Ok, so I've paced and paced trying to decide what's important to know about increases and decreases. I have very little to say on the subject. There's lots of different ways to do each of these. They have different effects, but except for the yarn over, they tend to be very subtle. My best advice is to get yourself a good reference book. My favorite is The Knitter's Comanion by Vicki Square. A good reference is going to tell you all about those subtle differences are. Some patterns won't tell you which specific increase/decrease to use, again you'll need that reference to make educated choices.

My best advice for the beginning knitter is to pick a project with increases and decreases in it that the body of the work is knit in garter stitch or stockinette and just do it. It doesn't really matter what kind of increase or decrease is called for, you just need to be able to know you can do them. Many a beginning knitter gets caught thinking that they aren't skilled enough to do increases/decreases and they get caught in the no-longer-novel-land-of-plain-scarves. Grit your teeth and try. They really aren't as scary as they sound. They're quick and easy to learn and it's a real opportunity to practice being Fearless. Also don't worry if you have to look back and check. If you don't know any seasoned knitters, you'll just have to believe me on this one. We all have to check sometimes. None of us remember every kind of increase or decrease. There's no shame it having to remind yourself what you're doing as much as you need to. Knitting isn't a sport!

That's it! I'm done with the Basic Six. Hope it helped. If you've got questions, big or little. I want to help. You can drop me an email or leave your question in the comments. I have no idea what I'll write about tomorrow. It's a lovely feeling!