Knitting

The word 'knitting' comes from the Sanskrit word 'Nahyat' which translates as 'net' or 'weave'. Like the origins of knitting, the earliest implements used in knitting are unknown, but many believe that it was first worked using the fingers of one hand, and gradually evolved to how we know it today. Throughout Europe, knitting tended to be done on a frame, whereas in Scottish Coastal areas, handknitting was more popular. This is because knitters in these Coastal areas had invented their own designs, many of which were specific to the particular area the knitter was from, and these patterns became an ingrained aspect of local tradition. In fact, the most distinctive patterns produced by knitters are derived from folk traditions - the Aran and Fairisle patterns are an example of this.

Nowadays, knitting can be done either by hand or by using one of the many modern knitting machines available. Knitted fabric consists purely of horizontal parallel courses of yarn. Hand knitting starts with casting on, where the knitter forms the first loops that become the basis for the rest of the fabric on a knitting needle. To knit the garment, a second knitting needle is used to reach through each stitch in succession to form a new stitch. Machines can also be used to produce almost identical results.

There are two basic stitches in knitting - the plain stitch (or knit stitch) and the purl stitch. When the plain stitch is used throughout the pattern on straight knitting, this is known as garter stitch, but when it is used throughout circular knitting (knitting that does not involve turning the work about), is is known as stocking stitch.

The oldest form of knitting is crossed knitting where the stitches are rotated a half turn. Knitting has evolved significantly since them, with the introduction of the knitting frame in 1589, and subsequent mechanical inventions. However, the motive and principal remains the same - to produce beautiful apparel in a distincitve and unique way.

Please follow the links below to find out more information on the skill of knitting.

HISTORY OF HANDKNITS                          LEARN HOW TO KNIT WITH ERIBE

ERIBE'S HANDKNITTERS                            KNITTING TECHNIQUES

MACHINE KNITS

Equipment needed for knitting

NEEDLES

It is widely recognised that the only essential for knitting is needles - and yarn. For fine yarns such as lace, low numbered needles should be used, and higher numbered needles should be used for thickier, chunkier yarns. Double ended needles can be used to make gloves and socks and other items that are better made without a seam. When selecting the correct size of needles to use, you should base your decision on the ply of the yarn that you are going to be knitting with. Ply refers to the number of strands that are in twisted into each piece of yarn (to work this out, unravel a strand of wool). The tension at which you work should also be taken into account; if you have a tendency to knit tightly then it is better to use a slightly larger size of needle, and if you knit looser, then smaller needles should be used - usually a size either way is adequate for the adjustment.

STITCH HOLDER

This is a large safety pin to which you can slip on stitches that have to be left unworked securely, rather than using a spare needle which stitches may be inclined to slip off.

STITCH AND ROW COUNTERS

These also come in handy when knitting to help you record the number of rows or stitches you have knitte; a great timesaver!

HOOKS

It is useful to have crochet hooks in various sizes when you are knitting - these come in handy for picking up dropped stitches.