Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™

Tree of Techniques Advanced: Create the Projects of Your Dreams

Blog » Tree of Techniques » Tree of Techniques Advanced: Create the Projects of Your Dreams

Tree of Techniques Advanced: Create the Projects of Your Dreams

Liat Gat - Founder

November 6, 2014

Here are the recommended projects to try and techniques to learn if you are (or want to become) and advanced knitter. Everything is covered here, from felting, lace, sweaters, double-knitting, and knitting with unusual materials.

In the Tree of Techniques (my visual guide to becoming a better knitter, below) the top of the tree represents advanced knitting.

In the wrong spot? Read my posts on Beginner Knitting and Intermediate Knitting.

tree-of-techniques-advanced

These projects are what most KnitFreedom readers say that they would like to be able to knit within the next 1-3 years.

Are You Holding Yourself Back?

Once you can knit in the round, fix mistakes, and read intermediate patterns, you’re ready to tackle any of these areas.

Could it be that you already know these techniques and yet are still holding yourself back? Think about that as you read through this post.

Trick: Combine Two Techniques You Already Know

Just because a project is “advanced” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s hard -– it might just be a combination of two intermediate skills.

Look back over the projects you’ve made and find areas where you could combine two skills that you already have. For example:

Advanced Knitting Topics Covered In This Post

By the way, I have video classes on some of these topics but not all of them. If I do have a video class available, I’ll provide links to it. Many of these topics are on the waiting list, as I add new tutorials over time.

Sweaters and Custom Garments

A lot of knitters responded to my first post on how to choose projects and said they wanted to be able to knit sweaters, and this is a great goal.

advanced-knitting-01-basic-sweaterStart with the most basic kind of sweater there is: a stockinette-stitch pullover knitted in the round that has drop sleeves (left). A plain stockinette or ribbed collar and cuffs are perfect.

A sweater with drop sleeves just means that the body is a big rectangle and the sleeves are just tubes — no shaping.

Next try a fitted sweater, but still following a pattern. I recommend learning a new kind of sleeve with each sweater: top-down sweaters often have raglan sleeves– a more fitted but still very easy way to make sleeves. Set-in sleeves are the trickiest of all. Of course, you can always knit your sleeves two-at-a-time!

advanced-knitting-02-custom-sweaterMost sweater patterns have some shape to them — a smaller waist, flared sleeves… You will learn how to do all of this just by following the pattern.

When I learned to knit sweaters I didn’t stop at what other designers made.

I devoured the book Custom Knits and learned how to make sweaters completely to my measurements (right). Fun and very rewarding!

Lace Knitting

advanced-knitting-04-lace-hatIf you’ve already done an easy lace project, try a lace hat next. These are done with medium-thick yarn and are therefore still pretty easy. One of my favorites to knit and teach is the Foliage hat.

You will learn a lot about fixing mistakes and reading your work when you do lace– so if (when) you mess up, remember to celebrate — you are learning!

Please make sure to attempt patterns that are written from charts. Charts are an uncluttered, visual way of showing what stitches you need to do, so you don’t have to wade through lines and lines of written instructions (potentially losing your place often).

advanced-knitting-08-lace-shawlProjects like this Haruni shawl (right) are the most challenging of all because they’re big, usually have complex charts, and are knitted with thin yarn.

I never have the patience for projects like these, but I have known knitters who swear it’s all they knit!

Felting

advanced-knitting-22-felted-slippers-23Felting is so easy that it hardly belongs in the advanced section, but I’m including it because if you haven’t tried it yet, you should.

To do felting, use pure wool and larger needles than normal to knit any regular old thing — it will come out huge. Then you put it in the wash with hot water with soap, And voilà! Felt.

advanced-knitting-06-easy-felted-bagThey are very easy felted patterns out there. One of my favorites is a pair of felted slippers (above).

I also recommend felted purses and market bags.

Embellishments

advanced-knitting-11-customizationAnother way to increase the difficulty is to start embellishing things onto your projects.advanced-knitting-10-ears

Try adding crocheted flowers, fringes, duplicate stitch embroidery, or buckles and handles — anything to personalize your knitting.

