Knitting - An Overview
History of Knitting
In the year 1527, the first knitting guild was started in Paris, France. Hand knitting went in and out of fashion many times through the years, but each time it has always seemed to come back stronger than before. Knitting's latest revival started in the 21st century. The number of women knitters increased by about 150% during the period from 2002 and 2004. There are many knitting organizations, both local, national and international that bring mentors together. These "communities" are where people can share stories, experiences, techniques and patterns. These communities are also organizers of knitting competitions. The Internet has made it possible for knitters from all over the world to create virtual communities. This has helped increase the spread and popularity of knitting much faster than would otherwise be possible.
Types of Knitting
Weft knitting and warp knitting are the two major varieties of knitting. In weft knitting, the entire fabric may be produced from a single yarn, by adding stitches to each wale in turn, moving across the fabric like a raster scan. By contrast, in warp knitting, one yarn is required for every wale. Since a typical piece of knitted fabric may have hundreds of wales, warp knitting is typically done by machine, whereas weft knitting is done by both hand and machine.Circular knitting (also called "knitting in the round") is a form of knitting that creates a seamless tube. The knitting is created in "rounds", which are the equivalent of rows in flat knitting. The final effect is a spiral of rounds that creates the finished tube. Before the invention of circular needles, circular knitting was done using a set of four or five double-pointed knitting needles. Since then, circular needles have become the standard because they make the circular knitting process far more efficient. Flat knitting is used to produce rectangular pieces of cloth. Two straight knitting needles are used in flat knitting and stitches are made in rows and horizontal lines. Hats, socks, mittens and sleeves are made by using circular knitting. While scarves, blankets and front and backsides of sweaters are made with flat knitting.
