10 Essential Knitting Terms Explained

· Learn the Lingo ·

Date
Apr, 19, 2022
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Learning the mechanics of knitting is essential, but if you’re interested in learning to knit, you need to learn the lingo. As with any industry, knitters have their own jargon and in order to understand patterns and explanations, beginners need to learn and understand it. This will better enable you to complete projects and grow as a knitter, so you can take on more adventurous patterns.

Here are 10 common terms that all beginning knitters need to know!

Essential Knitting Terminology Explained

Casting On/Casting Off

Casting on and casting off are the terms used to describe putting stitches onto the needle to start a project, and taking them off the needle when the project is finished.

There are many different methods to cast on and cast off. In the video below you can watch my favorite cast-on method, the long tail cast on.

Long Tail Cast On

This video shows a traditional loop over cast-off that goes very well with the long tail cast on method.

Rows & Stitches

Rows and stitches are the foundation of a knitting project. Each project is counted in rows and each row is counted in stitches. Each knit or purl is a stitch. Knits and purls are mixed together with a variety of techniques to create the pattern.

A straight row is formed by knitting in a back and forth pattern, transferring all stitches between two needles. A round row is continuous. See below for a description of round knitting.

This shows a square sample of rows forming a stockinette stitch created by knitting on every odd row and purling on every even row.

Slip

The term slip refers to moving a stitch from one needle to another needle without stitching in it. Stitches are often moved back and forth between needles to create a pattern. This simple maneuver is very useful and easy to complete.

Purlwise

Purlwise means in the direction of a purl stitch. Focusing on the front loop of the stitch, insert the needle from back to front. This term will be used as a preposition to describe how to insert the needle when creating patterns.

Knitwise

Knitwise, means in the direction of a knit stitch, inserting the needle front to back. Like ‘purlwise’, it is used as a preposition to explain how to insert the needle during specific parts of a pattern.

Block/Blocking

Blocking an item takes place after you are done knitting it and have cast off the stitches. Blocking is used to flatten and shape the project and is done by using water to dampen the yarn and then laying it out flat, shaping it as needed to let it air dry.

Knitting In The Round

Knitting in the round just means knitting in a continuous circle rather than straight rows back and forth. This can be done using a cable with a needle on each end where the stitches are just moved continuously around the cable. You can also use a set of four or five needles that form a square or a triangle of knitted stitches where you move from needle to needle around in a circle.

Wrap Up…or better yet…Cast Off

There is a whole library’s worth of texts written about knitting, and this list clearly doesn’t cover all the nuances of knitting. It is a starting point to help launch your knitting journey.

If you would like a more in-depth list of knitting terminology, you can check out this post from Nimble Needles which offers an extensive glossary of knitting terms and the abbreviations used in knitting patterns.

Have any essential terms you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments!

Happy stitching,

Lavena

Interested in crochet? Check out the 6 Basic Stitches you need to know to crochet almost anything.

Lavena Perry

Hello lovely! Let's get all of the labels out the way so we can talk... I'm a daughter, sister, mother, entrepreneur, writer, podcaster, college graduate, and passionate crafter who has survived raising special needs children, a child with cancer, a heart condition, and becoming a widow at a young age...whew! Made it. But here's the important part... I teach women how to use crochet as a creative outlet for self-care so that they can reduce anxiety and depression, be more mindful and present, and experience joy from their lives. What does that have to do with crafting? EVERYTHING!! Learning creative skills is a great way to care for yourself, activates the creative centers in your brain and lets ideas start to flow, builds self-esteem and confidence, and relieves anxiety and depression symptoms. YEAH, crocheting, knitting, and sewing can do ALL of that! I firmly believe that people WANT to spend time caring for themselves through creativity, but life often gets in the way and the desire to learn gets put on the back burner. Here is your opportunity to finally learn these essential skills and transform your passion into purpose, care for yourself, and feel better! So happy you are here! xo — Lavena

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