Whilst searching for purls (pardon the pun) of wisdom on how to master the basics of knitting I came across and lovely little article - though sadly without any nice colour pictures that gives nice clear instructions for knit and purl stitches. Imagine my surprise when I saw the name of the authors' blog. Great minds and all that ..... anyway, here's the article for any other newbies out there who may be interested.
How to Master Knitting Instructions the Easy Way
By: Louise Nova
I wanted to set out some basic knitting instructions as a refresher so here it is. All knitting instructions use basically two stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you know these two knitting essentials you will be able to follow most knitting instructions, which are just combinations or variations of these two stitches.
Knitting Instructions for the Knit Stitch
Once you have cast on, hold the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Push the point of the right knitting needle in between the front of the first and second stitches, pointing the knitting needle to the right to feed the point through the first stitch keeping it under the left needle. The knitting yarn should be at the back of the work. Loop the knitting yarn around the right knitting needle from back to front, letting the knitting yarn rest between the needles. Catch the knitting yarn on the end on the right knitting needle and pull it through the first stitch to the front of the work. Slip the old stitch off the left needle. The new stitch is now on the right needle. Now you are getting the hang of the knitting instructions. It is a good idea to keep the knitting yarn draped over the right forefinger; this keeps it to the back of the work too. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches, if they are all there, turn the right knitting needle around and put it in the left hand. This is the first row from your knitting instructions. The knitting yarn will look like it is at the front and you will now take it to the back and start the second row of transferring stitches to the empty right needle.
Knitting Instructions for the Purl Stitch
The Purl stitch will also be in any knitting instructions. Start with the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Your knitting yarn will be hanging in front. Push point of right knitting needle into the front of the first stitch from right to left. Wrap the knitting yarn around the tip of the right knitting needle, crossing over the two needles and hanging once again in front. Slide the right knitting needle down and back taking the new loop of knitting yarn from front to back, through the old stitch. Slip the old stitch off the left knitting needle. If you have followed the knitting instructions you now have a stitch in purl on the right knitting needle and the yarn is hanging, once again, in the front. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches to make sure you haven't dropped any and turn the work around putting the knitting needle with the stitches on in your left hand to start the next row.
I hope you could follow my basic knitting instructions. I have a lot more information about knitting on my Knitting Instructions blog so please join me there to learn more.
Article Tags:Knitting, Knitting Instructions, Knitting Patterns, Free Knitting Patterns
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Louise Nova loves knitting and teaching people how to knit. She also loves to blog. Knitting for 30 years,she has taught many young family members how knitting is fun and easy. You can find more information on her blog at Knitting Instructions
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Am off to get some knitting instructions
Tomorrow we are off to visit my lovely mum-in-law for the weekend who happens to be an excellent knitter, even though her eyes are now sadly affected by some incurable nastiness.
I am going to be brave enough to take my draught excluder in the making with me and ask for some tips on how to do the ends. A friend advised me to crochet two circles to close it up, my idea was to knit two thin strips and tie each end so it looks like a Christmas cracker - this is currently my preferred option as crocheting is currently a beautiful mystery to me.
I'm just hoping that, firstly, she'll be able to stop laughing at my effort long enough to give me some pointers and that, secondly, I'll be able to find enough time between stopping our son from tearing up her living room to actually get a few more rows completed! Who was I trying to kid when I wrote that as well as having the motivation, I also have the time to knit right now?
I am going to be brave enough to take my draught excluder in the making with me and ask for some tips on how to do the ends. A friend advised me to crochet two circles to close it up, my idea was to knit two thin strips and tie each end so it looks like a Christmas cracker - this is currently my preferred option as crocheting is currently a beautiful mystery to me.
I'm just hoping that, firstly, she'll be able to stop laughing at my effort long enough to give me some pointers and that, secondly, I'll be able to find enough time between stopping our son from tearing up her living room to actually get a few more rows completed! Who was I trying to kid when I wrote that as well as having the motivation, I also have the time to knit right now?
Monday, December 04, 2006
Knitting Instructions for Picking up Dropped Stitches
OK so this is where I reveal just how much of a knitting newbie I am - until about 5 minutes ago I didn't know how to pick up a dropped stitch. I managed to drop one whilst I was working on my project this evening and beginning to relax into it which was obviously the wrong thing to do as I'm just not that clever yet.
Any way, I went off searching for instructions and found this very helpful little article at ehow. It's clear and simple - just like me.
