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Knitting Techniques

2010-08-29T23:09:00.000-04:00

A wide variety of techniques add colorful dimensions to the process of knitting. Good quality knitting supplies combined with creativity, imagination and skills help produce a perfect finished product. Techniques to knit the yarn in a variety of ways help in creating a variety of patterns and designs on cloth.

Knit stitches and purl stitches form the basics of knitting. Alternate use of knit and purl stitches helps form interesting designs on a fabric. The knit stitch is formed by making loops that interweave each other. It resembles "V" patterns when viewed from the knit side of the pattern. The purl stitch resembles a "brick face". Knitting techniques make use of a large variety of knitting stitches which include Fair Isle, tuck stitch, slip stitch, Stockinette stitch, striped stock stitch, stock stitch etc.

The stocking stitch, a simple form of knitting stitch is used widely in the process of knitting. It is used for making stable fabrics that curl up when the fabric is stitched completely. This type of stitch is used widely in pullovers, sweaters and other such garments.

A variant of the stocking stitch, a striped stocking stitch is a very easy fabric to produce. In this type of stitch, a new color can be incorporated in every row. But a color should be used in an even number of rows before moving on to the next row.

The tuck stitch is a knitting technique of producing a textured pattern of cloth. This type of stitch can be created only by using a knitting machine. Depending on the knitters preferences, either side of the cloth can be used as the right side. Two or more colors can be included a tuck stitch pattern. The slip stitch is less textured than the tuck stitch and uses one or more colors in the fabric pattern.

A Fair Isle stitch is a stitch whereby two colors can be included in a single row. This stitch pattern can be produced on machines using patterning devices or on olden style machines by hand selection of needles. A simple Stockinette stitch is composed of alternate rows of knit stitches and purl stitches.

Knit-weaving is a knitting technique of producing a thicker fabric by knitting the purl side of the fabric. But this technique makes use of a weaving yarn, which is quite thick as compared to the knitting yarn. Plating is a technique whereby two strands of yarn are held in a way that one appears to be in front of the other. Striking effects can be created on a ribbed fabric through plating.

Another interesting knitting technique is that of producing a double jacquard fabric. This fabric can be produced using a knitting machine with a patterning device. The double jacquard has two reverse colors across the fabric.

Those planning to start with a piece of knit work could follow a few techniques as an aid to produce a fine finished product. These pertain to the size of the needle, the type of yarn and type of patterns and designs...

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Knitting is Not for Grannies Anymore

2010-08-28T20:23:00.000-04:00

One of the fastest growing trends today is teenagers learning to knit. While the word "knitting" used to make you think of grandma sitting in her rocker knitting a baby blanket for some distant relative, this is just not the case anymore. Today, millions of teens and young adults everywhere are learning to knit. And, they are creating some amazing garments and decorative items!

Today, there are many knitting books published which are targeted specifically at teens and young adults. These books are flying off the shelves in record numbers. Many of the knitting books today come with some really hip and colorful projects which appeal to teens and young adults. Add to that the amazingly cool yarns and fibers available today, and you have a winning combination.

As the popularity of knitting grows, there are even starting to be after school clubs dedicated to the art of knitting. In these clubs teens get together and learn new knitting techniques, share ideas, and show off their latest completed projects with each other. While knitting is usually seen as a very solitary craft, joining a knitting club allows you to share your works with others and gain inspiration. Knitting clubs also bring a social aspect to the art of knitting which has never been there before.

While teen knitting is the most popular with girls, an amazing number of boys are learning to knit as well. It is no longer considered taboo for a boy to learn to knit. And, if he is interested in girls there are plenty of them at the local knitting club. Many a teen romance has started over knitting needles. Many boys are making laptop covers and gifts for the special people in their lives. What teen girl wouldn't love to get a hand knitted item from her boyfriend?

