Knitting is one way to turn thread or yarn into cloth. Unlike weaving or crochet, knitting consists only of horizontal courses joined together by interlocking loops. In medieval times, this craft was practiced exclusively by men. Today, knitting is enjoyed by men and women of all ages, and it continues to produce clothing and accessories of exceptional warmth and durability. Stitching clubs have popped up across the country, where knitters get together to knit and talk. You also see a lot of celebrities knitting, as it is easy to bring your yarns and knitting needles with you as you travel. Knitting is done either by hand or machine. Both create the same end result through different mechanical systems. Using the two basic knitting stitches, the knit and the purl, knitters make pieces of the item that are then joined together. Experienced knitters have many tricks to ensure a good result. For example, when knitting a colored piece, the dye lots must be identical between skeins of yarn. This gives a random color pattern throughout. Also, needles should be of high-quality steel or wood and lightweight to prevent fatigue. Materials for knitting will, to a certain degree, affect the difficulty of the work. A knitting machine can handle most any material, but beginners may want to stick with cotton, wool or synthetic-blend yarns. All knitters need a supply of good yarn and needles to get started. However, other creative options for materials also exist. Many knitters have had success using ribbon, beaded threads, wire and even plastic strips with which to knit all kinds of items. Knitting is no longer limited only to apparel. It can be utilized to create artwork, jewelry and home accessories. |
