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Common Knitting Terms
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Stockinette stitch
A basic knitting pattern formed by alternating rows of knit stitches and purl stitches. Example: 'The stockinette stitch is used for the body of the sweater.'
Long-tail cast on
A popular cast on method that creates a firm but stretchy edge. Example: 'Begin the hat with a long-tail cast on for flexibility.'
Steeking
A method of cutting into a knitted fabric to create openings like armholes or cardigan fronts. Example: 'Reinforce the edges with crochet stitches before steeking the cardigan.'
Tension
The tightness or looseness of stitches, which affects gauge and fabric quality. Example: 'Maintain even tension to ensure your knitting doesn't pucker.'
Bind off
The method of securing the last row of stitches in a knitting project so they don't unravel. Example: 'Bind off loosely to maintain the elasticity of the cuff.'
Yarn over
A method of creating a hole in the knitting fabric as an increase or decorative element. Example: 'Add a yarn over before the knit two together for the lace pattern.'
Blocking
The process of wetting or steaming knit pieces to set their final shape and size. Example: 'Block the pieces before seaming the sweater together.'
Provisional cast on
A temporary cast on method that allows for the stitches to be picked up again and knit in the opposite direction. Example: 'Use a provisional cast on for the scarf to add a fringe later.'
Slip stitch
A technique where a stitch is moved from one needle to the other without knitting it. Example: 'Slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in back.'
Ribbing
A stretchy pattern generally used for cuffs and edges, created by alternating knit and purl stitches. Example: 'The ribbing on the socks ensures a snug fit.'
Lace
A delicate, openwork knitting created by combining yarn overs and decreases. Example: 'The lace shawl pattern is both intricate and beautiful.'
Bobble
A small, round protrusion on fabric made by multiple increases and decreases in the same location. Example: 'Add a bobble for a 3D polka dot effect.'
Stranded knitting
A colorwork technique where two or more colors are used in a row, carrying the unused color behind the work. Example: 'Keep the yarn not in use loose to avoid puckering in stranded knitting.'
Mattress stitch
A seaming technique that creates an invisible join between pieces. Example: 'Join the sweater sides with mattress stitch for a professional finish.'
Magic loop
A technique that uses a long circular needle to knit small circumference items in the round. Example: 'Use the magic loop method for knitting toe-up socks.'
Kitchener stitch
A method of grafting live stitches together seamlessly, often used for toe finishes on socks. Example: 'Finish the toe with Kitchener stitch for a smooth seam.'
Drop stitch
A knitted stitch that is intentionally or unintentionally left to unravel. Example: 'Create a lacy effect by dropping a stitch every few rows.'
Seed stitch
A textured pattern created by alternating between knit and purl stitches. Example: 'The seed stitch gives the scarf a bumpy texture.'
Increase
A knitting technique used to add stitches, allowing the fabric to expand. Example: 'Increase at the sides for the A-line skirt.'
K2tog
Abbreviation for 'Knit two together', a right leaning decrease method. Example: 'To shape the armholes, k2tog at the end of each row.'
Lifelines
A method of inserting a temporary thread through a row of stitches, which can save work in the event of a mistake. Example: 'Place a lifeline before the complex lace section.'
Color dominance
In stranded knitting, the color that appears more prominently because of the way the yarns are held. Example: 'Pay attention to color dominance when working with two strongly contrasting yarns.'
Short rows
Partial rows in knitting that help to shape and curve the fabric. Example: 'Short rows can give better fit to the heels of socks.'
Cast on
The method of creating the initial stitches on the needle. Example: 'Cast on 20 stitches for the ribbing of the hat.'
Decrease
A knitting technique used to reduce the number of stitches, sculpting the shape of the knitted piece. Example: 'Decrease at each end to shape the sleeve cap.'
Intarsia
A colorwork technique that involves knitting with blocks of color, used for creating images or patterns. Example: 'Knit the heart motif using the intarsia method.'
Fair Isle
A traditional style of stranded colorwork knitting from Scotland. Example: 'The Fair Isle sweater uses five different colors.'
Selvage edges
The finished edge of a fabric piece, which can be designed for easier seaming. Example: 'Knit the first and last stitch of every row for a neat selvage edge.'
Circular needles
Knitting needles connected by a cable, used for knitting in the round or flat knitting. Example: 'Switch to circular needles for the sweater yoke.'
I-Cord
A technique to create a narrow tube of knitting, worked on double-pointed needles. Example: 'Make an I-Cord for the bag handle.'
Continental knitting
Style of knitting where the yarn is held in the left hand. Example: 'Switch to continental knitting for faster purling.'
Felting
The process of matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together, often done by washing knitted wool in hot water. Example: 'The knitted purse was felted to make it sturdier.'
Cable
A knitting technique that creates a twisted rope-like pattern by rearranging the stitch order. Example: 'Use a cable needle for the six-stitch cable twist.'
English knitting
Style of knitting where the yarn is held in the right hand. Example: 'The English knitting method is also called 'throwing.''
DPNs
Abbreviation for double-pointed needles, used for knitting in the round. Example: 'Use DPNs when knitting the sleeves of a baby sweater.'
Ssk
Abbreviation for 'Slip, Slip, Knit', a left leaning decrease method. Example: 'To shape the neckline, ssk at the beginning of each row.'
Twisted stitches
Stitches that are knit through the back loop, causing them to twist and stand out. Example: 'Add texture with twisted stitches in the ribbing.'
Stitch
A loop of yarn formed on a knitting needle. Example: 'Make sure your stitches are even to create a smooth fabric.'
Gauge
The number of stitches and rows per inch, which determines the size of the finished knit piece. Example: 'Check your gauge to ensure your sweater fits properly.'
Purl
A type of knitting stitch that creates a bump or ridge on the fabric. Example: 'Alternate knit and purl stitches for a ribbed pattern.'
Yarn forward
Bringing the yarn to the front of the work, commonly used before a purl stitch. Example: 'Remember to bring the yarn forward when switching from a knit to a purl stitch.'
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