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KNITTING TERMS GLOSSARY

This glossary contains terms used on Country Naturals. If you don't find what you need, here, try the Knittinghelp.com Glossary.

I only listed the most common stitch patterns. If you're looking for a stitch that isn't listed, try the KnittingOnTheNet Library Of Knitting Stitches.

Contributions welcome.

 

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  • BALL - Yarn wound from a hank or skein. When you wind yarn this way, let it run over your fingers to keep it loose. You can also fasten the "inside" end to something before starting to wind, so you'll have it handy to use as a pull-out when you're finished (easier to work with than unwinding from the outside). eHow has an excellent article on making a center-pull ball of yarn.
  • BIND-OFF (Cast-off) - Knit 2 stitches. Bring the first stitch over the 2nd stitch and off the needle. You now have a single stitch left on your 2nd needle. Knit another stitch and repeat the process. When you get to the end, cut off a "tail" of yarn and pull it through the last stitch to fasten it. Bind-off can be done in straight knitting or in whatever knit/purl pattern you're using. You can use your fingers, knitting needle, or knit the last row with a crochet hook to make it easier to pull the stitches over. If you find that your bind-off row is looser than your cast-on row, use a needle that's 2 sizes smaller for your last row.
  • CAST ON - Getting the yarn onto the needles. The easiest method is the Single Cast-on (Backward Loop Cast-on), but it makes the next row more difficult. The most common is the Long Tail Cast-on. It's more difficult to learn, but actually combines the first row with the cast-on row, making it easier to get off to a good start. Here are some free cast-on videos from KnittingHelp.com. If you find that your cast-on row is tighter than your bind-off row, use a needle that's 2 sizes larger for your last row.
  • GARTER STITCH - Knit one row, purl the next. This alternating stitch results in horizontal stripes or ribbing. The finished project will be a little looser and stretchier than stockinette stitch. It lays flat and looks the same on both sides.
  • HANK - Yarn that comes in a large loop, often twisted into a pretzel shape to make it easier to manage until you want to use it. In old movies, you'll often see Mother winding yarn into a ball, while Daughter holds the hank between her hands, to make winding it easier. (Similar to SKEIN, but difficult to use without rewinding into a ball.)
  • KNIT STITCH (k) - With the yarn behind your work and the cast-on stitches on the 1st needle, put the tip of the 2nd needle into the front of the loop of the 1st cast-on stitch, parallel to the 1st needle. Bring the yarn around from the back and between the 2 needles. Holding the yarn against the 2nd needle, bring the tip of that needle down against the 1st needle, then back up and through the gap to capture the yarn as a stitch on the second needle. Pull the 1st needle out. You now have a new knit stitch on the 2nd needle. Here are some great knit stitch videos from Knittinghelp.com to show you different styles of making a knit stitch.
  • PURL STITCH (p) - With the yarn in front of your work and the cast-on stitches on the 1st needle, put the tip of the 2nd needle into the front of the loop of the 1st cast-on stitch, facing the 1st needle. Bring the yarn around from the front and between the 2 needles. Holding the yarn against the 2nd needle, bring the tip of that needle down against the 1st needle, then back up and through the gap to capture the yarn as a stitch on the second needle. Pull the 1st needle out. You now have a new knit stitch on the 2nd needle. Here are some great purl stitch videos from Knittinghelp.com to show you different styles of making a purl stitch.
  • SEED STITCH (Moss Stitch) - Knit 1, purl 1 (k1, p1). If you cast on an odd number of stitches, that's all you need to know. If you cast on an even number of stitchs, you must remember to knit the previous purl stitches and purl the previous knits (knit the "bumps"). Working this stitch is slower than using stockinette or garter stitch because you pass the yarn over with every stitch, but it's one of my faves. It gives a nice "nubby" look that lays flat and looks the same on both sides--perfect for flat projects, like scarves, hand towels, and dish cloths.
  • SKEIN - Yarn that comes in an elongated packet, usually with a center pull-out end for ease of use. (Similar to HANK, but a skein is easier to manage--doesn't require rewinding.)
  • STOCKINETTE STITCH - Knit the 1st row, purl the next row, etc. The result is work that's smooth on the knit side and bumpy on the purl side. This stitch has a tight texture and tends to roll up. It's very commonly used for sweaters and hats, but not as suitable for flat projects, like scarves or afghans.

 


 
 
 
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