Knitting tension is very important for the success of your projects, be it a pair of socks or a blanket. In knitting patterns, tension (also known as gauge) is referred to the number of stitches and rows that a knitter will achieve using specific yarn, stitches and needles in a particular pattern, for example in a 10X10 or (4inch square). While the pattern mentions a particular measurement, there might be lesser or more stitches. The key to getting the right tension is getting the right number of stitches but if you have lesser stitches than mentioned you have a loose knitting tension.

When it comes to knitting tension, it’s best to go for something as mentioned in the pattern or the closest to it. Loose tension causes too big stitches and loose fabric and too tight tension makes it tiresome to knit. In this blog, we’ll talk all about tightening your knitting tension.

1. Try Smaller Size Needles

If you need to tighten your knitting tension it's best to change your knitting needles to a smaller size. One size or even a 0.5mm smaller does the trick in most cases. If it’s not enough, go down another size until you get the right or closest gauge and the fabric you knit in the square feels good.

2. Tension the working yarn right

While knitting, you tension your working yarn (the strand of yarn that’s attached to your yarn ball). Each knitter has its own style of tension, some weave in between their fingers some wrap the yarn around their fingers. To tighten your gauge, sometimes change the style of tensioning your yarn. You may need some practice till you get it right.

3. Don’t Pull your Knitting Needles apart

The knitting needles need to work closely while knitting. Leaving them loose or keeping the needles apart results in dropped stitches, loose stitches, and an uneven look. Make sure to keep the needles together or close. If it's a habit, you need to put in some effort to avoid this. Keeping the needles close will affect your knitting tension into being more even!

4. Try another knitting style

Each knitter is unique and each their own unique style. In the world of knitting, there are mainly five knitting styles- English (throwing), Continental (picking), Lever, Portuguese and Shetland. Changing a new knitting style might seem like a huge project, but it can work wonders for your knitting experience! Besides, the experience, your knitting tension will always be right.

5. Ensure Neat Edges

In projects with visible edges, it is always important to make neat edge stitches. Loose and sloppy edge stitches look untidy and loosen the overall knitting tension. To tighten the tension, make sure to have tight first and last stitches. This solves the tension of the previous row and even the row you’re working on. Even if you’re seaming pieces together loose edge stitches make it difficult to do so. Even while knitting seamless rounds, the first and last stitch of the row must be tight and neat.

With the above tricks, you’ll always have neat knitting tension and an overall beautiful appearance.

Source: https://www.storeboard.com/blogs/crafts/tips-for-tightening-your-knitting-tension/5529259