Standard Terms And Basic Procedures In Knitting

This article is for the absolute newcomer who probably may have been fascinated by this craft and yet completely without knowledge whatsoever. At the very least, understanding of the following terms and how-to's are essential before proceeding to more complicated matters. The newbie must get the hang and the feel of the methods involved in the particular project in mind by regular and conscientious practice.

NEEDLE
Knitting needles are the most important piece of equipment needed for this craft.
They come in various materials. Plastic have replaced metal as the more common choice, although those that are really into it prefer the bamboo or wooden versions for their pliability. They are always purchased in pairs as two are needed to do a good job.
• Straight needles are the standard and can be used only for flat knitting. Different lengths are used for different purposes.
• Circular needles can be used for flat knitting and also for round objects. They are great for some special techniques like edging of a cardigan where there is a need to go up one side, around the neck, and down on the other side.
• Double pointed needles are similar to straight needles except that they are pointed at both ends. They usually come in sets of 4 or 5 and can be also used for circular knitting. By putting a "stop" or cover on one of the ends, each may then be converted to standard straight needles and used for flat knitting.

CAST-ON
This is the very first step, putting stitches from the yarn on to a needle.
Make a slip knot about 6 inches from the end of the yarn, slip the needle through this knot and then pull the yarn to tighten it. Loop the yarn around the thumb of the hand
other than the one holding the needle, which is then slipped through and out this loop. Tighten a little and make several more stitches depending on requirement.

KNIT
The actual knitting can now be started.
Pick up the second needle with the empty hand and insert it through the first stitch. Pull the yarn through and out this stitch, and continue until all the stitches have been transferred. Start another row and yet another until the desired number shall have been created.

BIND-OFF
After completing such a patch and no more is desired for the time-being, the work must be taken out and saved for later.
Produce two stitches, bringing in the first stitch over the second. Knit one more stitch and again bring the first stitch loosely over the second. At the end of the row, cut the yarn, draw it through the last stitch, and pull it in tightly.

BLOCK

Giving a finished work a neat and smooth appearance is always a good practice.
This is accomplished simply by pinning the work down by stretching it on an ironing table. Cover the work with a damp pressing cloth and press with a hot iron, and then let it dry thoroughly.

Once the "hang" and the "feel" of the activities have been developed, the newbie is already fully prepared to tackle bigger and more complex projects.

By: vein

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