ARC 400-1 Sept. 1939 SUGGESTIONS TO KNITTERS It is quite impossible to write directions or give suggestions for knitting that will always overcome the handicap of poor wool. Equally impossible it is to give directions that will always overcome the handicap of inexpert knitting. But correct needles for certain articles may always be obtained by using the correct guage. Wool at present varies in the market, both in weight and quality. IT is important that the director in charge of knitting know not only how to knit but how to interpret directions. Some people never can learn to knit an “elastic stitch” they are tight knitters, and they must of necessity use a needle a trifle larger than size mentioned in directions. If after knitting a given number of stitches the work does not measure the number of inches specified, one with “knitting sense” will know thye must either use a larger needle or more stitches. Casting on and binding off MUST be loose. When knitting with two needles, always slip first stitch. TERMS USED A “row” –once across; a “ridge” ---once across and back. ABBREVATIONS F---knit; P—purl: St. –stitch or stitches. MEASUREMENTS To measure a garment, lay it on a level surface and measure with a dependable measure (wool, metal, or celluloid, not a tape line). NEEDLE GUAGE A Red Cross needle gauge may now be obtained by chapters form their headquarters office. Chapters are earnestly requested to use this guage. TO JOIN WOOL Always join wool by splicing or by running threads through each other with a darning needle for a few inches. Joining by tying ends in a knot must NEVER be used except at END of a row. LABELS Use Red Cross label on all garments-purchasable from your headquarters office at 50 cent per hundred. WOOL A limited stock at current prices now available at your headquarters office. Chapters should anticipate needs and place early orders to assure adequate supply.