82 Ways to Become a Better Knitter

1. DO A SWATCH!
2. Knit a larger than 4" swatch.
3. Take a course.
4. Buy a technique book.
5. Find a mentor.
6. Develop a relationship with your LYS.
7. Use the Internet for video instructions.
8. Acquire the right tools (needles and notions).
9. Try different types of needles.
10. Get a good light to knit by.
11. Make knitting friends.
12. Join a Guild.
13. Choose an new technique to learn once a week.
14. Go to retail knitting shows.
15. Learn to understand ease.
16. Examine the schematic carefully.
17. Measure yourself frequently.
18. Assess your shape and adapt patterns to flatter it.
19. Join the TKGA Master Knitter Program.
20. Choose challenging projects on purpose.
21. Learn to knit backwards.
22. Learn everything you can about the various fibers.
23. Read knitting blogs.
24. Teach someone else how to knit.
25. Set specific challenges for yourself, as an example learn 6 ways to cast on.
26. Go to a Knitting Retreat.
27. Read the classic Knitters like Elizabeth Zimmermann.
28. Read the contemporary Knitters like Cat Bordi.
29. Learn how to knit Continental style or English style, which ever is different from your current technique.
30. Felt something (on purpose).
31. Learn to knit socks.
32. Knit something you wouldn't knit for yourself as a gift.
33. Learn how to do Entrelac.
34. Read all of the posts on http://techknitting.blogspot.com/.
35. Learn to knit top down as well as bottom up.
36. Join Ravelry.
37. Read the online Knitting magazines (Twist Collective and Knitty).
38. Swatch for the sake of swatching.
39. Learn to knit 2 handed Fair Isle.
40. Take a finishing class.
41. Learn how to read knitting charts.
42. Study how colours work.
43. Knit a moebius.
44. Learn the vocabulary of Knitting.
45. Knit socks toe up if you normally knit them toe down.
46. Knit with beads.
47. Make sure your sleeves are the right length. Use this handy calculator http://www.getknitting.com/ak_0603mfcalcrslt.aspx.
48. Don't change needle mid project.
49. Buy more than one needle sizer. You will misplace the one you have.
50. Carry a yardage chart when buying yarn, here's a free one http://www.elann.com/faq.asp#estimates.
51. Always check that the dye lots are the same yourself.
52. Learn how to substitute yarns.
53. Learn how to calculate yards to meters or in reverse.
54. Look at Vintage patterns.
55. Always check for errata when you start a pattern.
56. Don't assume the pattern is right look for errors.
57. Don't assume the pattern is wrong look carefully at your technique.
58. Look closely at the photograph of the garment, have they pinned it at the back?
59. Try different methods to increase and decrease.
60. Try a different medium, sew, embroider, paint or anything else and apply what you learn back to your knitting.
61. Knit chemo caps or items for the homeless.
62. Remember that the model in the picture is usually a 34" bust.
63. Read the technique book, don't wait until you have a problem to fix.
64. Knit gloves (with fingers).
65. Get the books about knitting you can't afford out of the library.
66. Learn to duplicate stitch.
67. Learn to graft stitches.
68. Knit sculptural things like a Teddy Bear or another toy.
69. Learn to cut your knitting (steeks, after thought pockets or heels).
70. Learn to short row.
71. Learn more than one type of thumb construction.
72. If you get frustrated with something put it down and go back to it the next day.
73. Look at how your purchased garments fit or don't fit you. Those are the areas you will need to adjust when you knit from patterns as well.
74. Keep a nail file in your knitting bag, you can use it to fix a rough spot on a wooden needle and file a rough nail that is catching on your yarn.
75. Learn what correct and incorrect stitch orientation means.
76. Learn to knit Brioche.
77. Wash your hands before you start knitting especially when working with light coloured yarns.
78. Learn more than one way to join your yarn.
79. Know that dye colour may affect gauge. Black is the most noticeable making yarn thicker.
80. Work on controlling your gauge. It is important for unusual stitches and to avoid tension changes when you are stressed out.
81. Remember that even a novice Knitter can teach you a technique you have never seen before.
82. Do a swatch!