Different Types Of Knitting

The very first recorded instance of knitting was in the sixteenth century, in the city of Paris. Since that time, knitting has gone in and out of style numerous times, but each time it comes back it usually seems to do so stronger than the last. The very latest revival of knitting is going on right now. Since the turn of this century, the number of knitters has increased almost 200%! Across the world, there are a number of knitting organizations that bring all types of hobbyists together. These knitting communities help people to share stories, different experiences, and of course knitting techniques and knitting patterns. These knitting communities even organize things like knitting competitions and other entertainment events. Of course, the Internet has made it possible to have online knitting communities (sometimes called virtual knitting communities).

Within the world of knititng, warp knitting and weft knitting are two major types. With weft knitting, the whole fabric is often produced from a single yarn. This is done by adding stitches to each wale, going across the piece of fabric much like a raster can. The flip side of that is warp knitting, where exactly one piece of yarn is required for each and every wale. Because your typical piece of knitted fabric may actually have hundreds of wales, warp knitting is usually done by a machine. Weft knitting, by contrast, can be done by hand or machine.

Yet another type of knitting is called circular knitting. Sometimes called knitting in the round, this knitting actually occurs in rounds, which are roughly equivalent to rows in flat knitting. The result is a beautiful spiral of knit rounds. Before circular needles came along, circular knitting was actually done using a set of 5 double pointed knitting needles. Since that time, circular needles have become the standard though, as they make the circular knitting proces much quicker and effective. A different type of knitting, flat knitting, is used to make rectangular pieces of fabric. Two knitting needles are employed in flat knitting and stitches are made in rows. Things like hats, mittens, and many socks are made by using circular knitting. Things like scarves and blankets are made with flat knitting.

By: William Masterson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Want easy to understand knitting help and beginner instructions? Come to our site today at Learn How To Knit...