Archive of Thread: Closing the latches Back

3 years ago
Sue, can you please explain the thinking behind closing the needle latches - as in your video on "auto pilot tips".  As the latches have to be opened to lay the yarn in and form a stitch, I don't see the point of closing all the latches before knitting the row. 

Jenny

3 years ago
HI Jenny!

As you pass your carriage, each needle is pulled back, catching the working yarn to form a new stitch. There are magnets in the carriage to open and position the latches correctly so the working yarn can be inserted in the hooks to form the stitches.

If the latches are all the way open and flat against the needles, when the needle is pulled back there is a chance that the latch will get caught in the existing stitch, splitting the stitch, mis-forming the stitch, making it difficult to knit and potentially jam.

I find this happens with thicker yarn, with tuck or any time there are multiple stitches on the needle.

3 years ago
Thanks, Sue!  I "get it" now!

Jenny