Knitting Daily with Sandi » Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders

Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders

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My elderly, but lovely, lace socks

Thirteen years ago, I started the Lacey Arrow Socks from the book Socks. I gleefully ordered itty-bitty size 0 needles, and the finest of creamy, laceweight silk-merino yarn. When the yarn arrived, as I recall, I sat down and cast on for the first sock almost as soon as the package was opened.

13 years later, I have a problem. In reviewing my UFO collection, I found the partial sock tucked away in a box. I put it on, and discovered just how much my knitting skills have improved in the intervening years.

The lacey half-sock, though lovely, has noticeable "ladders" at the places where one needle met another. A quick check of the last bazillion pairs of socks I have knit in more recent years confirmed: I've managed to Lose The Ladders. And since many of you have written in asking about this particular problem, I thought I'd share my lofty wisdom on the subject:

Pull. The. Yarn. Tight.

That's it, folks. That's the entire extent of my expertise on Losing The Ladders. I just give the yarn a little extra-special tug after I knit the first stitch of each needle, and presto, no more ladders. I think the only trick here is a mental one: pull a weensy bit harder than you think you should.


See the ladders? Allll the way down the sock!

Why does this work? Ladders are caused by too much yarn between the last stitch on one needle and the first stitch on the next, so a firm little tug ensures that there is no "extra" yarn. It might help to take a closer look at the other stitches on your needles so you can see just how tiny that little strand between stitches is supposed to be. Some knitters tug until the needles are gently touching each other—experiment a little to find the proper "pull" to use in your particular style of knitting.

By the way: The same rule applies whether you are using dpns, two circulars, or the Magic Loop method to knit your socks with.

If you need a little mantra to help you remember how to lose the ladders: Tell yourself to "give the yarn an extra tug so the stitches will be nice and snug."

A bit corny, perhaps, but hey: Whatever it takes.



Coming up on Knitting Daily:

In the weeks ahead, we'll have more polls, sweater galleries that will help you know what sweaters will look good on YOU, and some special guest bloggers. Oh, and stay tuned along the way for further installments of The Lace Socks Saga, as I try to figure out how to finish a pair of socks where the knitting is lovely, but as we are beginning to see above, more than a wee bit flawed.

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? Mwhaaaaa...FOURTEEN UFOS! The pullover for my husband is nearing the armholes, and of course, a certain pair of lace socks.

Posted Nov 05 2007, 12:00 AM by KD Sandi
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Comments

AineR wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 12:31 PM
Is this true? How can something so simple be the solution to "Losing the Ladders"? I must try this to be a believer!!!
Carol J wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 12:31 PM
Nice to see the "old" socks back in the rotation after all these years! Thanks for the great advice. I started using two circular needles because I figured there would only be 2 ladders and they would be on the sides of the socks, not the front, back, and sides as there were with 4 dpn's.
In "Knitting circles around Socks" Antje Gillingham says to "squeeze the tip of the needle and the cable tight tog" to prevent a gap from forming. I have found that sometimes this makes a stitch that seems too tight and the stitches have to be forced on to the needle when you get to them on the next rnd, but it never makes a gap or ladder.
Just got the Fall 2007 KNITS-as well as several yarn company catalogs---boy am I in trouble!!!!! Maybe I need to turn to the UFO's before I look through the mag again!!! Thanks for tha great job you do.
AbbyL wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 1:01 PM
I have not had luck with this technique, but maybe I am tugging at the wrong time? Do you tug before the first stitch on the second needle, during the first stitch on the second needle, or what? Currently, I shift the needle break back and forth a stitch or two, but I'd rather use a simpler solution. Thanks!
BugM wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 1:21 PM
Or, when you get to the end of a needle, knit to stitches onto the needle you just filled up before switching.
krazyknitter wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 1:33 PM
I also started knitting the first stitch at each join through the back loop and giving an extra tug and it seems to have worked. I've done two pairs on Magic Loop like that and checked closely with against the last pair I knit that I didn't do this with. It looks like my ladder issues are all cleared up. Now if I could just get over my gusset issues... :)
KatherineH wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 1:56 PM
I use the same method as Sandi, and I think she's completely right -- it really is that simple (okay, if you can get it to work, but I always have and my fingers don't know any better). Abby, it's not so much a tug as just knitting that first stitch very firmly. When I'm on a roll and using aluminum needles, you can actually hear the clink of the new needle being knocked against the old one as I make that first stitch. My socks always have "corners" when they're on the needles from pulling that first stitch tight -- something that disappears once they're finished.
Barb Rickman wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:07 PM
13 years for those socks!! Wow! Those are old UFO's. I am almost done with one UFO and close to closing our a second. Progress, progress, progress!!!