You’ll see that you don’t always have to follow the pattern exactly. These fun advanced-knitting-24-needle-felting-24animal mittens (above left) and scary rabbit slippers (above right) are my favorite example of that – just click the images to compare them to the actual patterns!

One super easy and free-form way to embellish your projects is by doing needle felting (right).

Needle felting uses a felting needle to attach pieces of yarn to your knitted fabric in any design you like. You can get an inexpensive needle-felting kit and instructions at any yarn store.

Stuffed Animals and Toys

advanced-knitting-13-elefanteThree-dimensional projects like teddy bears are a great way to step up your skills because you have to follow a lot of steps and then carefully sew the pieces together at the end.

You can always add buttons, embroidery, ears– whatever it is– realizing that you can add shapes and change your choices based on what you know.

advanced-knitting-14-octopusAs you continue to get better, you can use tiny yarn to do tinier and more intricate projects that have a lot of steps and a lot of sewing – like this little octopus (right). These are quite challenging indeed!

Color Knitting

There are 4 common kinds of color knitting and they are all useful for different types of designs and effects. Tip: Whenever you are knitting with two yarns, make sure to watch your tension and not pull either yarn too tight, or else the fabric will pucker and not lay flat.

Fair-Isle Knitting

advanced-knitting-03-fair-isle-bagApart from mosaic knitting, which I discuss in my knitting for beginners post, the easiest way of making color designs is called Fair-Isle knitting.

Fair-Isle is good for repeating geometric patterns like in the two photos you see here. To do it, you have to hold two strands of yarn in your hands at the same time (Continental Knitting comes in handy for this).

advanced-knitting-05-fair-isle-mittensAs you get more comfortable, try Fair-Isle mitts (right) or a Fair-Isle hat. Just make sure to watch your tension – not too tight!

Intarsia Knitting

advanced-knitting-19-intarsiaIntarsia knitting requires you to make little bobbins of different colors of yarn. You then switch from one color to the next as you go across your work.

Intarsia is used for flat projects that have big, non-repeating designs, like this skull pillow (left).

You’ll definitely be working from a chart if you’re doing Intarsia. This is my favorite kind of color knitting to do.

Double Knitting

advanced-knitting-16-double-knittingDouble Knitting is an advanced technique that lets you make true two-sided color designs. There are some really gorgeous patterns out there.

My double knitting class starts you off with a very simple chart and pattern to help you get used to knitting two sides of a fabric at once.

Brioche Knitting

advanced-knitting-17-briocheAn even more advanced color technique that a lot of knitters really get addicted to is two- or even three-color brioche knitting.

Brioche knitting creates a deep and cushy double-sided, multicolor rib.

Start with scarves and cowls and then, as you improve, progress to hats and even sweaters.


Other advanced techniques to add to your repertoire include…

Entrelac Knitting

advanced-knitting-22-entrelacEntrelac knitting looks very hard but it isn’t.

As long as you can wrap and turn and pick up stitches (two techniques that you learn on socks), you can make gorgeous scarves like this Entrelac scarf (left).

Choosing a self-striping yarn like the one in this picture makes it look even more impressive. This scarf actually only uses one color of yarn!

Moebius Knitting

advanced-knitting-21-moebiusMoebius knitting is a really popular trend. Whole books are devoted to the garments and accessories you can make when you learn to create an “infinity loop” by putting twists in your knitting on purpose.

This popular advanced moebius project (left) actually has five twists.

It is a set of fun felted bowls for putting your keys and pocket stuff in which combines advanced Magic Loop plus the Moebius knitting skill.

Perfect Cast Ons and Bind Offs

italian tubularAt this stage you will definitely want to make sure that you have the perfect cast on and bind-off for every project that you do, whether it be stretchy, ribbed, decorative, invisible, moebius, or two-at-a-time…

As your projects improve, make sure that you are upping the quality and selection of your cast-ons and bind-offs as well.

Knitting With Challenging Materials

advanced-knitting-18-knitting-with-wireAs you approach the top of the challenges tree, try knitting with more challenging materials, like raw silk and linens. You can also add beads to your knitting, or even knit with wire!

