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How to Knit a Garter Tab

October 13, 2016 6 Comments

Learn how to work an easy garter stitch tab with this knitting video tutorial. This easy-to-master knitting technique is a staple among shawl knitters. You'll commonly find garter tabs used to cast on shawl patterns.

Let’s say you’ve always wanted to learn to knit a shawl but weren’t quite sure where to start. It took me 18 years (no really) to attempt my first shawl knitting project and when I finally did, I was shockingly surprised at how easy a basic shawl is to knit! Today, I’ve got a video for you to help you get through knitting a garter tab, something that forms the base of many shawl patterns.

For those of you participating in the Read Along Knit Along (what’s that? see here), the garter tab forms the foundation of the Other People’s Houses Shawl, the pattern we’re knitting as part of the knit along. It’s fun and easy, so if you’re in the market for your first ever beginner shawl, this would be a great time to try shawl knitting. :) 

Learn how to work an easy garter stitch tab with this knitting video tutorial. This easy-to-master knitting technique is a staple among shawl knitters. You'll commonly find garter tabs used to cast on shawl patterns.

Garter tabs are something that those new to knitting shawls may not have encountered before, but I promise they aren’t so bad once you wrap your brain around how they work. Whether or not you’ve got a shawl pattern you’re looking to tackle, here’s a less than 5 minute tutorial on how to master garter tabs that will have you cranking shawls out in no time:

Two beginner-friendly shawl patterns: Outlander Chevron Shawl / Other People’s Houses Shawl

Learn how to work an easy garter stitch tab with this knitting video tutorial. This easy-to-master knitting technique is a staple among shawl knitters. You'll commonly find garter tabs used to cast on shawl patterns.

The video above covers all you need to know to cast on your shawl with a garter tab, but if you get stuck or have any questions, let me know in the comments and I’m happy to assist! Shawls, as anachronistic as they may seem to some, are some of the most gorgeous pieces to knit out there, not to mention they’re beyond addictive. :)

Learn how to work an easy garter stitch tab with this knitting video tutorial. This easy-to-master knitting technique is a staple among shawl knitters. You'll commonly find garter tabs used to cast on shawl patterns.

Filed Under: Knit Along, Knitting, Knitting & Crochet Tagged With: garter stitch shawl, garter tab, garter tab cast on, kal, knit along, other peoples houses, ralkal, read along knit along, shawl knitting

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author & content creator in love with primary colors & vintage vibes. She specializes in knitting, crochet, latch hook and macramé, and her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now!

Previous Post: « Other People’s Houses Shawl pattern / RALKAL Kickoff!!
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Comments

  1. Pattymac

    October 13, 2016 at 8:55 am

    OOOO I love the way you show this! Picking up stitches for a tab start to a shawl has always mystified me. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Lorene Frischknecht

    October 13, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    I watched the video for the knitted tab and thought it was very helpful. I always thought it was so perplexing previously. Thanks so much for sharing this video.

    Reply
  3. Diane Pierce

    October 15, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Before the video I cast on and tried to knit the tab 6 times! Thanks for the video. Now if you could show us how to knit with markers and yarn overs correctly, that would also be great. My markers keep slipping under my yarn overs or something else is happening that messes up the stitch counts . Thanks, Heidi!

    Reply
  4. Marty Mack

    October 15, 2016 at 7:28 pm

    As always, you’re the best. Thanks

    Reply
  5. Patti Dobrowolski

    October 17, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    I am not clear what you did from step one til the starting point in the video

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 17, 2016 at 11:31 pm

      I’m happy to help. Are you referring to something in particular when you say step one?

      Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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Craft book author & pattern designer ❤️💛💙
knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé
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Please email for pattern support. 🧶

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on / a.k.a. crochet provisional cast on, scrap yarn cast on
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I read recently that tiktok and Instagram are being used as search engines more and more. 🤔 I thought since I’m going to all the work of making tutorials on YouTube, I should experiment with making a quick version of them for other platforms. There are obvious teaching limitations to vertical video, short-form content like this, but I think I covered the gist of this cast on in a minute. The YouTube version also covers how to unzip this cast on because there was time for it 👍🏻 L1nk is in my profile. 
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I’m very much looking for feedback as I continue to make instructional knitting & craft videos. Sometimes good tutorials are hard to find, and (ideally polite) feedback helps me improve. 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #knititngtutorial #knittersofinstagram #crochethook #knittingtutorial
For the first time in a long time, there’s a new For the first time in a long time, there’s a new tutorial from Hands Occupied! 🎉 The video is live on YouTube & the blog. 
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The post covers what provisional cast ons are & how they differ, and the video covers how to work a one-step provisional cast on using scrap yarn and a crochet hook. (This is a great one to save for future reference.)
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I learned several names for this method while researching this video & post. Crochet provisional cast on, one-step cast on, scrap yarn cast on - if you know even more names for this technique, please share! 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #scrapyarn #crochethook
Working on a sample for some upcoming videos. It’s an overcast day with intermittent sunshine & I have a scruffy little sidecar. 🐶 Can’t complain! 
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What’s on your needles this week? 
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Yarn: @debbieblissknits Cashmerino Aran 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #knittinglife
Peg boards and craft room organization go together Peg boards and craft room organization go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, as you can see, do latch hook tools and screwdriver organizers! 🪛 
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I think this trick translates to any tool with a thick handle, so leather working tools, punch needles, print making tools, etc. should work! What other tools am I, a needlecrafter, blanking on right now? 
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#craftorganization #handsoccupied #latchhook #latchhooking
Pegboard storage is my favorite for craft supplies Pegboard storage is my favorite for craft supplies, so getting a few hung in my new studio has been a priority. Here’s my first attempt. 🔨 
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Details: This pegboard panel is for organizing my knitting needles, latch hook tools, sewing thread, etc. It doesn’t need to hold much weight, so I didn’t anchor this into a stud - just used basic drywall anchors. I’ve also got a set of two 2’x4’ panels for another spot in my studio, and those will need a stud/more than 3 drywall anchors. Wish me luck! 
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[description: video features a woman hanging a panel of pegboard using a square dowel and drill]
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