bjr
KateG wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:07 PM
Thanks, Gals, this IS a great tip. What about when you are knitting a Fair Isle cuff and you have to carry the second color over the gap. Is it just a matter of keeping a careful eye on the tension? My carryovers always gap.
EnglishL wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:09 PM
I lost the ladders when I switched from 4 dpns to 5 dpns. I also hide my ladders by ending each dpn with a purl stitch. This depends on your stitch pattern, always works with k3p1 rib or k2p2 ribs.
EllenC wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:11 PM
You've inspired me to try a pair of socks. I'm sitting here for the next four weeks, (two down) with my leg up in a cast. Any tips for just knitting sock tips? I've got lots of leftover yarn and cold toes:)
DanielleT wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:18 PM
I was in a class with Annie Modesitt who recommended pulling the *second* stitch on the new needle tight; it avoids causing any weird tension issues at the join, and the second stitch is still close enough to lose the ladder.
SueG wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:19 PM
What also works well is moving the "ladder position" each row or so. Instead of keeping the needle joins at the same place row after row, move over a stitch or two to make the transition from one needle to the next less noticeable.
CynthiaG wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:30 PM
The rule does apply when you use 2 circs, but I don't think it has to be followed as strictly (maybe it's just that less force is needed) because the last stitch on the needle you've just finished with is tightening against the cable, which is skinny, rather than against the needle. If you've been frustrated by ladders using dpns, I highly recommend trying 2 circs. It doesn't work for everyone, but some (like me!) find it's just the ticket!
MarieM wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:32 PM
yes it's a good way to avoid ladders.One other trick is to make sure the ends of the needles that you are working with are on TOP of the other ones
Daniel wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:34 PM
You are right on the button! It's an age old problem for anyone first learning to use doublepoints. It also flows into the topic of knitter running into ladders when going from a knit stitch to a purl stitch. The nature of the yarn wants to allow a little extra yarn because of the direction its traveling around the needle. There are many solutions that have been written such as wrapping opposite directions, but then one has to remember where and when that was done on the following row to stay consistant and too many moving parts means too many things can go wrong. I have always liked the "gentle tug" method best. Thanks for educating.
MarieM wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:35 PM
note to Abbey L
Knit the first stitch THEN tug --then knit 2nd stitch
Trampledbygeese wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:54 PM
I must say I think that Knitting Daily is wonderful, but I've never felt compelled to comment before. Pulling that first stitch tight does not always work, in fact, it can sometimes create a larger ladder than if you knit the first stitch the same as usual. As I'm naturally a tight knitter, when I fist started making socks I knit the first stitch abnormally tight resulting in ladders so big an elephant could climb it to the heavens. One day, against the advice of every knitting book I've read, I decided to knit that first stitch loosely and ever since then, there hasn't been any trouble at all.
LeslieL wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:58 PM
Good point. I've just started knitting socks on one circular needle using the magic loop technique, and I'm finding it much easier to lose the ladders. The flexible cable makes it easier to pull the stitches together when you change to the other half of the sock.
RuthT wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 2:59 PM