How to Pick Up a Dropped Stitch in Knitting
If you drop a stitch while knitting, you don't need to live with a gap in your garment, or even laboriously pull out all the rows back to the dropped stitch. You can retrieve the dropped stitch or stitches with a crochet hook, and no one will be the wiser. When you notice a slipped stitch, fix it immediately: Left alone, the dropped stitch can continue to unravel down the work and create many more dropped stitches to fix.
Instructions
STEP 1: Continue knitting until you are directly above the spot where the dropped stitch occurs. The spot where the stitch or stitches are dropped will resemble a ladder, with horizontal bits of yarn instead of the usual vertical loops.
STEP 2: Insert a crochet hook from front to back through the loop of the bottommost dropped stitch.
STEP 3: With the hook, catch the bottommost horizontal piece of yarn and pull it through the loop of the dropped stitch (see illustration). Continue pulling it in front of and over the next horizontal piece of yarn. This will create a new loop stitch.
Any way, I went off searching for instructions and found this very helpful little article at ehow. It's clear and simple - just like me.
How to Pick Up a Dropped Stitch in Knitting
If you drop a stitch while knitting, you don't need to live with a gap in your garment, or even laboriously pull out all the rows back to the dropped stitch. You can retrieve the dropped stitch or stitches with a crochet hook, and no one will be the wiser. When you notice a slipped stitch, fix it immediately: Left alone, the dropped stitch can continue to unravel down the work and create many more dropped stitches to fix.
Instructions
STEP 1: Continue knitting until you are directly above the spot where the dropped stitch occurs. The spot where the stitch or stitches are dropped will resemble a ladder, with horizontal bits of yarn instead of the usual vertical loops.
STEP 2: Insert a crochet hook from front to back through the loop of the bottommost dropped stitch.
STEP 3: With the hook, catch the bottommost horizontal piece of yarn and pull it through the loop of the dropped stitch (see illustration). Continue pulling it in front of and over the next horizontal piece of yarn. This will create a new loop stitch.
STEP 4: Unhook the crochet hook from that piece of yarn.
STEP 5: If you have dropped more than one stitch, repeat steps 2 through 4 until you have picked up all the dropped stitches.
STEP 6: When you've picked up the last dropped stitch, slip that stitch onto your left knitting needle and continue knitting as usual.
Overall Tips & Warnings
These instructions are for fixing a dropped stitch on the knit side. If you're working from the purl side, simply reverse the crochet hook at step 2, inserting it from back to front. The picked-up stitches will typically be a bit tighter than the surrounding stitches, but will generally relax with time or when you block the garment
Sunday, December 03, 2006
I managed a whole 2 rows today
The title pretty much says it all. It's been a miserable day with bucketing rain and high winds - perfect for sitting indoors in front of a roaring fire knitting away you might think. I did too then I remembered the large pile of ironing that's been looming on top of my dryer for the past few weeks. Unfortunately for me, it was also a perfect ironing day and due to the lack of clean clothes in my drawers, the ironing won out. Never mind, there's always tomorrow for knitting.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Knitting Instructions for Knitting Two Colours Simply
I found a great simple little article at www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_4357739,00.html
on how to knit with two colours without having to tie knots in the threads and so avoiding my problem of incorrectly guessing the amount of yarn (that's a technical term I believe) required to finish the row before changing colours.
Introducing color-knitting techniques whose degrees of difficulty range from beginner to intermediate, Melissa starts off with two types of stripes, bands of color and random patterns, and moves on to a bicolored mosaic pattern. Finally, she completes the rainbow lesson with a complex and luscious Fair Isle pattern.
Carrying Colors
Smart Knitsters (those who have better things to do than tidy up yarn tails) are going to want to learn why Melissa always tries to use even--rather than odd--numbers of rows for each stripe: When you use even numbers of rows between colors, the next time you need to knit with a color of yarn, it will already be in position (on the correct end of the work) for you to begin knitting. This way, you can "carry" the yarns up the side of your work instead of breaking the yarn, which creates more ends to weave in.
The best way to begin the new color (hint: it doesn't involve knots) is simply to get to the end of the row, turn your work and begin to knit the first stitch. Instead of wrapping your working yarn around the needle, pick up the new yarn color and wrap it around your right needle. Be sure that you don't pull the new color too tight; your fabric will pucker if the carried yarns aren't left loose enough.
on how to knit with two colours without having to tie knots in the threads and so avoiding my problem of incorrectly guessing the amount of yarn (that's a technical term I believe) required to finish the row before changing colours.
Introducing color-knitting techniques whose degrees of difficulty range from beginner to intermediate, Melissa starts off with two types of stripes, bands of color and random patterns, and moves on to a bicolored mosaic pattern. Finally, she completes the rainbow lesson with a complex and luscious Fair Isle pattern.
