Knitty Gritty: Decoding the Lingo of the Yarn World

If you're new to knitting, the terminology and language used in knitting patterns and tutorials can seem like a foreign language. However, learning the basics of knitting terminology is essential for understanding how to read patterns, following instructions, and creating beautiful, knitted pieces.

Some common knitting terms you'll encounter are set out below. By familiarising yourself with these terms and understanding what they mean, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of knitting and creating your own beautiful, handmade projects. 

Cable:

A technique that creates a twisted, rope-like pattern in the fabric by crossing groups of stitches over one another. This is typically achieved using a special tool called a cable needle, which temporarily holds stitches while others are knit in a different order. Cables add a textured, decorative element to knitted items, making them popular in designs for sweaters, scarves, and hats. The intricacy of the cable pattern can vary from simple twists to complex braids, providing a beautiful and versatile option for knitters looking to enhance their projects.

Cast-on:

The process of creating the first row of stitches on your knitting needle. This is the foundation row that sets up your knitting project, and it's important to get it right in order to ensure that your stitches are even and consistent throughout your work. There are many different methods for casting on, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Some common cast-on methods include the long-tail cast-on, the cable cast-on, and the provisional cast-on. As a beginner, it's a good idea to start with a simple, straightforward cast-on method before moving on to more advanced techniques.

Cast-off:

Also known as "bind-off", refers to the process of finishing your knitting project by creating the final row of stitches and securing them in place. Cast-off stitches are created by knitting two stitches together and then passing the previous stitch over the new one until only one stitch remains. This final stitch is then cut, leaving a tail that is used to secure the end of your work. Cast-off stitches are typically tighter than regular stitches, which helps to prevent your finished project from unravelling. It's important to follow your knitting pattern's instructions carefully when casting off, as different patterns may require different techniques or stitch counts. With a bit of practice, casting off will become second nature and you'll be able to finish all of your knitting projects with ease.

Decreases:

Techniques used to reduce the number of stitches in a row or round of knitting. There are several different types of decreases, each with its own unique look and purpose. The most common decrease is the "knit two together" (K2T) which involves knitting two stitches together as one, effectively reducing the stitch count by one. Similarly, the "purl two together" (P2T) is used when purling. Other common decreases include the "slip, slip, knit" (SSK) and the "knit two together through the back loop" (K2T TBL). Decreases are often used to shape a knitting project, such as in a hat or sweater, and can create angles or curves in the fabric. When working a pattern that includes decreases, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as the placement and frequency of decreases can vary from pattern to pattern. With practice, you'll be able to execute decreases with ease, creating clean and polished results in your knitting projects.

Frogging:

The process of unraveling or undoing stitches to fix a mistake or start over. The term humorously derives from the sound "ribbit," which resembles the words "rip it, rip it" as in ripping out stitches! When a knitter encounters an error or decides to change their work, they may need to frog back to a certain point in the project or even completely dismantle it. While it can be disheartening, frogging is a common and necessary part of the knitting process, allowing crafters to correct errors and ultimately create a polished final piece.

Gauge: 

The number of stitches and rows that are produced by a specific yarn and needle size combination. Gauge is important because it determines the size and fit of your finished project. To determine your gauge, you'll need to knit a small swatch using your chosen yarn and needles and measure the number of stitches and rows per inch. If your gauge is too loose, you'll need to use a smaller needle size to achieve the desired stitch count, and if it's too tight, you'll need to use a larger needle size. Adjusting your gauge may also require you to adjust your pattern, so it's important to check your gauge before beginning any knitting project. Keep in mind that every knitter's gauge may be slightly different, so it's important to always measure your own gauge rather than relying solely on the pattern's suggested gauge.

Knit:

One of the two basic stitches used to create a variety of patterns and textures. To knit, insert the right needle into the front of the stitch on the left needle, then wrap the yarn anticlockwise around the right needle and pull it through the stitch. This creates a new stitch on the right needle, while the old stitch is transferred to the right needle. Knitting produces a smooth, V-shaped stitch on the right side of your work, while the back of the work displays rows of horizontal bumps known as purl stitches. Knitting can be done using different yarns and needle sizes and varying the number of knit and purl stitches can create a wide variety of patterns and textures. As a beginner, practicing knitting is the first step to mastering the craft of knitting, and once you've got the basic knit stitch down, you'll be ready to start experimenting with more complex patterns and techniques.

Purl:

The other basic stitch used to create a variety of patterns and textures. To purl, insert the right needle from the back to the front of the stitch on the left needle, then wrap the yarn clockwise around the right needle and pull it through the stitch. This creates a new stitch on the right needle, while the old stitch is transferred to the right needle. Purling creates a smooth, horizontal stitch on the right side of your work, while the back of the work displays rows of V-shaped knit stitches. Like knitting, purling can be done using different yarns and needle sizes and varying the number of knit and purl stitches can create a wide variety of patterns and textures. As a beginner, it's important to practice both the knit and purl stitches in order to create a variety of patterns and textures in your knitting projects. With time and practice, you'll be able to knit and purl with ease and experiment with more complex stitch patterns.

Yarn over:

Abbreviated as "yo" is a technique used to create an extra stitch by wrapping the yarn around the needle without knitting or purling a stitch. To do a yarn over, bring the yarn to the front of the work (if you're knitting) or the back of the work (if you're purling), then wrap the yarn over the top of the right needle and back to the front or back again. This creates a loop around the needle, which counts as a new stitch. Yarn overs are often used in lace knitting and other patterns to create eyelets or decorative holes in the fabric. When working a pattern that includes yarn overs, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as the placement and frequency of yarn overs can vary from pattern to pattern. With practice, you'll be able to create neat and even yarn overs that add beautiful detail to your knitting projects.