The Art Of Knitting

Knitting is always associated with the arrival of a new born baby. The sight of a pregnant mother knitting small sweaters for her child is a well known scene for many families. It is said that when you knit a sweater or a scarf with your own hands and give it to your loved ones, it signifies the concern and love that you feel towards them and is a gift they should treasure for the rest of there lives.

During ancient times it was compulsory for all young women to be acquainted with the art of knitting. But due to the invention of knitting machines, it became more of a recreational activity or hobby.

Knitting, literary means the method by which a thread or a yarn is weaved to prepare a cloth. Thread loops which hold together all the threads is known as stitches. These loops or stitches are pulled through each other. The two stitching needles hold the active loops until a new loop is put through them.

Although knitting by using machines belongs to the contemporary times, the art has its roots, in the ancient Egypt civilization. During an excavation in Egypt a beautifully knitted cotton sock was found, which dates to the later half of the first millennium AD. The first Commercial application of knitting was done in Paris in the year 1527, when the first knitting trade guild was started.

Immediately after the invention of the knitting machine, hand knitting lost its importance in society. But recent studies show that at the turn of the 21st century, the art of knitting had regained its position and is all the rage with people of many age groups. Because of the rise in the polarity in knitting much more of the materials that you will require, such as wool, needles and knitting machines also lets not forget your trusty Knitting bag. are now are readily and easily available to obtain on the internet

To knit the woolen threads into cloth, two knitting needles have to be used. These needles are available in a wide variety, ranging from bamboo needles, glass needles, circular knitting needles and so on. The type and size of the needles decides the distance between two stitches. Hence by using different types of needles knitters can create variations in their product.

As the needles vary in their size and types so does the type of yarn. The two basic types of yarn are the S-twisted yarn and the Z-twisted yarn. Though many knitters use yarns in not more than single color, variations can be created by using different colored yarns. To increase the durability of the knitted product, a single thread of synthetic yarn combined with pure wool is used. This not only increases the durability, but produces a product that needs lower maintenance than a pure woolen product.

Once the knitters are well acquainted with the different types of stitches like stockinet, purl, garter and so on. They can add some decorations to there knitted product, to improve the wear and look of the fabric. Bobbles, sequins, beads etc compliment the beauty of a knitted garment. Embroidery and appliqué work can also be done to give the garment a professional looking touch.

If the embroidery on an garment resembles knitting, then it is known as Swiss darning. Colored beans, leaves, flowers etc can be added to the final product to increase its beauty. These objects can be knitted into the garment using appliqué work.

Knitting enthusiasts can work there magic by using different types of stitches, textures, yarns and decorations, once they are well rehearsed with the basics. Knitting is an art that requires imagination and creativity. After learning the basics, it is your enthusiasm and creativity that guides your way in the beautiful world of knitting.

Hence the beginner who is learning the art of knitting, should keep their scope for imagination wide, this will help them absorb as much in formation they can on the art of knitting. By doing so they will so become a knitter with an artistic flair for design and become proud of there handy work.