Six Key Knitting Stitches
Knitting is the popular yarn craft of making beautiful, handcrafted items, using two needles and yarn. It has remained popular for decades, with a range of project options available.
Knitting is incredibly versatile, with a whole range of stitches and finishes possible for a huge range of patterns and projects. The sheer volume of options can be intimidating for beginners. Once the basics have been mastered, knitters can begin to move on to more challenging or specialist stitch techniques
Six Knitting Stitches
1. Casting on is the first stitch that beginners will learn and is the starting point for any knitted project.
2. Garter stitch is the basic knitting technique. It is great for beginners, or more seasoned knitters may combine it with more complex techniques.
3. Purl stitch is very similar to garter stitch but resembles an inverted version of it. Purl stitch can also be used for creating texture in projects.
4. Moss stitch allows beautiful texture and pattern to be incorporated into projects and is a firm favourite with knitters.
5. Cable knitting is done with a specialised cable needle and is a lot simpler than its pattern suggests.
6. Finally, a casting off stitch is how all knitted projects will be completed, leaving you to marvel at your handmade creation.
Knitting Kits
Knitting kits are perfect for beginners and eliminate the guesswork needed as to where to start and what to learn first. They come with everything required to start and finish a variety of projects, from simple blankets and cushion covers to hats, scarves, and even home accessories. There is a range of knitting kits suitable for all skill levels from specialist online suppliers and a Wool Couture knitting kit, for example, includes yarn, needles, a pattern and helpful instructions.
Knitting kits are not only great for beginners, but also for experienced knitters who want to expand on their skill set and learn alternative knitting stitches. They are a great way of trying a new technique, without the hassle and inconvenience of having to search out project ideas and their corresponding patterns.
Aran stitches and their meanings
Once the basic stitches are mastered, many knitters move on to Aran stitches. Named after the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, they create heavily textured fabric for sweaters, scarves, gloves, socks and cushion covers. They are fairly complex, so projects take time, and each stitch carries a traditional meaning.
The cable stitch, the most popular, is made by crossing stitches over one another and is said to represent a fisherman’s rope. The Tree of Life stands for family through the generations. Zig zags reflect the highs and lows of married life and echo the islands’ winding cliff paths, while the diamond stitch suggests fishing net mesh and the small island fields, and is linked with success and wealth.
The honeycomb stitch represents the bee, hard work and reward, and is often added for luck. The blackberry, or trinity, stitch gives a chunky texture. The Irish moss stitch symbolises a good harvest, and the basket stitch a fisherman’s basket and a plentiful catch.