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Directions for Advanced Finger Knitting with Two YarnsLearn to finger knit with two or more colors. Double finger knitting is a variation of simple finger knitting that creates a wider, fuller finished product. It is still quite easy to learn making it a great craft for kids. It requires no tools except for your hands or possibly a pair of scissors, and the only supplies needed are two balls of yarn and your hands. This fun craft allows you to quickly make a beautiful belt, scarf, handbag strap or headband for yourself or as a gift. Here's how to get started: |
Fingerknitting - Step 1: Casting On
Start with two balls of yarn. For texture and variation, use two different types of yarn. To get an idea what they will look like when knitted together, hold both yarns together and wrap around your hand a few times. (Note: You can also follow these same instructions using three or four yarns as well.) Line up the end of both yarns and holding loosely together make a slipknot and secure on thumb. With palm facing front, begin looping yarns from the back of the hand behind index finger around to palm side and back then move on to middle finger, ring and pinkie fingers.
Step 2: Loop on Second Row
Loop yarns from the back of the hand behind index finger around to palm side and back, moving on to middle finger, ring and pinkie fingers.
Step 3: Create Second Set of Loops
Once you reach the pinkie, wrap yarns around pinkie twice and continue back across the fingers again until you have two sets of loops on each of the four fingers. Secure end of yarns on thumb with a simple half hitch loop.
Step 4: Begin Knitting
To begin finger knitting, lift bottom set of loops on pinkie finger up and over top set if loops and pull to back side of finger. Continue with the other three fingers until there is a single set of loops on each. Note: On index finger, be sure to work with the set of loops closest to the thumb.
Step 5: How to Remove Knitting
If you need to stop knitting temporarily, you can easily remove the knitting from the fingers by pushing a pencil, paintbrush or chopstick through the loops and then lifting them off. Just set knitting aside.
Step 6: Take a Break
Set knitting aside until ready to start again. When ready to begin knitting again, simply slip your fingers back through each of the loops and remove pencil.
Step 7: Adding Rows
Add another row of yarn, looping around each finger from the back around to the front until each finger again has two loops. At this point, the last loop is on the pinkie with the ball of yarn coming away from it. Knit as before, starting with the index finger and pulling bottom loops over top loops. Continue adding a row of the yarn set and knitting back and forth across the fingers until the desired length is achieved. Once you've knitted a few rows, it is safe to drop the starter loop of yarn being held on the thumb as knitting won't unravel from that end.
Step 8: Casting Off
When you are finished knitting and are ready to cast off, cut or break yarn ends leaving about a 10" long tail. Take the ends of the yarn and push these tails through the loops on each finger to prevent them from unraveling. It will then be safe to remove your fingers.
Step 8: Work In Tails
Tie a final knot at the last set of loops. Finish off each end of the knitting by taking the long end of yarn and working it back up through the knitting to hide, trimming off if necessary. Gently adjust tension and length, and avoid pulling too tightly unless you would like the knitting to come to a point (when planning to add puff ball).
Step 10: Finishing Touches
An example of the finished length of double fingerknit yarn. To create a puffed ball end, cut 10 or 12 lengths of yarn (or more, depending on yarn bulk) about 6" long. Tightly tie together in the center, and then tie onto end of scarf.
Knitting Christmas Ornament
Tips for Best Results at Finger Knitting
Tip: Using Your Thumb Finger knitting can be done with or without the thumb, but using just index, middle, ring and pinkie fingers will create a narrower finished piece.Tip: Controlling the Tension If you keep your fingers close together, you will achieve a tighter knit. If you keep your fingers spread widely, it will recreate a more open knit. The thumb can be included in the pattern if you would like a wider finished product.
Tip: Making a Wider Scarf To make a wider scarf, finger knit two or three sections of equal lengths, and then use a crochet hook or children's large plastic embroidery needle to stitch together. If you alternate the colors you can create a striking striped pattern.
DIY Crafts Projects
If you like creating beautiful gifts and functional art, then be sure to visit these idea pages.- Crafts Supply Ideas: Click on Wholesale Craft Supplies for our complete selection of craft pill boxes, business card cases, bookmark hooks, box frames, night light bases and more.
- Do It Yourself Activities: Click on DIY Crafts Projects for Children and Adults for more ideas.
- Grandparents Can Teach Grandkids: Finger knitting (sometimes referred to as finger crocheting) is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination. It feels wonderful to the touch while working on it and you can quickly create a useful gift. It is a wonderful activity that grandmothers (or grandfathers!) can share with their grandchildren.