Making this wire votive holder (left) was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me – literally! Knitting with wire once was enough for me, but I’m really glad I tried it. It’s definitely a challenge for the hands.

Making up your own patterns

advanced-knitting-20-custom-patternsAt the top of the tree, represented by this fingerless mitten, is the ability to make improvised patterns.

The goal is to be able to buy yarn at the yarn store, come home, and make your own pattern out of it to fit your custom measurements based on what you – all by yourself.

The ultimate expression of this would then be to write up the pattern and publish it on Ravelry for other knitters to enjoy.

***

And that’s it! Once you are making custom garments, writing up patterns that you’ve invented or modified, and — the telltale sign — teaching others how to read patterns and fix their mistakes, you are truly an advanced knitter.

You’re ready to not only go wild with the projects you attempt, but also to pay it forward!

The knitting tips and tricks that you’ve gained through your experience of knitting all the way up the tree can save someone else a lot of time and frustration, so share the wealth!

If you’re ready to tackle these skills now, here’s how I can help

advanced-video-knitting-coursesMy email fills up with amazing messages from students who can’t believe what they were able to accomplish when they have the right instruction. They love being able to make intricate scarves and patterned hats and sweaters and look forward to new knitting challenges.

If you’re ready to double knit, do Fair-Isle, or try Brioche knitting, my library of advanced video knitting courses is where I suggest you start.

But DON’T BUY THEM NOW – just look them over to see if they’re right for you, because in a few days I’ll have a special surprise for you that you won’t want to miss.

Pattern Links and Free Downloads

Download the Tree of Techniques PDF – now with links to all patterns and ebooks.

Patterns that I’ve mentioned in today’s post:

Leave a Comment

I’d love to know – has this post been helpful to you?

I know this is a lot of information, but I wanted to make sure I gave enough detail so that knitters at all stages in their knitting can get what they need. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

The Tree of Techniques
Top Ten 10 Mistakes All Self Taught Knitters Make 3D Book Cover 10 2 21 fully transparent 5 cropped mid 2

Stop making these common mistakes and knit with confidence

14 thoughts on “Tree of Techniques Advanced: Create the Projects of Your Dreams”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. It seems like I’ve been with you since the very beginning because it has. I’m still knitting socks and you were the perfect teacher for me Still are. Since being diagnosed with dementia I’ve stopped trying new patterns but I’m encouraged I I will never give up and I’m going to start doing some different things like that sweater and like some in Tasha I think that’s gonna be my cup of tea but at least I’m not gonna give up and now I’m have the confidence to try some new things I appreciate you hanging in there with me when I couldn’t get online to find you anywhere you’re great your voice is perfect for me and your hands are the fat most favorite thing thank you for everything you will always be my knitting Teacher.

    1. Elias - KnitFreedom Customer Happiness

      Hi Kathy,

      I’m going to be passing your question along to Liat, but I want to let you know that she is currently on maternity leave (she is expecting her baby very soon) and will be taking up to 1-2 weeks to answer.

      Thanks so much for your patience and understanding!

      Best,
      Elias

    2. Hi Kathy,

      Thank you so much for your sweet sweet comment! I treasure you as a student and I’m so grateful you’ve been with me since the beginning. Please let me know if you need any help with any projects you attempt!

      Big hugs and thank you for your positive attitude!

  2. Dear Liat, Here I am again. You are always one (or many) steps ahead of me! I’ve been starting to dream of more complex knitting projects and even creating my own, and here’s your long, wonderful blog, filled with suggestions and helpful projects and tutorials. Thank you for always being here as my beloved guide! With love! Ellen

    1. Candy Franks – KnitFreedom Customer Happiness

      Hi Ellen,
      You are so sweet. Liat is on maternity leave right now, but I will be sure to send your message to her. I am sure it will warm her heart.
      Happy Knitting and have a great afternoon
      Candy

  3. Hi Liat,
    I had purchased your Superstar program awhile ago and loved it. However, I now have a new computer and can’t find/login to the program. Can you help me as I would LOVE to be able to continue with it.
    Thanks

    1. El Edwards - Customer Happiness

      Hi Marylou :)
      So sorry for the delay in getting back to you about this. Go and check your email. You should see one from us with the links you need.

