Lace shawl patterns often use the “garter tab” technique to get you started. The garter tab is a really cool technique, but confusing to do. Here’s the break-down on how it is done and demonstration on thick needles with thick yarn so you can easily see how it’s done. Then you can do it too.
Knitting Help – “Garter Tab”, or Lace Shawl Beginning
I advice you too to practice the gartner tab technique first on a thick yarn, so that you can a) more easily do the stitchwork, and b) understand how this knitting is done. It’s actually easy enough, when you have done it once before.
Some bits may seem a bit ackward/counter-intuitive for you… (you thinking ‘this can’t be right’ but it is). Hang in there. Watch this video first. Then get your yarn and needles out, and watch it a second time, following along. I think I watched this video 5 times now, and this technique is now in my arsenal of options of how to start shawls
How to Knit the Garter Tab Video Tutorial
Even if your pattern is not asking for it, it helps to start on double-pointed needles on this, as this will be easier.
The Garter Tab technique want you to start with Casting on 3 stitches, and knit 6 rows. Then, there are variances on how to do the garter tab. But, here is a really good video that keeps it simple and clearly explains the gartner stitch.
If you love making triangle lace scarves, you’ll love this starters video ‘How to Knit the Garter Tab’.
Good luck!