Carrying Colors
Smart Knitsters (those who have better things to do than tidy up yarn tails) are going to want to learn why Melissa always tries to use even--rather than odd--numbers of rows for each stripe: When you use even numbers of rows between colors, the next time you need to knit with a color of yarn, it will already be in position (on the correct end of the work) for you to begin knitting. This way, you can "carry" the yarns up the side of your work instead of breaking the yarn, which creates more ends to weave in.
The best way to begin the new color (hint: it doesn't involve knots) is simply to get to the end of the row, turn your work and begin to knit the first stitch. Instead of wrapping your working yarn around the needle, pick up the new yarn color and wrap it around your right needle. Be sure that you don't pull the new color too tight; your fabric will pucker if the carried yarns aren't left loose enough.
The History of Knitting
The History of Knitting
by: Howard I Schwartz
Hand knitting has been practiced for thousands of years. Where and how this art was invented is still a mystery. Some people believe that knitting began when primitive man made webs out of roots. Others think that Arabian nomads carried the craft into Europe. Still others think that this art originated in Persia. Regardless of where the craft began knitting is the textile infant.
From the beginning the art of knitting was an occupation for women. The oldest remnants of seemingly knitted pieces are those worn as socks. It seems that socks and stockings were knitted because they had to be shaped to the foot or leg. Records seem to indicate that sweaters were first knit in the 17th century. At this time the purl stitch does not seem to have existed. The first time the purl stitch is mentioned dates from the mid 16th century.
The earliest example of true knitting is a pair of knitting socks found in Egypt, dating back to A.D. 1100-just over 9 centuries ago! These early socks were worked in Nalebinding, an ancient craft which used thread to create fabric by making knots and loops. It was done with a wood or bone needle. There are many versions of nalebinding, and some of them look like true knitting.
During Medieval times the craft was controlled by guilds. Knitted garments were worn by the wealthy class. By the 16th century knitting had advanced into a craft. During the Elizabethan era knitting schools were established in Britain. Knitted stockings provided an income for the poor. These stockings were exported to Germany, Holland and Spain. During these times men wore short trunks so fitted stockings where a fashion necessity. Dales knitting, which began at the end of the 16th century, must hold the record for the longest knitting industry in England. Articles from this cottage knitting industry are preserved in the Museum of Hawes in Wensleydale.
Knitting is important in Scottish history. During the17th and 18th centuries whole families were involved in knitting garments. Sweaters were important to the fisherman of the Scottish Isles. Fair isle and cable patterns were used on Aran sweaters. During the French-Napoleonic wars woman got together to knit socks and mittens for the soldiers. This practice continued through World War I and World War II.
Different types of knitting originated in different parts of the world. Two-color knitting or Fair Isle knitting began on a group of islands north of Britain. The first example of this intricate pattern is believed to be knitted around 1850. The Prince of Wales wore a Fair Isle sweater in 1921. Yet other legends say that Fair Isle knitting was inspired in 1588 when a Spanish ship was wrecked off Fair Isle and the crew inspired native knitters to new forms of knitting patterns. Many lace patterns in use today still have French names. German knitting also has a long history. Four or five needles were often used by German knitters. The picture of the knitting Madonna, The Visit of the Angels, painted around 1390, by a Munich painter, documents this long-established craft of knitting.
( http://www.discount-crochet.com )
The Industrial Revolution took over the hand craft of knitting through the invention of the knitting machine. Hand knitting lost its ability to compete with these knitting machines. Knitting as an art and craft fell to the wayside and was kept alive as a hobby.
It is interesting to watch the renaissance of knitting. Different techniques from different parts of the world are being combined. Specialty yarns have been created from different fibers. These new yarns produce stunning results. Companies are aspiring to make their knitting patterns the height of fashion. Celebrities have been seen knitting, which helps to popularize the revival of the art of knitting. Manufacturers and designers are working together to stimulate interest and creativity within this craft.
About The AuthorHoward Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.discount-yarn.info.
by: Howard I Schwartz
Hand knitting has been practiced for thousands of years. Where and how this art was invented is still a mystery. Some people believe that knitting began when primitive man made webs out of roots. Others think that Arabian nomads carried the craft into Europe. Still others think that this art originated in Persia. Regardless of where the craft began knitting is the textile infant.
From the beginning the art of knitting was an occupation for women. The oldest remnants of seemingly knitted pieces are those worn as socks. It seems that socks and stockings were knitted because they had to be shaped to the foot or leg. Records seem to indicate that sweaters were first knit in the 17th century. At this time the purl stitch does not seem to have existed. The first time the purl stitch is mentioned dates from the mid 16th century.
