Our Best Knitting Resources

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Simple Knitting Strategies Illustrated
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Brother Electoknit Kh950 Knitting Machine - Knitting For Fun

Knitting is a form of needlework that is identifiable by a process of looped stitches pulled through one another. 

Knitting is often the preferred method for making apparel and accessories including sweaters, hats, scarves, and gloves, as well as crafts, blankets, and other items. While many people who knit do so as a hobby and a means of creating art and essential apparel, knitting machines create most commercially made items that were completed by knitting. These knitting machines are most frequently used for mass production at high rates of speed.

The items that can be created by the knitting process can vary greatly in their appearance, use, and function. The color of yarn and style of knitting used determine how the end product will appear.

The History of Knitting

Knitting is a craft that has a far-reaching history. In fact, the first known knitted items date back to the beginning of the first millennium. Egyptian knitters had used the method to create and design colorful socks and other accessories. The craft is believed to be much older, however, as many historians theorize that ancient Arabians were actually the first to utilize knitting in their clothing and blankets.

When the knitting machine was invented, mass production of knitting quickly became popular. Once knitting became less of an essential act for warmth and clothing with the advent of commercial machines, it’s purpose changed from one of necessity to one of recreation. Still today, many knitters get together to chat, socialize, and knit as a means of social interaction with friends. Handmade items made by knitting make excellent gifts, and many people learn to knit both for its relaxing attributes as well as to develop a means by which to make quality gifts for friends and family.

Knitting was once traditionally thought of as a craft done by older women. However, in recent years, knitting has become popular with younger generations, many of which are drawn to knitting for its therapeutic features. In fact, some statistics suggest that knitting has increased as a preferred hobby for women ages 25 to 35 by up to 150 percent in recent years.

Types of Knitting

There are two main types of straight-needle knitting – warp knitting and weft knitting. Warp knitting is usually done by machine, so when most people refer to knitting, they are referring to weft knitting. Weft knitting requires only one string of yarn at time, but can be more susceptible to snags and runs. Another type of knitting often done by hand is circular knitting. This method is created using a circular needle, and creates a “tube” of yarn when completed.

Materials Needed for Knitting
The materials needed for knitting by hand are fairly basic – the process simply requires yarn and needles. However, there are many different types of yarn and needles. The type of yarn used often depends on the desired properties of the final outcome. Certain yarns are appropriate for stretchy applications, while other yarns will produce less stretchy, more firm final results. The width and thickness of the yarn should be taken into account when selecting knitting needles to use. One of the most rewarding aspects of the knitting process is in picking out the yarn, as knitting yarn comes in a variety of colors and styles. Some are solid colors, others have multiple colors for striping, and others include sparkles and other embellishments.

Knitting needles – also known as knitting pins – are used for looping and drawing yarn through the loops. A wide variety of materials are used to make knitting needles, and can include wood, bamboo, plastic, brass, aluminum, and more. Different size needles offer different options for knitting styles.

Resources for Knitting

For those serious about using knitting as a social outlet, there are plenty of options for making friends and knitting. Many communities offer knitting circles, whereby members will meet – knitting yarns and needles in hand – at the home of different members for knitting, sharing, and socializing.

The Internet also offers a number of resources for knitters and those who are eager to learn more about knitting. Online groups, forums, and message boards provide a means of communication and getting together for knitters. Through these avenues, many knitting enthusiasts share tips, techniques, patterns, and tales of successful projects. The Internet is also a great place to order knitting materials and patterns, and can help novice knitters get past some of the challenges that face those new to the craft.

Craft and hobby stores usually carry a wide selection of yarns and knitting needles, and can be an excellent resource to utilize. Many times, employees in these stores will be experienced knitters themselves, and can offer sound advice and tips in person to customers and store visitors.