Basics of Knitting

Forming and interlacing of loops using needles according to a prescribed manner or pattern, either by machine or by hand.

Knitting is a craft that has been passed down through generations, and it's the foundation of any knitwear business. This unit will introduce you to the basic tools, materials, and techniques you'll need to start knitting.

Knitting Tools and Materials

The basic tools and materials you'll need for knitting include:

• Knitting Needles: These come in various sizes and types. The size you choose will depend on the yarn you're using and the project you're working on.

• Yarn: Yarn comes in a variety of fibers, weights, and colors. The type of yarn you choose will greatly affect the look and feel of your finished product.

• Scissors: A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting your yarn.

• Tapestry Needle: This is used for weaving in ends when you've finished your project.

Basic Knitting Techniques

There are a few basic techniques that are fundamental to knitting:

• Casting On: This is the method of adding stitches to your needle to start a project. There are many ways to cast on, but the most common method for beginners is the "knit-on" or "long-tail" cast on.

• Knit Stitch: This is the most basic stitch in knitting. To make a knit stitch, you insert your right needle into the front of the first stitch on the left needle, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull it through.

• Purl Stitch: This is the second most basic stitch in knitting. To make a purl stitch, you insert your right needle into the front of the first stitch on the left needle from right to left, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull it through.

• Casting Off: This is the method of removing stitches from your needle to finish a project. The most common method is the "knit" or "purl" cast off.

Reading Knitting Patterns

Knitting patterns are like recipes for knitters. They tell you what materials you'll need, which stitches to use, and how to put everything together. Here are some basics of reading knitting patterns:

• Symbols: Knitting patterns often use symbols to represent different stitches. For example, a "K" usually stands for a knit stitch, and a "P" usually stands for a purl stitch.

• Abbreviations: Patterns also use abbreviations to save space. For example, "CO" usually stands for "cast on," and "BO" usually stands for "bind off" or "cast off."

• Instructions: The instructions in a knitting pattern tell you exactly what to do. They might tell you to repeat a certain set of stitches a certain number of times, or they might tell you to continue in a certain stitch until your piece measures a certain length.

Hands-On Practice

Now that you've learned the basics, it's time to put them into practice. Start by choosing a simple pattern and following the instructions to create your first knitted piece. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. Keep practicing, and you'll soon be creating beautiful knitwear pieces for your business.