The earliest example of true knitting is a pair of knitting socks found in Egypt, dating back to A.D. 1100-just over 9 centuries ago! These early socks were worked in Nalebinding, an ancient craft which used thread to create fabric by making knots and loops. It was done with a wood or bone needle. There are many versions of nalebinding, and some of them look like true knitting.
During Medieval times the craft was controlled by guilds. Knitted garments were worn by the wealthy class. By the 16th century knitting had advanced into a craft. During the Elizabethan era knitting schools were established in Britain. Knitted stockings provided an income for the poor. These stockings were exported to Germany, Holland and Spain. During these times men wore short trunks so fitted stockings where a fashion necessity. Dales knitting, which began at the end of the 16th century, must hold the record for the longest knitting industry in England. Articles from this cottage knitting industry are preserved in the Museum of Hawes in Wensleydale.
Knitting is important in Scottish history. During the17th and 18th centuries whole families were involved in knitting garments. Sweaters were important to the fisherman of the Scottish Isles. Fair isle and cable patterns were used on Aran sweaters. During the French-Napoleonic wars woman got together to knit socks and mittens for the soldiers. This practice continued through World War I and World War II.
Different types of knitting originated in different parts of the world. Two-color knitting or Fair Isle knitting began on a group of islands north of Britain. The first example of this intricate pattern is believed to be knitted around 1850. The Prince of Wales wore a Fair Isle sweater in 1921. Yet other legends say that Fair Isle knitting was inspired in 1588 when a Spanish ship was wrecked off Fair Isle and the crew inspired native knitters to new forms of knitting patterns. Many lace patterns in use today still have French names. German knitting also has a long history. Four or five needles were often used by German knitters. The picture of the knitting Madonna, The Visit of the Angels, painted around 1390, by a Munich painter, documents this long-established craft of knitting.
( http://www.discount-crochet.com )
The Industrial Revolution took over the hand craft of knitting through the invention of the knitting machine. Hand knitting lost its ability to compete with these knitting machines. Knitting as an art and craft fell to the wayside and was kept alive as a hobby.
It is interesting to watch the renaissance of knitting. Different techniques from different parts of the world are being combined. Specialty yarns have been created from different fibers. These new yarns produce stunning results. Companies are aspiring to make their knitting patterns the height of fashion. Celebrities have been seen knitting, which helps to popularize the revival of the art of knitting. Manufacturers and designers are working together to stimulate interest and creativity within this craft.
About The AuthorHoward Schwartz is a partner in several business strategy groups, including HJ Ventures International, Inc. Howard has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs worldwide with a focus on writing Business Plans for companies interested in raising capital from Venture Funds and Angel Investors. Howard’s business plans have secured several million dollars in funding. For more information: http://www.discount-yarn.info.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Knitting with two colours
O.k., So last Christmas I knitted two friends a scarf each using that lovely fluffy, soft wool that everyone seems to have a scarf in at the moment. Unfortunately the only colours available were a mauve and a baby blue but I was short on cash so that was what they got and bless them, they still wear them when we meet up sometimes!
My latest adventure into the world of knitting is to make a draught excluder for a friend who's just moved into a very pretty but draughty farm cottage. She decided she wanted red and yellow. This point I gulped as I've never done anything that involves two different wools before but I figured - "Hey, it can't be that difficult". And you know what, it isn't.
I didn't even bother to look up any knitting instructions on the net, I just flew by the seat of my pants and did it. Basically I just cut the wool as I was approaching the end of a row and tied the new colour onto the cut end and hey presto I started knitting in yellow instead of red. Granted, I misjudged the length of wool required to reach the end of the row and so have about 8 yellow stitches finishing off that row but so what - I'm a novice.
If anyone out there has any tips on how to achieve a better result please let me know.
My latest adventure into the world of knitting is to make a draught excluder for a friend who's just moved into a very pretty but draughty farm cottage. She decided she wanted red and yellow. This point I gulped as I've never done anything that involves two different wools before but I figured - "Hey, it can't be that difficult". And you know what, it isn't.
I didn't even bother to look up any knitting instructions on the net, I just flew by the seat of my pants and did it. Basically I just cut the wool as I was approaching the end of a row and tied the new colour onto the cut end and hey presto I started knitting in yellow instead of red. Granted, I misjudged the length of wool required to reach the end of the row and so have about 8 yellow stitches finishing off that row but so what - I'm a novice.
If anyone out there has any tips on how to achieve a better result please let me know.
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