One thing I learned early in my sock knitting career, (before the better trick of pulling the yarn tight) was to move the needles around, so that the space isn't always in some stitch above and below. It works best on stockinette stitch on socks, because the spacing shows so clearly as a ladder, and there's no pattern stitches to worry about.
Every round or so, just pick up a stitch from the next needle.
ReneeS wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:00 PM
I, too, have "lost the ladders" over the years on my socks, and I have a couple more pieces of advice.
If you knit with two circular needles instead of DPNs, you have fewer places where you change needles. That means fewer places where "laddering" might be an issue. So if this is a problem for you, consider switching to 2 circs or to Magic Loop.
Also, I find I have less problem laddering if the new needle always starts with a knit stitch, rather than a purl stitch. For some reason, purl stitches seem more prone to laddering for me. So I do whatever it takes to make sure the first stitch on the new needle is always a knit stitch, even if it means my stitches are not evenly divided on the needles. You can always redistribute them at the heel flap, or whereever it's important.
TaraR wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:08 PM
So sad to see Stitch of the Day ending on Friday! I thought there were enough stitch patterns to last like a year... Must be the publisher changed their mind? Oh well. I did save some nice stitch patterns. Thanks - it was fun while it lasted! Will be trying my first DPN project soon -- Thanks for the tip!
KateS wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:09 PM
Ladders don't constitute a good reason to reknit tho, and newbies need to relax about it while they improve their skills. Washing any knitted garment is why so many older pieces appear to have such uniform stitches - it all comes out in the wash. The tension eventually balances, unless it's a glaring difference in tension as intentional ones often are that are unvented to leave holes.
theyarnqueen wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:15 PM
I have found that using the magic loop method did away with my ladders. Next I'm trying again the 2 circular needles.
Mcgougmn wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:17 PM
I had serious problems with ladders when I was making the "Nicholas's Fingerless Gloves", but I found that if I made sure to arrange the needles so the first stitch on each needle was knit stitch instead of a purl, that cleared it right up (with an extra little tug, of course).
DebbyS wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:30 PM
Perfect pithy pointer.
SharonV wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:32 PM
In the beginning I thought all ladders disappeared after blocking. That is SO not true! I did learn to put the second needle on top, that helped tremendously, but I still have to tug just a little.
LindaG wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:38 PM
Another ladder-eliminating trick (one that works better for me) is to continually shift the point where they could occur. Working on 5 needles, when I reach the end of needle 1 (with the new stitches on needle 5, the RH needle) I work the first 2 stitches from needle 2 onto needle 5 before starting to use needle 1 as the RH needle. And so on every time I reach the end of a needle. I tug also, but by moving the join any remaining looseness isn't lined up with the preceding and following rows and seems to vanish in the first wash.
If the pattern specifies inc's, dec's, or whatever by needle position (e.g., K2tog at end of needle 1), I use markers to keep my place.
RobinB wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:47 PM
For me, pulling the first stitch really tight makes the ladder worse.
Tightening the second stitch fixes it.
Also, I do whatever rearranging is necessary to start with a knit stitch on each needle.
Lucille Reilly wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:47 PM
In the longrun, ladders may be more the result of >too much OVERALL< tension on the yarn to begin with. Face it, you can't tighten up ANY stitches if the yarn is already very tight on the needles!

