For correct tension, as it is called, the stitches should fit closely but not tightly around the needles.  They should move back and forth along the needles freely but not so loosely as to allow the needles to fall out.  Relax while you work.  Hold your needles and yarn easily.   Avoid a cramped position.  Lightness of touch gives speed and produces an even fabric.

PRACTICE PIECES:  All knitting is based on two stitches, the knot stitch and the purl stitch.  To help you master these two stitches, directions are given for practice pieces of 20 stitches knit for 10 rows.

HOW TO WIND WOOL: When the wool is wound from a skein into a ball, great care should be taken not to stretch the yarn.  One way of winding wool is to wrap a dozen or more strands around three fingers.  Lay in the opposite direction, and wrap wool around the fingers and over the bundle as well.   Repeat this action until the whole skein is wound, being careful to always wind around the fingers.  This will prevent any strain in the finished ball.

1.  To cast on 20 stitches, it will be necessary to measure off 16 inches of yarn (Fig. 1)

2.  Make a slip loop 16 inches from the end of the yarn (Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5).

3.  Place the loop on the needle and gentle pull the ends of the yarn (not too tight, Fig. 6).  The ball end of the yarn is to the right and the free end of the yarn is to the left.