Knitting how-to is the art and skill of knitting, which involves interlocking a series of loops with special needles and yarn to create fabric, accessories, and clothing. Whether you a beginner or experienced knitter, learning the basic stitches, techniques, and patterns is essential to produce high-quality and stunning hand-knitted items. In this article, we will explore some of the key tips and steps for knitting how-to, including the yarn and needle types, casting on/off, basic stitches, increasing/decreasing, and reading patterns. So, if you are interested in exploring this craft or want to improve your knitting skills, keep reading!
Knitting Basics: Understanding the Fundamentals
What is knitting?
Knitting is a method of creating fabric using yarn or thread and two long needles. It is an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries, with evidence dating back to the 11th century. Knitting can be done by hand or with a machine, and it is a versatile craft that can be used to create a variety of items, from clothing and accessories to home decor and toys.
What are the basic knitting stitches?
The two basic stitches in knitting are the knit stitch and the purl stitch. These two stitches create different textures and patterns in the fabric. The knit stitch creates a smooth, V-shaped pattern, while the purl stitch creates a bumpy texture that looks like a series of little bumps or pearls.
What tools do you need for knitting?
To get started with knitting, you will need two knitting needles and some yarn. Knitting needles come in different sizes and materials, and you should choose the right size and type of needle for the yarn you are using. You will also need a pair of scissors, a tapestry needle, and a stitch marker.
How do you cast on in knitting?
Casting on is the first step in knitting. It is the process of creating the first row of stitches on the needle. There are several different ways to cast on, but the most common method is the long-tail cast on. To do this, you will need to make a slip knot and then cast on stitches using the yarn looped around your thumb and index finger.
How do you knit and purl?
Once you have cast on your stitches, you can start knitting. To knit, you insert the needle through the first stitch on the left-hand needle, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle, and pull it through the stitch. To purl, you insert the needle through the first stitch on the left-hand needle, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle, and pull it through the stitch from back to front.
Intermediate Knitting Techniques: Building on the Basics
What is gauge in knitting?
Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows per inch in a knitted swatch. It is important to match the gauge of the pattern you are using to ensure that the finished item will be the correct size. To measure gauge, you will need to knit a swatch using the yarn and needles specified in the pattern and then count the number of stitches and rows in a 4-inch square.
How do you read a knitting pattern?
Knitting patterns provide instructions for creating a specific item, including the type of yarn and needles to use, the stitches to knit, and the order in which to work them. To read a knitting pattern, you will need to understand the abbreviations and symbols used in the pattern and be able to follow the instructions step by step.
What are knitting cables?
Cables are a decorative knitting technique that creates a twisted pattern in the fabric. They are made by crossing a group of stitches over another group of stitches, either to the left or to the right. Cables can be simple or complex, and they can be used to create a variety of patterns and textures in the fabric.
How do you knit in the round?
Knitting in the round is a technique used to create seamless tubes of fabric, such as hats, socks, and sleeves. To knit in the round, you will need to use circular needles or double-pointed needles and be able to join the stitches in a circle. This technique requires a different approach to knitting than flat knitting, as you will need to work in continuous rounds and avoid creating a seam.
Advanced Knitting Techniques: Pushing the Limits
What is lace knitting?
Lace knitting is a delicate and intricate knitting technique that creates a lacy, openwork pattern in the fabric. It is often used to create shawls, scarves, and other lightweight items. Lace knitting requires a high level of skill and attention to detail, as it involves working with fine yarn and creating complex stitch patterns.
What is colorwork knitting?
Colorwork knitting is a technique used to create patterns and designs in the fabric using multiple colors of yarn. There are several different methods of colorwork knitting, including stranded colorwork, intarsia, and mosaic knitting. Colorwork knitting requires careful attention to tension and color placement to create a balanced and harmonious design.
What are knitting charts?
Knitting charts are visual representations of knitting patterns that use symbols and colors to represent the stitches and rows. They are often used in complex knitting patterns, such as lace and colorwork, to help the knitter keep track of the stitch pattern and maintain consistency throughout the fabric.
What is entrelac knitting?
Entrelac knitting is a technique used to create a textured fabric that looks like interlocking diamonds or squares. It is made by knitting small squares or triangles and then picking up stitches along the edge to create the next row. Entrelac knitting requires careful attention to detail and can be challenging to learn, but it creates a unique and beautiful fabric.
FAQs – Knitting How To
What is a yarn over in knitting?
A yarn over (abbreviated YO) is a technique used in knitting where a new stitch is added to the needle by wrapping the working yarn around it. This creates an eyelet or a hole in the fabric. To make a yarn over, simply bring the yarn to the front of the work (if it’s not already there), then wrap it over the top of the right-hand needle and around to the back again.
When do I need to knit a yarn over?
A yarn over is used in various knitting techniques, such as lace patterns, openwork designs, and even some increases. It’s often paired with a decrease, creating a decorative hole or gap in the fabric. You may encounter yarn overs in patterns that have unusual stitch counts or in designs that require shaping. Pay close attention to the instructions to determine when you need to make a yarn over.
What is the difference between a yarn over and a wrap stitch?
A yarn over and a wrap stitch are similar techniques, but they serve different purposes. A yarn over is a decorative element, whereas a wrap stitch is used to prevent gaps or holes when turning the work. In knitting, a wrap stitch is made by slipping the next stitch from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle, bringing the working yarn to the opposite side of the work, then slipping the stitch back to the left-hand needle. When you work the stitch again on the next row or round, you knit or purl both the stitch and the wrap together as one.
How do I fix a mistake with a yarn over?
If you accidentally make a yarn over where you shouldn’t have, you’ll end up with an extra stitch in your work. To fix it, use a crochet hook or a spare knitting needle to catch the extra loop and pull it down to the row below. Then, carefully knit or purl the stitches as they appear on the next row or round. If you miss a yarn over where you should have made one, it will result in a gap or hole in the fabric. In this case, you can try to pick up the bar between the stitches and work it as a stitch, but it may not always be possible, depending on the pattern.
