Even the most experienced knitters make mistakes sometimes—but a few small habits can save you a lot of time (and frustration). Whether you're following a brand-new pattern or picking up a long-lost WIP, these easy tips will help keep your knitting on track and stress-free.

1. Mark your size.
If the pattern has more than one size, highlight or circle the one you’re using. It’s easy to forget - especially if you’re working on a bunch of projects at once!

2. Use stitch markers.
Don’t just think I’ll remember this spot” - you probably won’t. Mark it! It saves you from having to rip back later.

3. Mark your increases or decreases.
Put a little marker in the fabric where you increased or decreased. That way, you can just count the markers instead of trying to figure it out later.

4. Make a note when you stop.
Finished knitting for the day? Write down what you just did or where you left off. That way, when you come back, you’ll know exactly where to pick up.

5. Read ahead before starting.
Take a minute to read through the next few steps before you start knitting. Knowing what’s coming helps you avoid surprises - and makes tricky parts a bit easier to handle.