What is the technique?

Knitting is a method by which thread or yarn is used to create a cloth.

Knitted fabric consists of a number of consecutive rows of loops, called stitches. As each row progresses, a new loop is pulled through an existing loop. The active stitches are held on a needle until another loop can be passed through them. This process eventually results in a fabric, often used for garments.

Knitting may be done by hand or by machine. There exist numerous styles and methods or hand knitting.

Different types of yarns and needles may be used to achieve a plethora of knitted materials: these tools give the final piece a different colour, texture, weight, and/or integrity. Other factors that affect the end result include the needle’s shape, thickness and malleability, as well as the yarn’s fibre type, texture and twist.

 

What are the materials needed?

• Rolls of yarn (wool, acrylic, paper, cotton, etc.)
• Knitting needles (straight and/or circular)
• Crochet hook, etc.
• Scissors

 

How to achieve the technique?

Purl Stitch

1. Make a slip knot on the shaft of one needle. This counts as the first stitch.
2. Place this needle in the left hand. Hold other needle in right hand to control the yarn. Insert the right needle towards you through the first stitch on the left needle (right to left, from the back to the front). The right needle will be on top of the left needle and pointing towards you
3. Loop the yarn from the left needle around the tip of the right needle from the front around the back in a downward counter-clockwise motion
4. Slide the tip of the right needle and the yarn on it through the center of the stitch on the left needle, moving it away from you
5. With the tip of the right needle, pull the new loop off the tip of the left needle
6. Successfully have a stitch on the right needle.
7. Continue until it reaches the desired size
8. Bind off when done knitting.
9. Weave in the remaining ends.

 

What are the uses and applications of the technique?

• Wearable item (apparels, jewellery, scarf, etc.)
• Coasters
• Bags, pouches, etc.

 

Photos of experimentation with technique

Results of Purl Stitch #1

 

Results of Purl Stitch #2

 

Own personal reflections

The start of knitting was not easy as it was slightly confusing while trying to catch up with the video. However, with practice, I managed to follow and able to create a few small samples. I became curious of the different patterns that can be done in knitting, and the many possibilities that can be done with this technique.

Although this technique takes time to complete depending on the overall size, I am considering this to be one of the techniques for my final project.