When I knit the first row after I cast on the middle strings long. What do I do so the middle string won't get long when I am knitting the first row?

Sorry for spamming here, I don’t know the answer now, but when I was 8–10 I used to knit for some reason, I had a fascination with it, as well as sewing. I’m sure I would have known the answer then. :)

That is too unclear for me to answer. I have been knitting since I was eight and still don’t understand what you are asking. Whether you use steel, plastic or wooden needles won’t change anything.

I’m a bit confused about what the “middle string” is. Just guessing here, but it sounds like you have too much play in between each stitch? If that is right you maybe need to cast on tighter or use smaller needles. More information would be helpful. There are a number of knitters here and I’m sure someone can give you valuable advice.

I think @knitfroggy is right – if your problem is the gaps between the stitches, casting on tighter should solve your problem. Also, if there’s not too much play between the stitches, try knitting a few rows before you give up on it – after you’ve got a few rows done, the stitches tend to stretch and even themselves out a little, and you might find that the gaps between the stitches close up on their own…

I also need more information about what the problem is exactly.

@Londonfrance: Do you understand the concept of knitting a small sample to check your gauge? That is the number of stitches per inch called for. Sometimes you have to go up or down a needle size to knit to gauge.

I knit very loosely so go down 3 sizes; viz; if instructions call for #8 needle, I would use a #5.

@gailcalled wow! You do knit loosely! Are you a thrower or a picker? I personally throw, never could get used to picking, even though its supposed to be faster.

I throw; picking, I understand, is the European method. I’ve tried it out of curiosity but it was like trying to write with my non-dominant hand..not a thing of great beauty.

@gailcalled That is a very good way to describe it. I’ve tried as well and it is very awkward. Probably if that’s how I had learned to begin with I could do it.