I'm now adjusting yarn tension while knitting with a LH carry (in combination knitting): I make the first 2 Ks by rotating my lower arm from my left elbow (to hold the yarn a bit taut as it goes through the stitch); this makes those first 2 Ks nice and snug on the needles. For the rest of the needle I circle the R needle tip under the L needle so that the yarn gets scooped through the old stitch under its own tension (the move is kinda like drawing a check mark). I just started doing this a couple months ago, and my needles now glide through the stitches more easily (even if I now have to redo all my sock yarn gauges :<( )
PatK wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:52 PM
My method for eliminating ladders is the same as yours, with a slight exception: I find it works better to tighten the *second* stitch on the new needle. Not only does it take up the slack, but that second stitch helps lock it in place.

And you don't have to tug quite as hard, which is easier on the yarn
Rosti8080 wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:55 PM
I use dpns -- usually 5 but sometimes 4 when the 5th needle just flat vanishes for no good reason. I knit or purl the first stitch on the needle firmly but not much tighter than usual if at all, but really tighten up on the second stitch and that seems to avoid ladders. I think it is almost impossible to really tighten up on the first stitch ...

Ellen
LindaD wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:56 PM
I knew that pulling the next stitch snugly would eliminate ladders on my dpns--but I had a bad experience trying to do that on two circulars. Somehow,the tension got weird at the junctions and one stitch slipped under another--creating mini cables in my sleeves. It took me a while to realize what happened. And a while longer to rip and reknit . . .. Has this happened to anyone else? Any advice?
RobynnT wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 3:58 PM
I don't seem to have problems with ladders on socks, but when I rib, or for that matter any stich that is knit before a purl stich ends up loose and unsighlty. Has anyone had this problem? Any solutions?
Robynn
ChantalD wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:04 PM
Now.. what do you suggest to someone who pulls the yarn tight, so tight.. very very tight.. to loose the ladders.. and the ladders are still there. I'm yanking the yarn so tight it might break, keeping even tension across the needle and tugging the yarn after the last stitch on the needle, after the first stitch on the needle AND after the second.. and I still see small ladders... :(
PatM wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:08 PM
I cannot seem to remember to tug after the first stitch of each needle, but I have found that when using dpns, if I just knit the first stitch or two from the next needle all the time, the ladders disappear, and having only one slightly larger stitch each place, they too disappear as the socks are blocked. This works on socks, hats, sleeves, anything that is worked on dpns.
Justine wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:09 PM
Pulling the yarn tight and/or using 5 DPNs never worked for me. I still ended up with ladders.
The solution that worked for me is to wrapped the yarn the wrong way around to make a twisted stitch, which makes it smaller. Just remember to untwist them when you get back to that spot and wrap the yarn the wrong way again. It sounds like a pain but really it's not once you get into the habit!
Mamacat90807 wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:22 PM
The good thing about 13-year-old sock UFOs is...they will still fit when you finally get'em done! (as opposed to garments worn on other parts of the body that seem to keep changing size from year to year...)
Karen wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:23 PM
I've found that pulling the second stitch on the needle tight, not the first, really helps me more with eliminating the ladders on socks. Give it a try!
BetsyB wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:35 PM
Generally, if you pull the second (2nd) stitch tight on each needle, that will eliminate ladders. If you still have ladders, then turn it into a creative accent: thread a contrasting yarn through the ladders of the finished sock.
Sewshort wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:39 PM
It also helps to form the stitch right at the tip of the needles.
Loishoop wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:49 PM
Thank you for imparting such pearls (purls?) of wisdom! Haha!

Those socks are only 13 years old? Mere infants! Those ladders nearly always disappear after a few washings. I've done a lot of textile work in a museum, and you can be sure that age only enhances the regularity of the stitches. They didn't start out so smooth!
AudreyD wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:51 PM
I learned to crochet before I learned to knit (hey, I eventually saw the light) and I still have a lot of 'thread crochet' habits--wrapping yarn over index finger and pinching it in the pinky finger of the left hand, and giving a good *tug* after every stitch, which is VITAL in thread crochet for good even tension in cotton. Strangely enough, I've never had a laddering problem, and I've knit dpns and 2 circs. Could it be that us Continental knitters or former (or current) crocheters have a leg up on this one? I can't think of any other reason why my socks never laddered--lord knows I've made just about every OTHER knitting error!
MeriT wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:52 PM
My first sock had ladders but my second sock was so tight it was puckery! LOL I figured out the solution but got a little over zealous! I always give the first stitch of the new needle a LITTLE extra tug. I love the pattern and am glad to hear your'e going to try & finish them. Question: Do ladders weaken the structure of the sock?
MaryFitzhugh wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:54 PM
What's the Magic Loop method of knitting socks?
Mary F.
BarbaraR wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:57 PM
thanks and I love mantras,as they keep me going or knitting.This is so timely as I just started making socks again and that tug has solved my confusion!
Barbara
StarB wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 4:59 PM
I've found that the best way to not get ladders is to remember you are knitting a round, not a square with corners. I hold the new needle "flat", along with the old needle. The stitches then are lined up across the both needles as though you are knitting on a regular straight needle making tension so much easier to maintain. No ladders, no tight pulls (and possibly broken yarn), and no corners. I only use a 5 needle set, converting any pattern into fourths. I guess I'm set in my ways because I've tried and not liked both two circulars and magic-loop method.
SarahH wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 5:00 PM
Thanks for the advice about how easy it is to knit socks. As I can knit & purl. I look forward to your sweater galleries. I'd like to be able to knit sweaters. Know just which style looks best on me. Sarah H.
shessassy wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 5:04 PM
I usually use one circular and "magic loop" (I fell into that method after failing with 2 circs, and realising that "magic loop" was a method!), and do find it easier for the reasons people have said; mainly, that you're tightening against the cable, rather than the needle point/body.

The other thing I make sure to do is after I pull the needle out of the stiches just knit to begin the "other side" off the loop, is to readjust the tension on the yarn *before* getting started again - otherwise I end up with looseness caused by the switch over.