Why is knitting popular with teens today? Some believe it is the affordability and ease of acquiring the supplies necessary coupled with the popularity of simple items such as iPod cozies and cool hats and scarves. Others credit the Internet and the availability of really cool patterns which designers today are aiming at the teen and young adult markets. Where knitting books and magazines tended to be marketed for older people, the Internet and today's books and magazines are aiming for a much younger market.

For many years past, knitting was seen as something your granny did. Now, as we move on in the twenty-first century, knitting has become cool among young women and even young men. The recent introduction of the Internet into everyday life has made knitting an easy skill to learn and gives you something to share with others all over the world. Even when you are brand new to knitting you can create some great items with all of the new and exciting yarns and fibers on the market today.

Hand knit garments are seeing a resurgence in popularity, and this fact is fueling the knitting trend even more. Everyone wants to have a special knit item that they can say that they made themselves. With the popularity of knitting came knitting clubs which offer a great venue to show off your latest creations and gain ideas for more knit projects to come in the future. Thankfully, the trend of teen and young adult knitting is expected to continue for years to come.

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Knitting Needles

2010-08-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

A needle is the most important tool in the process of hand-knitting. In fact, the use of a needle is inevitable in this process of hand-knitting to produce knitted fabrics. The needle used in knitting is not quite like the small and sharp sewing needle. Most of these knitting needles have a long shaft and a taper at their end. Both, the shaft and the taper play important roles in the knitting process.

The active (unsecured) stitches of the fabric are held together by the shaft. This prevents them from disentangling. The taper is used for forming new stitches.

The size of a knitting needle is determined by its radius, which in turn determines the size of the stitch. The radius affects the length of the yarn loom drawn from the previous stitch. Fine needles are used for making petite stitches, whereas large needles are used for making big stitches. In case of uneven knitting, one can use several types of needles. One can influence the stitch size by wrapping yarn about a single needle for a multiple times. Large needles are used for large-scale projects.

Knitting needles come in several types and sizes. Probably invented in the 19th century, a straight needle is used by a large number of people the world over. This needle is capped at one end with a knob/head and tapers at the other end. It is used widely in the process of knitting two-dimensional fabrics mostly in squares and rectangles. The straight needle is used extensively in domestic knitting. It allows a person to create fabrics using extremely simple stitches.

Another knitting needle called the circular needle has two tapered rigid ends that are connected by a flexible cord. The long flexible cord holds the active stitches, whereas the tapered ends are used for creating new stitches. A short, straight rigid needle tapered at both ends is a popular variety of knitting needle.

Circular knitting (socks, sweaters etc.) whereby a needle with a small radius is essential uses this short type of knitting needle. Another short type of knitting needle is used for forming permutations in the order of stitches in cable knitting.

Different countries use different sizes of knitting needles. They have set their size standards for different types of needles. One can determine the size of a knitting needle with the aid of a needle gauge. Although most needles have their sizes written on them, their size label fades out with the passing time. Needle gauges have holes of different sizes in which a person can insert his knitting needle to determine its size. They are in a size range of 3-5 inches.

Contemporary knitting needles are made from materials like aluminum, steel, wood, bamboo, casein, plastic and glass. Plastic needles have no pointed edges and can be safely used by children. Previously, wood and metals were used for making knitting needles. The beautiful antique needles were created using tortoiseshell, walrus tusks and ivory. But soon they were banned as they made use of endangered species of animals.

A knitting enthusiast can store his needles in several types of needle storages. Straight needles can be stored in attractive cases. Cylindrical containers with padding on their bottoms keep the needle points sharp. Circular needles can be kept dangling on hangers. In case they are coiled tightly, one should soak them in warm water before using them.

Despite the presence of high-tech knitting machines in the markets, many of us still prefer to use the good old knitting needles. These needles probably won't ever fail to amuse use and keep us engaged.

