How to Use a Knitting Tension Rig

Knitting is a fun, addicting activity. Tension is a major part of knitting. How you hold the yarn determines the look of the finish project. Lean how to use a knitting tension rig in your next project with these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yarn
• Knitting needles

1. Open your left hand, palm facing up. Using your left hand is the difference between a European knitting and Continental knitting in a tension rig.

2. Hold the needle and yarn with your right hand. Stick out your left pinkie finger. Hook the yarn around your pinkie finger, coming from the outside. Go all the way around your pinkie finger.

3. When you come up from around your pinkie finger, pass the yarn over your ring finger. Close your ring finger along with your pinkie finger over the yarn.

4. Keep your ring finger and your pinkie finger closed down over the yarn the whole time. Hold the yarn firmly to stop the yarn from passing through or loosely to let the yarn flow through your fingers.

5. Bring the yarn up and over your index finger. Turn your left hand around. Begin knitting your project.

Tips & Warnings

• Holding the yarn at a firm tension or relaxed tension will affect the outcome of your project.
• Be aware of your tension, because tension is what keeps your yarn even throughout your knitting project.

Resources

• Knitting tension rig video