Frequently Asked Questions/Answers
What is the difference between American and European knitting?
The European method requires a lot less hand movement and is a lot faster.
What are all those needles, and why are there so many sizes?
The texture and compactness of a knitted item depends on the size of the yarn and the size of the needle used. Small needles and small yarn produce finely knitted items with small tight holes. The amount of yarn required to make a sweater, say, largely depends on these two things. The size of the sweater is largely determined by the stitch count, the number of stitches per inch. The larger the needle and yarn, the fewer stitches that can crowed into an inch. Often, different sized needles are used to knit a small swatch to determine the stitch count before proceeding with a project.
What does worsted mean? What are yarn weights?
If you have ever felt a hand made sweater, then you know that yarn comes in different sizes and colors. But that is only the beginning. Some yarn is soft, some is scratchy, some will warm you at the north pole, and some is light enough for a relatively cool summer day. Some yarn is very fuzzy, some is smooth like a ribbon. Yarn weight is described in in five basic categories:
Baby/fingering
Sport/baby
Worsted weight
Chunky
Bulky
Each of these has a different thickness, and if you were to have equal lengths of them they would all weigh different amounts. Fingering is the finest. The term "ply" refers to the number of smaller strands that are spun together to form the yarn. Yarn is made of different materials, synthetic, natural and even metalic. That is the "fiber content". Weight, ply, and fiber content are almost always found on the label wrapped around skeins or attached to balls of yarn. Often, yarn is a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers come from plants or animals. On the plant side there is cotton, flax, hemp and even kudzu. On the animal side, there is sheep's wool, rabbit, chinchilla, yak, llama, and camel. Each type of yarn has a different feel, durability, warmth, washability, and skin sensitivity. It is always wise to consider alergic reactions when selecting yarn.
How long does it take to make a sweater, scarf, hat, or whatever?
That depends on who you talk to. It's all a question of knitting skills and experience. Dedication to your knitting craft is the most important factor. Some people knit only on weekends, some people knit every day.
What is a good project for a beginner?
Something that requires only simple stitches and something that can be completed quickly so that you can have a sense of accomplishment.
How can I learn how to knit?
There are several options. The Knitting Essentials eBook reviewed on this site is the best resource we've found. You also can often find knitting classes giving by adult continuing education programs in your area. If your budget allows, there are knitting teachers that will come to your home to teach you how to knit.
Are there any good books and magazines on knitting?
Lots and lots. Practical ones, beginner ones, advanced ones. Historical ones too. See above for good beginners book.
What famous people knit?
Many famous people have taken up knitting. Julia Roberts is one.
Where can I get free patterns?
There are a lot orf patterns available on the internet. Just do a search on Google, Yahoo, or MSN.
What's the difference between Knitting and Crochet?
Knitting is done with two needles and some yarn. You loop the yarn around the end of the needle and make stitches that gather on one side. When the needle is full, you go back the other direction until all the stitches are on the other needle. Crochet is done with one needle that has a notch in one end. You make loops with the thread, and reach through the loops with the needle to grasp another thread with the notch and pull it through.
I can't see what I'm knitting because the yarn is so dark, what do I do?
Get an OTT-lite. There are several varieties, most notably the floor stand model with the large magnifying glass.
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