Recommended Knitting Book

Knitting Patterns For Beginners

2010-08-26T20:32:00.001-04:00

Knitting has become a rage amongst the young and the old throughout the world. This recreational activity not only releases your stress but lets your creativity flow. People, who are new to the world of knitting, can try knitting patterns for beginners. These patterns are easy, and entertaining, by practicing these basic patterns you will get a knack for knitting, which will help you churn out beautiful knitted products.

When it comes to knitting patterns for beginners, you have to learn the knit stitch. This is the basis of all knitting stitches. After you learn this stitch you can create basic things like wash cloths, scarves, and basic Afghans. The art of casting on and knitting are the two fundamental things necessary for the knit stitch.

Once you are acquainted with the number of cast on stitches for a project you can easily create fun objects like garter stitch scarves. This is one of the easiest knitting patterns for beginners as all you have to do is cast on, make a knit stitch and bind off. This pattern comes in handy when you have to create some last minute presents. You are required to use a size 13 straight needle, crochet hook and 100 yards of super bulky yarn.

To churn out a warm lap afghan during winters, you can use the moss stitch. This is a simple stitch, with four repeating rows. All you have to do is cast on 144 stitches, by using your method. Then work is repeating four rows, using the knit stitch and the purl stitch.

This is an easy pattern as all you have to do is knit one and purl across in the first two rows and purl one and knit across in the preceding two rows. This sequence is to be repeated to produce a long but narrow afghan. To help distribute the weight, a size 10 circular needle is used. Once you get familiar with the method you can easily produce beautiful Afghans using the knitting patterns for beginners.

By using knitting patterns for beginners, you can make simple party wraps, which add a touch of elegance to your party wear. These wraps are easy to make, as the only skill required apart from knitting and purling is the basic increasing and decreasing. You can also use the stockinet stitch to combine simplicity and fashion. The fuzzy yarn and the floppy style hides any mistake made during knitting, hence this pattern is best suited for all the beginners attempting knitting.

Once you get the nack of knitting, you will look forward to try out other knitting patterns for beginners, to prepare wash cloths and dish cloths. To prepare a hassle free, quick wash cloth you can use the broken rib stitch. This gives a great effect to your normal wash cloth. And you get a lot of practice by knitting such items. In method you have to cast on 61 stitches and use the knit and the purl stitch to complete your wash cloth. This method consists of repeating the two stitches alternately.

To produce a soft wash cloth use 100 percent cotton yarn and a pair of size 7 US needles. This pattern is suitable for beginner as it is quick and easy. After practice you can easily create variations in your object, to create different effects.

The knitting patterns for beginners, encourages the young knitters to try out different stitches to produce beautiful knitted articles. As these patterns are easy and quick, your knitting experience will be hassle free.

These patterns make knitting a quick and trouble-free process.

Recommended Book:

Types of Knitting Stitches

2009-10-27T22:15:00.005-04:00

There are really only two types of actual stitches that you need to know in order to start knitting. Those stitches are the knit stitch and the purl stitch. The knit stitch and purl stitch are basically opposites of each other, and are the basic stitches that you require in order to work almost every pattern out there.

The Knit Stitch:
Probably the easiest stitch of the two and the one that everyone starts knitting with, so try it first.
The Purl Stitch:
Is the opposite of the knit stitch and is the second type of stitch that most people learn. Again I urge you to learn the knit stitch first because it makes things easier.

The Rib Stitch:

The rib stitch is the basically the stockinette stitch inside a row. What I mean is that the rib stitch is made up of alternating knit and purl stitches.

The Stockinette Stitch aka The K P Pattern:

The Stockinette stitch is more of a pattern than a stitch. I say this because really all the stockinette stitch does is reuse the purl and knit to make a pattern. This pattern is alternating rows of purl and knit stitch knitting. This is basically the opposite of the rib stitch.

