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.
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.
