Knitting is an ancient needlework, created by interlacing yarns in a series of connected loops, using straight eyeless needles or machines. This article serves as a beginner's guide for knitting. In other words, we attempt to bring you the complex art of knitting in simple steps.
Tools Required for Knitting.
o Knitting Needles. Knitting needles are made of a variety of materials such as bamboo, plastic, and glass. They are either circular or double pointed in shapes. Available in different dimensions from size 0 to size 50, size 8 (US) is the ideal size for beginners. Please note that the size of the knitting needle is measured in two different styles, the US and the metric style.
o Knitting Yarns. Knitting yarns are marketed in different colors, materials, sizes, textures, weights, and plies (ply is a sum total of the strands of yarns twisted together to form the knitting yarn). Multiple plies increase the strength and the durability of the yarn and therefore the knitted fabric.
Types of Knit Stitches. The Knit Stitch and the Purl Stitch are the two fundamental knitting stitches. A combination of the two stitches is administered to create the desired fabric.
Beginners Guide for Knitting. Starting knitting (cast on) and ending it (cast off) are quite crucial lessons to be mastered, apart from the stitches. On mastering these techniques, everything else falls as a variation on these stitches.
o Slipknot. Slipknot is tied to secure the knitting. As the stitch proceeds further, slipknot prevents the stitches from opening up.
o Cast On. To start knitting, one has to cast on stitches. This is done by making slip loop over the left needle. The right needle then passes through the loop from the left to the right of the yarn, under and over the right needle. Next, draw the yarn through the slip loop and transfer the loop to the left needle. Continue this process until you get the required number of stitches in the left needle. Now start knitting, keeping your knitting pattern in the mind. Though it seems complicated however, you can easily master it with practice.
o The Knit Stitch. Knit stitch is considered one of the building blocks of knitting. This basic knitting technique involves inserting the right needle through the first stitch of the left hand needle. Then wind the yarn over the cross of the two needles, over to the right hand needle and pulling through the loop. Next, just slip over the first original stitch from the left needle to the right needle. Repeat the process until you transfer all the knit stitches from the left needle to the right side. This completes a row of knit stitch.
o The Purl Stitch. This knitting stitch is the reverse of the knit stitch.
o Cast Off. Imparting a neat finish to your fabric is vital in any kind of handwork. This applies as a cast off to knitting as well.
Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki-art.com
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