This stitch pattern goes like this:

k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k
p,p,p,p,p,p,p,p,p,p
k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k
p,p,p,p,p,p,p,p,p,p
k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k

The Garter Stitch and why it's not actually a different stitch at all:

The Garter stitch (please don't blame me), The garter stitch isn't really a different stitch it is in fact just plain knitting with the knit stitch. You will come across this for of stitch in a lot of patterns and it'd just another way to say knit this number of lines.

This stitch pattern goes like this:

k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k
k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k
k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k
k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k
k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k,k

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How to Rib Stitch

2009-08-03T15:38:00.001-04:00

The rib stitch is somewhat harder than the stockinette stitch but it is in many ways the opposite.
The stockinette stitch (pattern) is when the rows alternate from the knit stitch to the purl stitch, this is basically the opposite of the rib stitch because in the rib stitch the stitches alternate inside the row from the knit stitch to the purl stitch.

There are two types of rib stitch they are the 1x1 rib stitch and the 2x2 rib stitch so I will try to explain them both.

How to rib stitch (1x1)

Step 1: Cast on any even number of stitches

Step 2: Knit(k) one stitch, purl(p) one stitch. Repeat the pattern until you hit the end of the row.

You have just done one row of 1x1 rib stitching.

this should look like k, p, k, p, k, p, k, p, k, p
k, p, k, p, k, p, k, p, k, p

How to rib stitch (2x2)

Step 1: Cast on any number of stitches that is a multiple of four.

Step 2: Knit two stitches, purl two stitches. Repeat the pattern until you get to the end of the row

You have now done one row of 2x2 rib stitching

this should look like k, k, p, p, k, k, p, p, k, k, p, p,
k, k, p, p, k, k, p, p, k, k, p, p,

Why should you be interested in rib stitching? Well because it adds to the techniques that you know and are able to use. It also adds to the visual elements in your needle knitting while adding texture and just making your piece just that much more unique and enjoyable.

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King Charles Brocade Knitted Dishcloth

2009-07-25T00:02:00.002-04:00

The first pattern I will tell you about is a dishcloth using the King Charles Brocade. The King Charles Brocade dishcloth includes a three stitches wide garter stitch border.

You Will Need:
one skein of cotton yarn of any colour
one set of needles appropriate to the size of the yarn (I like to use size 8 needles).

Instructions:

Step 1: Cast on 31 stitches for a 8x8 inch cloth or 43 stitches for a 10x10 inch cloth. If you don't know how to cast on follow my instructions on doing so in my article How To Start Knitting.

Step 2: Garter stitch four rows

Step 3 (Row 1): k3, k1,/ p1, k9, p1, k1, Repeat from / for the next 12 stitches for 8x8 inch cloth or 24 stitches for 10x10 inch cloth, k3,

Step 4 (Row 2): k3, k1,/ p1, k1, p7, k1, p1, k1, Repeat from / for the next 12 stitches, k3,

Step 5 (Row 3): k3, k1,/ p1, k1, p1, k5, p1, k1, p1, k1, Repeat from / for the next 12 stitches, k3,

Step 6 (Row 4): k3, p1,/ p1, k1, p1, k1, p3, k1, p1, k1, p2, Repeat from / for the next 12 stitches, k3,

Step 7 (Row 5): k3, k1,/ k2, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, Repeat from / for the next 12 stitches, k3,

Step 8 (Row 6): K3, p1, /p3, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p4, Repeat from / for the next 12 stitches, k3,

Step 9 (Row 7): k3, k1,/ k4, p1, k1, p1, k5, Repeat from / for the next 12 stitches, k3,

Step 10 (Row 8): Repeat Step 8

Step 11 (Row 9): Repeat Step 7

Step 12 (Row 10): Repeat Step 6

Step 13 (Row 11): Repeat Step 5

Step 14 (Row 12): Repeat Step 4

Step 15: Repeat Steps 3-14 four times for 8x8 inch cloth or 5 times for 10x10 inch cloth.

Step 16: Garter another 4 rows then loosely bind off.

