k tbl, or, Yay a Clapotis Question

[ladytalon]

I'm feeling the Clapotis-craving yet again, dang it. But I really, really hate how my k tbl stitches look. They're always lopsided. It bugs me.

Can I do without them? Will it turn out horrible and stretchy and ill-defined if I k instead of k tbl?

(I do k tbl correctly, according to two books and knittinghelp.com; I just don't do it well.)

Comments

[knitting_kara]

IMO, the Ktbl helps stabilize the dropped stitch area. It also makes a nice visual border on the stockinette panels along the length. Blocking should help minimize the stretching of the loop, but I know what you mean. Possibly try changing the stitch's orientation on the needle before knitting it...this may help the stretching.

I would suggest you cast on a small swatch and give it a try. There is nothing to keep it from "working"...it will just depend on how you like the look.

[sleepsong]

Try it out and see what you think looks better.

Take some scrap yarn, cast on 15 stitches. WS: P across. RS: K8, K1-tbl, K1, K1-tbl, K4. Do this for about ten or twelve rows, then on a RS row knit across, dropping the 5th stitch and the 10th stitch (between the two k1-tbls) and let it ladder down like you would in the Clapotis. Block, or at least stretch it out a bit with your hands. On your right you'll see what your Clapotis will look like without the K1-tbl on either side of the ladder, and on the left will be what it looks like with the K1-tbls. I personally find the one on the left to be more aesthetically pleasing (the K1-tbl's twists give it a more clean-looking edge on either side of the ladder), but if you're fine with the way it looks on the right, then go ahead and do it without the back loops.

[ladytalon]

I hate the look of my k tbls enough that I know I don't want to use them, but this would be a great way to compare regular knits with k tbl + p tbl, like lady_ceres suggested below. Thanks! =D

[lady_ceres]

I remember once from a while back that someone had a problem with this, and her answer was to purl through the back loop on the back side on the same stitches she k tbl on the front. This twisted ALL the stitches on either side of the ladder and tightened up the loose k tbls. I also agree with sleepsong that you should swatch to see how you like the look of not twisting your loops at all - it's the only way to know what you're going to end up with.

[maribella_ella]

Did you try blocking a piece that had twisted stitches? Maybe that would help even them out so you'd be happier with it.

[ladytalon]

Hmm, no, but then, I really adore the look of Clapotis unblocked, how it scrunches up. ^_^;