[Nfb-krafters-korner] knitting with a lifeline: was The dropped stitch query

[Cathy]

Deb,

It is used to safeguard against dropping stitches as you needle knit. Awhile back Annette posted a
message to the list on this topic and I saved it. so here it is below.


 " When knitting, I use a life line.  This is when you use some type of line inserted into your
stitches on your needle.  I use a 00 circular needle that is 48 or 60 inches long.  I slide it into
each stitch on my needle and just let it dangle while I continue knitting.  I like to insert it
along either the last row of the pattern repeat or the first row.  If something goes wrong while I
am knitting the next repeat of the pattern, I can rip back to the life line, insert my working
needle into the stitches on the life line and start re-knitting.  

I sometimes work with 2 life lines.  For example, if I am working with a pattern that has a ten row
repeat with the even rows being purled, I will complete the pattern once.  I then insert the life
line through the stitches of row ten that are on my needle.  Now I knit the pattern for the second
time, and insert a second life line through the stitches of row 10 that are now on my needle.
After I complete the pattern for the third time, I pull life line one out and insert it into row
ten of the third pattern repeat.
After I complete the pattern for the fourth time, I pull out the life line that was inserted into
row 10 of the second pattern repeat and insert it into row ten of the fourth pattern repeat.

If you do not want to buy a very thin very long circular needle, you could try using some type of
yarn that feels different than the yarn that you are knitting with.  While this technique is easier
to insert, I find it very difficult to pick up my stitches off of it when I have to rip back to it.


HTH,
Annette"