A finished dishcloth should look like this.

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Start Knitting: The King Charles Brocade

2009-07-20T22:48:00.003-04:00

How Is King Charles Involved

This pattern named so because King Charles I is said to have worn a shirt made with this pattern when he was killed. The pattern is thought of as one of the more masculine knitting patterns, it is a fairly simple pattern that you can do using nothing other than the knit stitch and the purl stitch but to go back and look at it, and you would never guess that it was actually a simple if hard to fallow stitch pattern. Maybe I'm getting your hopes up well it's not actually all that easy, but the only hard part that you might have trouble with is counting the stitches. Why is this the only thing you have to worry about? Because, other than the actually keeping count of the stitches the only other requirements for this pattern are that you know how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off all of which I teach you in my past articles.

How To Start Knitting The King Charles Brocade
This pattern works with any multiple of 12 stitches plus one stitch.

Step 1: Cast on any multiple of 12 plus one stitch. (Repeat from the * for the next 12 stitches and so on.)

Step 2 (Row 1): knit 1 stitch, *purl 1 stitch, knit 9 stitches, purl 1 stitch, knit 1stitch

Step 3 (Row 2): knit 1 stitch, *purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 7 stitches, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch

Step 4 (Row 3): knit 1 stitch, *purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 5 stitches, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch,

Step 5 (Row 4): purl 1 stitch, * purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 3 stitches, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 2 stitch

Step 6 (Row 5): knit 1 stitch, *knit 2 stitches, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 3 stitches

Step 7 (Row 6): purl 1 stitch, *purl 3 stitches, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 4 stitches

Step 8 (Row 7): knit 1 stitch, *knit 4 stitches, purl 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, purl 1 stitch, knit 5 stitches

Step 9 (Row 8): Rep Row 6

Step 10 (Row 9): Rep Row 5

Step 11 (Row 10): Rep Row 4

Step 12 (Row 11): Rep Row 3

Step 13 (Row 12): Rep Row 2

Recommended Books About Knitting;

How To Purl Stitch

2009-07-17T19:14:00.003-04:00

The purl stitch is the stitch that most people learn directly after they first learn to knit. It is a simple stitch requiring minimal effort and knowledge, because it is the exact opposite of the knit stitch. Since it is the opposite of the knit stitch, you just have to rework what you already memorized making it much easier to learn. It's a great stitch to learn however as it can be used in many different combinations with the knit stitch to make a knitted piece more eye catching by adding texture to the piece.

This stitch is used in many different projects and for many different things as its simplicity allows it to easily be worked into many of the more basic needle knitting projects while its visual appearance makes it easy to incorporate into more complex designs and projects. In fact you can do a multitude of different patterns with just the knit stitch and the purl stitch like the King Charles brocade or the more basic rib and garter stitch. You will love working with this stitch and learning it will not be wasted time.

How to Purl

Cast on however many stitches you want using the steps I outline in my first article how to start knitting

Step 1: Insert your right-hand needle into the front of the first stitch on your left-hand needle.

Step 2: Take your yarn and wind it around the tip of your right-hand needle in a clockwise motion. (Around the bottom then the top)

Step 3: Using the needle in your right hand draw the yarn back through the stitch on your left-hand needle.

Step 4: Slip the stitch still on your left needle off the needle.

Now you should have a stitch on your right-hand needle, if you do then congratulations.

What Does The Purl Stitch Acttually do

You should have noticed how much this stitch resembles the knit stitch. What you may not have notice quite yet is what it does to your piece. Again, this stitch is not supposed to be fancy or delicate it is only supposed to be used to add some flare to your piece and that is exactly what it does. Basically all the purl stitch does is create a raised row of stitches, that doesn’t sound like such a great thing but a raised row adds depth and texture to your piece. It can also be used for more delicate designs (the King Charles Brocade is one of these) but I want to fucus on the basics first and the basics of the purl stitch is learning how to purl stitch. And, one day you can do something like this.