      We’re so happy you’re loving the course! :)

  4. I am so thrilled that I found you. I went through most of the free courses. When you put the Superstar for Intermediate knitters on sale; I did some financial juggling and ordered it. My needles are flying now. I am knitting much faster with fewer mistakes and am now confident with Continental knitting which is wonderful. We usually celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7. But my younger son arranged a family reunion on Dec. 13. halfway between his location and ours and they want to exchange presents then.
    Fortunately I have several hats already made. But the two socks at a time on magic loop is a lifesaver. I can’t believe how fast they went. Two down and three to go. My son is going to have to wait for his because his foot is 13.5 inches long and 12 inches around.
    Once again thank you for your wonderful courses. I have never seen ones that are so easy to follow,
    Sincerely, One of your happiest students, Pat

  5. Hi,
    I have been a loyal customer and I have most of your ebooks which are great! But I lost the link and passwords so I can’t get into any of them. I have requested them several times over the last 6 months and I get no reply. I thought you were working on something that would solve this problem. Has that been finished? Could I please get the ebooks links and passwords. Sorry that I have lost them. I don’t know where to store them on my lap top. I’m great at knitting thanks to you but not great on my ipad. Thanks, Chris Petrosh

    1. Hi Chris –

      I am so sorry that you are having trouble with the passwords. We are still working on the new site. When it’s ready, this problem will be solved!

      We have sent you your classes a few times. We will send them all again. Can you make sure that you check your junk mail folder if you don’t see it in your inbox shortly?

      Thank you for your patience. Happy Knitting!

      1. Hi Liat,

        Thank you so much for helping me. I still did not get the ebooks and passwords. I have an ipad and you are on my accepted email list. I think what happens is I store the ebooks in my email. The email gets full and they send the oldest emails to the cloud and I can’t get it back with an ipad.

        Anyway. Please send me the links again and I will get them someplace safe.

        Thanks
        Chris Petrosh

  6. I found the information in this email useful and helpful. I’ve been a good customer of yours for the last 2-3 years. I like your teaching methods very much and I commend you for the work you do. However, I have a problem. I bought your Brioche course a month or so ago and discovered that I couldn’t download the videos to my PC. I have a dial-up internet connection and watching the videos in the course is VERY tedious and unacceptable to me. When I emailed you about this I got a terse reply (not from you personally) that the videos won’t be available to download until sometime next year. No apology, no offer of some other resolution, nothing. I’m not satisfied with this exchange and thought you’d like to know. I’m disappointed in the transaction. Sorry to be complaining, but I feel you’re better off knowing than not. Thank you for any attention you give to this matter.

    1. Hi Beverly,
      I am so terribly sorry! I can’t believe this has happened. Thank you so much for telling me. I will go right away and issue you a refund for the Brioche course.

      I will email you privately to talk about what happened with the reply to your email, and I’ll also help you with the Brioche course if I can.

      Thank you again,

      Liat

  7. I taught myself how to crochet years ago to make a sweater composed of 2″x2″ squares that were joined together to make the sweater. About 6 years ago, I finally “mastered” a cast on with my first project a garter stitch sweater (using “Homespun” yarn-ugh) for my Mom. The sweater was knitted in different parts then sewn together. Pattern said nothing about blocking, etc. so – no blocking. My next project were socks knitted on two circulars – since starting I’ve made afghans following a chart, multiple pairs of socks on two circulars, only recently have I knit/crocheted scarves, hats, mittens. I like the tree of progress but somehow I’m working it from the top down! I really enjoy your videos, blog postings & hope it is OK to skip around thru the tree. Biggest challenge for me now is to learn to knit with yarn held in the left hand, but my ring and little finger cannot operate independently, nor can the ones on my right hand so am really having trouble getting tension correctly. You have overcome so much that I believe, thru trial & error, I’ll get it. Second one is learning magic loop without strangling the yarn! Thank you for all the encouragement and enthusiasm.

Scroll to Top

Get KnitFreedom membership free for 7 days

$52

4 monthly payments

Get Free Access to the 10-Video Course that Will Change the Way You Knit

Top Ten 10 Mistakes All Self Taught Knitters Make Book Cover