What's a knitter to do when they never remember to flip their row counter? Learn to read your stitches, and you won't ever need one again. How to tell how many rows you've knit since the last time you increased or decreased.

In preparation for the release of my new pattern, Jill and the Bean Socks, I have created two new knitting tutorials for the Left-leaning and Right-leaning Bar Increases. (Plus my very first knitting tutorial videos!)

As a self-taught knitter, sometimes I have done things the hard way. Okay, a lot of times.

Thank goodness that I occasionally knit with others more experienced than I, and they have helped me along.

Here are five of the best tips I use all the time to make my knitting easier, more efficient, and more professional-looking.