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How to start knitting

2009-07-10T20:39:00.006-04:00

Like many things knitting is an art form that requires practice and that is the best way to start. I recommend that you start knitting by first trying your hand at some 10x10 or 20x20 squares these you can throw away, or include in an afghan, or something of that sort once you’re done. These small 10x10 squares come in handy as coasters so if you want to keep them insight you can use them as knitted coasters. I am going to teach you to knit these squares using the knit stitch.

Before I go on to teach you the knit stitch, I should teach you how to actually start off a knitting project. So first I need to teach you how to cast on.

Cast-On

Casting on is the first step to start knitting because you have to cast on in order to create the stitches which you need in order to knit. Casting on is a simple but time consuming process especially if you have 100 stitches to cast on (be glad you only have to do it once per pattern). Casting on is an easy and critical step in any piece of knitting. Remember that for our first time we want to only cast on 10-20 stitches for a 10x10 stitch or 20x20 stitch square.

How to cast on:

Step 1:Make a slip knot (how to make a slip knot) around the knitting needle that will go in your left hand.

Step 2: Insert your right-hand needle through the back of the loop created by the slip knot.

Step 3: Holding both needles with your left hand, bring your yarn over the end of the needle in your right hand in a counter clockwise motion and hold it against the right needle.

Step 4: Keep the yarn tight on your right-hand needle by holding the tail of the yarn against your needle then draw the yarn through the stitch.

Step 5: Slide the needle in your left hand through the back of the newly formed stitch on your right-hand needle. Remove your right-hand needle.

You now pull the tail of the yarn until it fits snugly on the needle. You have now made one new stitch (you now have two stitches on your left-hand needle because the slip knot counts).

Continue casting on new stitches until you have 10 (10x10 ) or 20 (20x20) stitches.

Knit Stitch

The knit stitch is the basic stitch in knitting and the one that you should start needle knitting with after you learn how to cast on. It is mostly used when you want a basic cloth with a tight stitch pattern. It has no fancy needle work involved so don't be too afraid of it, in fact I barely have to look at my work now when I knit stitch. Most patterns use this stitch because you can do almost anything with it, it’s fast, and it’s easy.

How to Knit Stitch

Step 1: Insert your right-hand needle through the back of the first stitch on your left-hand needle.

Step 2: Bring your yarn over and wind it around the tip of your right-hand needle in a counter clockwise direction (under then around).

Step 3: Draw the yarn through the stitch with your right needle

Step 4: Slip your fist stitch on the left needle off so only the newly created stitch on your right-hand needle remains.
You may have noticed that this process is almost identical to casting on and that’s true the only real difference is in the last step where you get rid of the old used stitch and only keep the new one. Repeat the steps until your row is finished. Do eight rows for a 10x10 square or 18 for a 20x20 square since the cast on row and the bind off row does count.

Binding-Off

This is the last step you have to learn when you start knitting. This is also one of the hardest steps to learn when you start knitting because it is nothing like casting on or the knit stitch. Binding off is also one of those steps that you have to know in order to knit because you have to do it in every pattern and you can’t get away with skipping the step or else all your work will come undone.

How to Bind Off

Step 1: knit the first two stitches on your left needle.

Step 2: Push your left-hand needle through the back of the first stitch you knitted, on your right-hand needle. Lift the stitch up and over the second stitch you knitted and off of your right-hand needle. (One stitch is now bound)

Step 3: Knit another stitch onto your right-hand needle.

Step 4: Push your left-hand needle through the back of the second stitch you knitted and lift the stitch up and over the newly knitted third stitch and off your right-hand needle.

You should see where this is going but if you don't repeat steps three and four until one stitch remains.Cut the remaining yarn leaving 6" of yarn at the end and draw it through the last stitch and slip the stitch off your right-hand needle and secure it by tugging gently on the end piece of yarn.

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