By Mary Amos

Knitting

Of all the different types of needlework, knitting is one of the most popular. Knitting is a specific type of needlework that is identified by the process of looped stitches pulled through one another. Knitting is commonly used to make clothing and accessories such as hats, scarves, sweaters and gloves, as well as blankets and afghans. Most commercially produced knitted items are made with knitting machines; their high speed is indispensable for meeting the demands of the world economy. Knitting machines have not done away with human knitting, however; far from it, knitting has gone through a recent resurgence in popularity as a craft and hobby.

One of the great things about knitting is that you can make a wide variety of items with the same relatively simple steps. Just select a different type of yarn and a different variation in your stitch, and you can come up with a very different end product.

The origins of knitting

Archaeologists have found evidence of knitting as far back as the first millennium. Obviously, knitting has been around for a long time. Indeed, even the ancient Egyptians are known to have knitted colorful socks and other accessories. It is generally thought that the first peoples to use knitting to make blankets and clothing were the ancient Arabians.

The history of knitting was pretty straightforward until the invention of the knitting machine. The knitting machine completely changed the purpose of knitting. Before the industrialization of knitting, it was an essential task for many families, a means to keep warm and clothed. After the knitting machine, blankets and clothing were mass-produced far more cheaply than any one person making it. For this reason, knitting today is primarily a recreational pursuit. Knitters enjoy gathering together to socialize. People love to knit because it can be an extremely relaxing way to pass the time and ease one’s nerves. The products of their pastimes are often presented as gifts, which can save you some money as well.

The demographics of knitting are changing as well. Knitting used to be the sole preserve of primarily older women. More and more, however, knitting is becoming popular with younger generations. Indeed, some studies show that knitting has risen in popularity among the 25 to 35 age group by as much as 150%.

Different types of knitting

The two main types of straight-needle knitting are weft knitting and warp knitting. Weft knitting requires only one string of yarn at time, but can be more susceptible to snags and runs. Warp knitting, on the other hand, is usually done by machine, so when most people think of knitting, they are usually thinking of weft knitting. Another important type of knitting that is commonly done by hand is circular knitting. This method uses a circular needle, and creates a “tube” of yarn when completed – great for socks and other tubular garments.

What materials do you need to start knitting?

Knitting is an ancient and rudimentary craft. As such, the materials that you need to knit are fairly basic; when it comes down to it, all you need to knit is some needles and some yarn. You should pay close attention to the type of yarn you use, however, as it will have a significant impact on how your final product looks and feels. For instance, certain yarns are appropriate for stretchy materials, while other yarns will produce less stretchy, more solid final results. The width and thickness of the yarn should be taken into account when selecting knitting needles to use. Picking out the yarn can be one of the more pleasant steps in making an item, as knitting yarn comes in a variety of colors and styles and it is always fun to play around with your imagination. Some are solid colors, others have multiple colors for striping, and others include sparkles and other embellishments.

Knitting resources

The best thing for those serious about knitting is to join a knitting circle. In a knitting circle, members will meet with their yarn and needles at the home of different members or local coffee shop and just knit, share tips, and socialize.

If you are on your own, you can always turn to the Internet for a wealth of knitting resources. Groups, forums, and message boards provide a means of communication and getting together for knitters. Through these avenues, many knitting enthusiasts share tips, techniques, patterns, and tales of successful projects. The Internet is also a great place to order knitting materials and patterns, and can help novice knitters get past some of the challenges that face those new to the craft.

Craft and hobby stores will also carry a robust selection of knitting needles, yarns and patterns. Do not be afraid to ask employees in these stores for help – more often than not, you will be able to find experienced knitters who can offer you some sound advice and tips.

Mary Amos loves arts and crafts and has been knitting for years. See her favorite knit patterns at Knits and Knitting Patterns, and be sure to visit Knitting for more knitting fun!

Article Source: Mary Amos — What You Need to Start Knitting

By Jane Wright

Knit One Purl Two happens to be one of the most well known knitting terms, well known by non-knitters and knitters alike. Repeating it out loud confers some of the meditative experience of knitting. For those of us who knit, there is almost nothing more relaxing than watching a row of neat, organized stitches line up on your knitting needles.

The knitting craze is cyclical. It was very popular in the 1950s and again in the early 2000s. It has slowed somewhat, but its enduring nature is a testament to both the relaxation it bestows on the practitioner, and the joy of craftsmanship. Many people consider it akin to meditation. After all, the first most basic meditation you learn is breath counting; in breath, one, out breath, two. In knitting you are often counting your stitches and focusing on nothing more than the stitches being created and the count itself. Basic meditation.

Of course, the challenge of a complicated pattern, or a technique previously untried requires a bit more focus and can result in “tinking” (also known as un-knitting) or even some serious “frogging” (ripping out more than a few stitches, so called because “rip-it, rip-it” is reminiscent of the frog’s “ribbit”). But it is all part of the process, and most knitters, no matter how goal-oriented in their daily lives, face this part of the knitting experience with cool composure and aplomb. After all, it is the experience of knitting that we are seeking, more so than the finished-object.

Knitting teaches you to let go of your aspirations of perfection. There is some merit to leaving the error in place. We’ve all heard of Arab rug-makers who believe that only God can create something which is flawless, therefore they deliberately weave a mistake (or multiple mistakes) into their works of art in order not to offend God. It can be a humbling experience to the perfectionist. But mistakes can also be a good thing. My very first sweater was knit incorrectly. I knit everything through the back loop, the result a twisted stitch which worked wonderfully with the yarn I was using. I didn’t know I had done something “wrong” at the time, but got many compliments on the distinctive nature of that sweater. Your mistake makes your project uniquely yours. It differentiates your work from anyone else’s that might be knit from the same pattern.

There is also the cooperative aspect to knitting. There are many websites devoted to teaching / sharing knitting techniques on the internet. Knitting circles abound. The local yarn store will often provide assistance if you are having trouble with your pattern, regardless of whether you purchased your knitting supplies from them or a competitor. The knitting community, as a whole, is a warm, nurturing place.

The fact that knitting is such an easily portable activity also allows for us to mitigate stressful situations. Personally, I like to knit when I am a passenger in the car. Since I’m not the best passenger, this has the added merit of helping to preserve my marriage. If my husband and I are headed out for more than just a quick local errand I’ve got to have my knitting bag, or we’ll both be unhappy. And if I’ve lost my focus and commented on something going on outside the car, my husband will often ask me why I’m not knitting. I have to admit, though, most of my frogging is a result of knitting while “passengering” — my attention being diverted away from my knitting to some potential traffic mishap.

Things get better when you just breathe in and out; knit one, purl two.

Jane Wright authors knitting articles, when she can be convinced to put down her needles.

Article Source: Jane Wright / Knitting Zen