough. Some of these stitches are intricate, and squinting never helped anyone’s tension.
Ah, cables. They look complicated, but at heart, it’s just stitches swapping places. That said, learning to hold your yarn steady and keep your tension even as you cross those stitches does take practice.
Cables add beautiful texture and can completely transform a piece - think chunky Aran jumpers or delicate twisted patterns on baby hats.
Lace is all about deliberate holes (as opposed to the accidental ones we all made in our first projects). It’s elegant, airy, and surprisingly mathematical.
Learning to read charts is essential here, and a lifeline (a strand of yarn run through a row so you can frog back safely) will be your new best friend. Don’t worry - it sounds more dramatic than it is.
Brioche knitting gives you an unbelievably squishy, stretchy fabric - ideal for scarves and shawls. But be warned: it has its own logic.
You'll be working with yarn overs and slipped stitches in a way that feels completely alien at first. Stick with it though. The results are bold, beautiful, and 100% worth the head-scratching.
If you’ve ever wanted to add large blocks of colour or detailed images into your work (think animal faces or geometric patterns), intarsia is your answer.
You’ll need to manage multiple bobbins of yarn, which can get messy fast. But once you get the hang of twisting the strands neatly as you go, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
This technique is like knitting two fabrics at once - literally. You create a reversible piece with mirror-image designs on each side. It’s witchcraft. Or it feels like it.
Perfect for pot holders, scarves, or anything where both sides matter. Bonus: it’s extra warm, too.
Short rows allow you to shape your fabric - adding curves, contours, and structure to your knits. Think of sock heels, bust darts, or beautifully shaped baby cardigans.
They sound technical, but really, it’s just a matter of turning your work before you get to the end of the row. A few wraps, some turns, and you’re there.
This is a clever little trick that lets you come back to your cast-on edge later. Why would you want to? Well, sometimes you don’t know how you want to finish a piece until you’ve knit it.
Or you’re planning on grafting two edges together invisibly. Either way, this gives you options - and in knitting, more options = more creativity.
A stretchy, seamless way to bind off your ribbing. It takes a bit longer, but the result is clean, polished and - dare we say it - professional.
Once you’ve used a tubular bind-off on a hat or a baby cuff, you might never go back.
Don’t leap straight into a king-size cabled blanket (tempting though it may be). Try your new skills on baby hats, mug cosies or swatches first. Small, satisfying and low-pressure.
There’s no shame in watching the same video ten times in a row (we’ve been there). Visual learning can really help when a written pattern leaves you cross-eyed.
It’s tempting to pile on everything at once, but trust us - giving each technique its moment helps it stick. Master cables before diving into brioche. Let yourself build confidence in stages.
Sometimes just talking it out makes all the difference. Whether it’s online or in person, sharing tips, frustrations and triumphs with other knitters is a huge motivator.
You’ll also find fantastic support in our VIP Facebook group when you join the best monthly knitting subscription in the UK.
Advanced techniques often rely on crisp stitch definition - and cheap yarn can muddy the waters. That doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune, just look for smooth, plied yarns in lighter colours while you’re learning.
Learning advanced knitting techniques doesn’t happen overnight - but that’s part of the joy. Each new skill opens up fresh possibilities, new projects, and the kind of satisfaction only a knitter knows. You’ll make mistakes, sure. But you’ll also make magic.
And if you’re ready to put those techniques into practice, don’t forget - our monthly boxes are a perfect way to challenge yourself (or simply treat yourself). Every box is a surprise, lovingly wrapped, and includes all you need to start your next project with confidence.
Whether you’re refining your lacework or finally tackling that double knitting technique, we’re here to help your skills - and your stash - grow.
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