A wide variety of techniques add colorful dimensions to the process of knitting. Good quality knitting supplies combined with creativity, imagination and skills help produce a perfect finished product. Techniques to knit the yarn in a variety of ways help in creating a variety of patterns and designs on cloth.
Knit stitches and purl stitches form the basics of knitting. Alternate use of knit and purl stitches helps form interesting designs on a fabric. The knit stitch is formed by making loops that interweave each other. It resembles ‘V’ patterns when viewed from the knit side of the pattern. The purl stitch resembles a ‘brick face’. Knitting techniques make use of a large variety of knitting stitches which include Fair Isle, tuck stitch, slip stitch, Stockinette stitch, striped stock stitch, stock stitch etc.
The stocking stitch, a simple form of knitting stitch is used widely in the process of knitting. It is used for making stable fabrics that curl up when the fabric is stitched completely. This type of stitch is used widely in pullovers, sweaters and other such garments.
A variant of the stocking stitch, a striped stocking stitch is a very easy fabric to produce. In this type of stitch, a new color can be incorporated in every row. But a color should be used in an even number of rows before moving on to the next row.
The tuck stitch is a knitting technique of producing a textured pattern of cloth. This type of stitch can be created only by using a knitting machine. Depending on the knitter’s preferences, either side of the cloth can be used as the right side. Two or more colors can be included a tuck stitch pattern. The slip stitch is less textured than the tuck stitch and uses one or more colors in the fabric pattern.
A Fair Isle stitch is a stitch whereby two colors can be included in a single row. This stitch pattern can be produced on machines using patterning devices or on olden style machines by hand selection of needles. A simple Stockinette stitch is composed of alternate rows of knit stitches and purl stitches.
Knit-weaving is a knitting technique of producing a thicker fabric by knitting the purl side of the fabric. But this technique makes use of a weaving yarn, which is quite thick as compared to the knitting yarn. Plating is a technique whereby two strands of yarn are held in a way that one appears to be in front of the other. Striking effects can be created on a ribbed fabric through plating.
Another interesting knitting technique is that of producing a double jacquard fabric. This fabric can be produced using a knitting machine with a patterning device. The double jacquard has two reverse colors across the fabric.
Those planning to start with a piece of knit work could follow a few techniques as an aid to produce a fine finished product. These pertain to the size of the needle, the type of yarn and type of patterns and designs.
Knitting Related Articles
Knitting is a popular activity the world over. But like the olden days, this activity is no more confined to a needle and a yarn. The world of knitting supplies is vibrant and expansive. One can choose from a vast variety of knitting supplies.
Needles, yarn, buttons and clasps, stitch markers, knitting needle gauge, snippet thread, textile shears, needle storages, knitting machines, knitting software, magnifying glasses, stitch holders, knitting kits, knitting books etc. are few entities on the huge list of knitting supplies. They lend a whole new meaning to the process of knitting.
The quality of the finished product in the process of knitting is determined largely by the quality of the knitting yarn. Yarns come in a huge variety. Knitting yarns are generally composed of materials like natural alpaca, durable acrylic, bamboo, cotton, corn, nylon, polyester, cashmere, merino wool, rayon and others.
Different types of yarns are used for different purposes. For example, a special type of soft yarn is used for making knit-wear for babies, while bulky weight yarn is used for making yarn accessories.
Knitting needles are considered among the most important knitting supplies. These come in several types and sizes. The most commonly used knitting needle is a straight needle with a capped knob at one end and a taper at the other. The other types of knitting needles include circular needles, double-pointed needles etc. Many manufacturers supply multi-colored needles. One can also avail to hundred of options of needle kit sets.
Knitting gauges used for measuring knitting needle size are fast becoming popular in the world of knitting supplies. They comprise holes of different sizes wherein the knitter can insert his/her knitting needle and determine its size. Knitting gauges come in the size range of 3-5 inches. An ally of knitting needles, knitting storages are available in several varieties. Straight needles can be stored in attractive cases. Circular needles can be hung on decorative hangers.
Several knitting supplies aren’t used directly in the process of knitting, nevertheless are important. Stitch markers available in assorted colors are used for marking/highlighting stitches. Wool combs having plastic handles remove fuzz and pilling from woolen garments. Textile shears, also called knitting scissors are useful in cutting multiple layers of thick fabric. Needle-point protectors are rubber caps that prevent stitches from coming off the needles.
T-pins are used for blocking knitted garments. Having an approximate length of 12 cm, stitch holders protect against the loss of stitches. Linen testers and magnifying glasses can be used in a number of textile related activities. They can be used for analyzing both, raw yarn and the finished product. Buttons and clasps in materials like wood, mirrors, ceramic etc. are used for decorating knitted products.
The other knitting supplies include books, software, gift kits and other material pertaining to knitting-related activities. Books on knitting written by professionals and industry experts provide the perfect guidance. Several websites on knitting provide tips, news, techniques and step-by-step methods. One can choose from a wide variety of knitting software available on-line and through other sources.
Knitting gift kits comprise all the important knitting tools along with step by step illustrations which facilitate knitting. They make for the most cute and innovative gifts.
The world of knitting supplies is large, growing by the day and is spreading smiles across the faces of all knitting enthusiasts.
Knitting Related Articles
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