Knitting Basics
On this page you will find definitions of common knitting terms used in knitting patterns.
Aran Knitting
Aran knitting is a style of knitting that is often used to knit hand spun wool. The style originated in the Aran islands off the coast of Ireland. Aran knitting is characterised by intricate patterns of cables and textured knitting, like moss stitch, lattice stitches and bobbles.
Backstitch
A backstitch is a strong hand seaming stitch used to sew flat, knitted pieces together. This method provides a strong, but elastic seam.
Bind Off
Finish or close off live stitches so knitted work does not unravel. Also referred to as Cast Off.
Bind Off In Pattern
To keep the pattern active while binding off. For example, if pattern is a two-by-two rib stitch you would work this pattern while binding off. Also see cast off in pattern.
Blocking
A finishing process in which knitted fabric is moistened (either by water or steam), then shaped to final measurements. Blocking ensures even stitches and helps to flatten out any curled edges.
Bobbins
Plastic tools used to hold short lengths of yarn when working with multiple yarn colors. Bobbins are a lifesaver when working on a pattern with many color changes.
Bobble
Ornamentation stitch on knitted fabric. Created by adding several stitches to a needle and then working those stitches back into a single stitch.
Buttonhole Band
A strip of knitted fabric onto which button holes are created.
Cable
To create twisted designs within knitted fabric by crossing a group of stitches in front or behind each other.
Cable Needle
A small, double-pointed needle that can be curved or straight. A cable needle is used to temporarily hold the stitches off the work when creating a cable pattern.
Cable Panel
The stitch panel (typically stocking stitch) where a cable is created.
Circular Needles
Knitting needles consisting of a pair of short, straight or slightly bent needles attached to a flexible cord. Circular needles may be used in place of straight needles as long as work is not joined.
Contrasting Color
An accent color used in a pattern.
Decrease
To reduce the number of stitches in a row and shape your knitting. The decrease is usually achieved by knitting two stitches together.
Double Pointed Needle
Straight needles with a point at each end. These are used for knitting small circular items such as socks, or the centre of baby shawls.
Dropped Stitch
A stitch that has slipped off the end of a needle accidentally and has not been worked for several rows. If a dropped stitch is no picked up (can be done using a crochet hook) the knitting will eventually unravel.
Eyelet
A small decorative hole, most commonly used when knitting lace or for buttonholes on baby clothing.
Fair Isle Knitting
Another style of knitting commonly used by spinners, Fair Isle Knitting is a method of knitting with two or more colors knitting with frequent changes of color in the same row to create intricate patterns. Colors not being used are carried or stranded across the back side of the fabric.
Flat Knitting
Knitting accomplished using straight needles when one row is work and piece is turned to work on next row. Flat knitting can also be done on circular needles as long as stitches are not joined into a circle.
Garter Stitch
A common stitch pattern created by knitting every row. Finished fabric has a bumpy, ridged surface.
Gauge
The number of stitches and rows in a set measured area (usually 10cm square). A gauge swatch is knitted to ensure finished project will have the correct measurements.
A piece of knitted fabric used to determine if the correct number of stitches and rows are being produced.
Grafting
An invisible seaming method used to join two active rows of knitting so seaming will resemble a row of knitting stitches.
Hank
A loosely twisted length of yarn. Hanks must be wound into balls before working with the yarn. This can be accomplished by hand or with a ball winder. Also called a skein.
Increase
Adding stitches to a row to make the knitted piece wider.
Knitting
Performing a basic knit stitch by knitting into the back of the live stitch.
Knitting in the Round
Refers to knitting with circular needles to create tubular items like socks or hats. Also known as Circular Knitting.
Knitwise
Inserting the right needle into the front of a stitch from left to right.
Live Stitch
Live Stitches that those that are being worked on a needle and not yet been knitted or cast off.
Main Color
The predominant color in a multicolored knitted piece.
Make One
A technique used for increasing stitches.
Marker
Typically a plastic circle or loop used to mark a pattern change. You can also use a strand of different colored yarn as a marker.
Needle Gauge
A needle gauge is a tool used to determine the size of unlabeled needles. Usually it is a strip of plastic with a different sized hole for each needle size.
Purling
The act of making basic purl stitches by knitting through the front of the live stitch.
Reverse Stocking Stitch
Reverse stocking stitch is the fabric formed by making a row of purl stitches and a row of knit stitches. Being the opposite of stocking stitch, the finished garment is bumpy of the right side and smooth on the wrong side.
Rib
A rib is the combination of knit and purl stitches that creates a stretchy fabric with vertical ridges. Ribbing often is found at the beginning and end of garments.
Right Side
The side of fabric shown on the 'good' or exterior side of a project.
Row Counter
A row counter is a small tool that is attached to one of your knitting needles and used to keep track of how many rows have been completed.
Single Pointed Needle
A straight needle with a point at one end and a knob at the other to keep stitches from slipping off needle. Used for flat knitting.
Skein
A loosely twisted length of yarn. Skeins must be wound into balls before working with the yarn. This can be accomplished by hand or with a ball winder. Also called a hank.
Slip Stitch
To move stitch from one needle to another without working.
Stitch
One of a series of loops to form a piece of knitted fabric.
Stitch Holder
A stitch holder is a tool used to hold stitches not being worked to prevent them from unraveling.
Stockinette or Stocking Stitch
A fabric created by alternating between a row of knit stitches and a row of purl stitches. The fabric is smooth on the right or exterior side of the work and bumpy on the wrong or interior side of the work.
Stranding
Stranding is a technique in which yarn is carried around stitches on wrong side of work to make a color change. If there are more than four stitches between the color change, the second color is woven into the back of the knitting.
Swatch
A knitted sample to determine if the tension of your knitting is correct for a particular pattern.
Tapestry Needle
A large sewing needle with a dull tip. Used to weave in loose ends or tails and to sew seams.
I hope you found this page of common knitting terms useful. As the site develops I add to the content of the page so please feel free to come back when you next visit.
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