I have been knitting since 2010. I taught myself in college with some YouTube videos and a group of girls making knit squares to donate to Africa for blankets. I made those squares like it was my job until I was brave enough to make a scarf for my boyfriend. That scarf... He's my husband now and he still has the scarf. It's about 10 feet long and a foot wide and he loves it. I think it's ridiculous. 

Last week, so mid September 2023, after 13 years of knitting, I realized I've been knitting wrong. I've been working on a secret test knit for a designer who has a sweater pattern coming out in a magazine in Spring 2024. The raglan stitches were looking wonky so I frogged it back to the beginning and tried again. Still wonky! So I watched a bunch of YouTube videos and I was doing everything right. My yarn overs were fine and I was knitting through the back of the stitch correctly... but wait. I realized these video creators all threw their yarn differently than I did. Does that even matter? So I watched a few more and realized, yep, it matters.

Every stitch I have knit for the past 13 years has been a twisted stitch. And ya'll that is a lot of stitches. I've made sweaters and blankets and scarves and socks. I've followed intricate patterns. And never once has it made a visible difference until now. 

I've been knitting wrong.

What is even life?!

A friend asked if I purl wrong as well and after watching MANY YouTube videos I can confirm that my purling technique is fine. As the title of the blog says, I knit wrong, purl right. 

So while we're on this journey to become a certified Master Knitter, I better relearn how to knit. 

Did you know you can become a certified Master Knitter? It's probably the coolest thing I've learned this year. It takes at least 4.5 years and tests you on numerous different skills as well as the history of knitting. The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) is the non-profit behind the certificate and numerous other educational opportunities for knitters. 

I decided since I'm knitting like it's my job anyway, I might as well perfect my craft! I'm easing into the Master Knitter program and starting with TKGA's Basics, Basics, Basics course. I got the materials last night and I'm so excited to dive in! Plus I have access to a Master Knitter to help me if I get stuck with the course! 

There's a Knitting Guild near my house that's basically a chapter of TKGA that I'm looking forward to joining. 

Stay tuned for more as I embark on this adventure!