Working the first couple of stitches a little tighter does improve things for sure, though; I'm not a tight knitter though, so I can see that wouldn't be much help to those that are! Loosen up!
Lynn G. wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 5:07 PM
I also just saw the notice that the Stitch of the Day will be ending in a few days. I do think it was generous for us to receive even a few weeks of stitches for free, but I do also remember that your blog entry announcement about the Stitch of the Day said that there were enough stitches to last for a year. I thought that the fact that they were only posted for 24 hours was going to be the main incentive to people to buy the printed books, but it appears that the publisher has changed its mind about sharing the majority of the stitches...though, isn't the new publisher of these books Interweave? I hope you will explain what happened. It does feel like a "bait and switch," but only because we were told explicitly that we'd be able to get all or most of the stitches by making a commitment to visit Knitting Daily each weekday over the course of a year. I hope that there is some other changing daily feature (maybe a "tip of the day" or "yarn of the day" or "tool of the day" to keep us wanting to visit even on the days when there is no new blog entry. It seems a teeny bit grinchy to pull this enticing feature right before the holiday season!
SharonC wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 5:09 PM
Ellen C. Go to Lionbrand.com, and put "cast sock" in the search block. They have two free patterns for them! Good luck.
shessassy wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 5:09 PM
@ MaryFitzhugh: "Magic Loop" is basically working with a single circular needle, over a smaller diameter than the needle itself. Half the stitches are on the "cable" of the ciruclar needle, and the other half are being knitted with the two ends.

I believe there is a booklet about it published somewhere, but I've never seen it. Heaps of info can be found via Google though. :-)
LindaT wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 5:13 PM
OK, Sandy Wiseheart, you need to get a life. That lace sock is beautiful. Period. Or full stop to the Brits. It is like no other lace sock, and if you make the mate now, they will be two beautiful, individualistic socks! Nothing wrong with that. Linda
Teresa(NC) wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 5:13 PM
Mary F, the Magic Loop method uses one long circular needle, such as #2-40" needle. It works on the same basis as 2 circulars but you keep working from the back needle and pulling the cord through. It sounds strange but works very easily. You can make two socks at once also. You can google Magic Loop and find instructions.
TheresaM wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 5:29 PM
I find it is not just the first stitch but also the second and third I need to keep snug to prevent ladders. I also try to work the last and first two or three stitches close to the needle tips.
GoldieS wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 5:54 PM
I read only 2 paragraphs and knew I had to take time to add my story:I just finished a sweater that I began +/-17 years ago! The main problem was the stitch pattern and my choice of yarn didn't go together. I would do a row or 2 and put it away. This summer I decided to finish those sleeves, or else! It's done and fits. Valuable lesson was well worth the struggles in sore fingers.
JeanneM wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 6:04 PM
I have a hint for preventing ladders... if you can start each needle with a purl stitch, that tends to tighten up a little better than a knit (because of the angle of needle entry when creating the stitch). Of course if that's not possible for your pattern, just pull the yarn tight!
JillR wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 6:11 PM
Re: losing the ladders, I have 2 good methods of 'losing ladders'
Knit 2 extra stitches on each needle, every time, thus moving the needle change along...voila! no ladder. Alternatively, divide your stitches on the needles where a purl stitch follows a plain stitch. It is much easier to pull tight when the first stitch on the needle is a purl stitch, and the last stitch on the previous needle is a plain stitch.
BrittanyN wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 6:24 PM
I also find that if I knit the first stitch from the next needle onto the full DPN and THEN use my empty needle to knit across the rest of the stitches at each needle change this dramatically helps with the ladders. I only need to do this for the first 10 rounds or so and then I use the trick of knitting the first stitch on the needle, inserting my needle into the second stitch and then giving a good tug to snug up the gap.
DM wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 6:45 PM
I find that knitting one or two stitches from the next needle, every time, eliminates the ladders.

What a gorgeous sock! I have my first sock planned, but it's pretty boring compared to that.
Karen wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 7:07 PM
In my "socks" class, the instructor had us moving 2-3 stitches to the adjacent needle. It prevented "ladders" and multiple markers (two colors) to differentiate the center and sides made it easy to stay oriented.
TerriK wrote re: Solving Common Knitting Problems: Losing The Ladders
on Mon, Nov 5 2007 7:12 PM
I've found that if the working needles are above the others (i.e. let the non-working needles hang beneath the working needles) this goes a long way towards helping with the ladder problem.