The Ultimate Guide For Hand And Machine Knitters

Knitting is a timeless craft that allows individuals to create beautiful and practical items with just a pair of needles or a knitting machine. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, this ultimate guide will provide you with all the information you need to take your knitting skills to the next level.

Hand Knitting Basics

Hand knitting is the traditional method of using knitting needles to create various stitches and patterns. Here are the basic steps to get you started:

Casting On

Casting on is the first step in hand knitting. It involves creating the first row of stitches on your needle. There are different casting on methods you can use, such as the long-tail cast on or the knitted cast on. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you!

Hand Knits by Machine: The Ultimate Guide for Hand and Machine Knitters

by Susan Guagliumi (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	103280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	464 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Knit Stitch

The knit stitch is the most fundamental stitch in knitting. It creates a smooth, V-shaped stitch on the right side of your fabric. To knit, insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle from left to right, wrap the yarn around the right needle counterclockwise, and pull it through the stitch. Practice this stitch until you achieve a consistent tension.

Purl Stitch

The purl stitch is the reverse of the knit stitch, creating a bumpy texture on the right side of the fabric. To purl, insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle from right to left, wrap the yarn counterclockwise, and pull it through the stitch. Alternate between knit and purl stitches to create different patterns!

Increasing and Decreasing

Increasing and decreasing stitches allow you to shape your knitting. There are various methods to achieve this, such as knitting two stitches into one (knit two together) to decrease, or knitting into the front and back of a stitch to increase. Experiment with these techniques to add shaping to your projects!

Binding Off

Binding off is the final step in hand knitting, where you secure the stitches and create a finished edge. To bind off, knit the first two stitches, then pass the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. Repeat this process until you have one stitch left, then cut the yarn and pass it through the last stitch. Congratulations, you've completed your project!

Machine Knitting Basics

Machine knitting offers a faster and more efficient way to create knitted items. Here are the basic steps to get started with machine knitting:

Machine Setup

Before you start knitting, you need to set up your knitting machine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble and thread the machine properly. Make sure the tension is adjusted correctly to avoid loose or tight stitches.

Yarn Selection

Choosing the right yarn is crucial for successful machine knitting. Consider the weight and fiber content of the yarn, as different machines may require specific yarn types. Experiment with different yarns to see how they knit up on your machine.

Casting On

Similar to hand knitting, machine knitting also requires a cast on row. Depending on your machine, you can use a latch tool or a cast-on comb to achieve the desired result. Make sure the stitches are evenly spaced and not too tight or loose.

Machine Knitting Stitches

Many knitting machines offer a variety of stitch patterns, including basic knit and purl stitches, ribbing, lace, and cables. Familiarize yourself with your machine's capabilities and try different stitch patterns to create unique designs.

Carriage Movement

The carriage is the main component that moves across the machine bed and knits the stitches. Mastering the carriage movement is essential for precision in machine knitting. Practice smooth and consistent movements to achieve even tension throughout your project.

Finishing and Binding Off

Once you've completed your machine knitting project, it's time to finish it off. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and use a latch tool or a needle to pull the yarn through the remaining stitches. This will secure the stitches and create a finished edge.

The Benefits of Knitting

Knitting offers numerous benefits beyond creating beautiful garments and accessories. Here are some advantages of knitting:

Stress Relief

Knitting has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The repetitive nature of the craft helps calm the mind and lowers heart rate and blood pressure. It's a perfect activity to unwind after a long day.

Creativity and Self-Expression

Knitting allows you to unleash your creativity and express your personal style. From selecting colors and patterns to customizing designs, knitting provides a platform for self-expression and artistic exploration.

Mental Stimulation

Knitting engages both hemispheres of the brain and improves cognitive abilities. It enhances memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Learning new stitches and techniques keeps the brain active and sharp.

Sense of Achievement

Completing a knitting project gives a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. Witnessing the transformation of yarn into a beautiful, tangible item brings a feeling of pride and satisfaction.

Social Connection

Knitting is often a group activity, bringing individuals together who share a common interest. Joining knitting clubs or attending workshops allows you to connect with like-minded people, share experiences, and learn from each other.

Both hand knitting and machine knitting offer unique experiences and opportunities for creativity. Whether you prefer the traditional and tactile process of hand knitting or the efficiency and speed of machine knitting, the ultimate guide above provides valuable information to improve your skills.

Explore the world of knitting, experiment with different patterns and techniques, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits this craft brings. Let your imagination run wild and create knitted masterpieces that reflect your personality and style!

Hand Knits by Machine: The Ultimate Guide for Hand and Machine Knitters

by Susan Guagliumi (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	103280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	464 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Hand Knits by Machine is the one book that fully addresses the issues involved in adapting hand knit patterns and techniques to a knitting machine. Heavily illustrated with photographs and illustrations, the book puts as much emphasis on "why" as it does "how" and will guide both hand and machine knitters through the process.

Part One contains individual chapters (Casting On, Increasing and Decreasing, Binding Off, Picking Up Stitches) that specifically focus on duplicating the hand knit methods on the machine - not the usual methods found in knitting machine manuals. There is an extensive chapter on machines, basic stitches and a chapter that illustrates, among other topics, beading techniques and garter bar usage.

Part Two dedicates entire chapters to converting Mosaic stitches and lace designs to the machine; by hand selection or with punch cards and electronics. The Entrelac chapter features a unique method based on holding position, requiring no scrapping off. The chapter on Modular knitting covers basic "Domino" squares as well as some unique methods of joining diamond shapes.

This is what some of the best hand knit designers and authors have to say about Hand Knits by Machine:

"...A masterful, comprehensive, inspiring book. I love everything about it– the concepts, the illustrations, the organization." Sally Melville, author of The Knitting Experience

"..this book a must for hand-knitters wanting to make the leap to the machine, as well as for machine knitters who want to add some great hand-knitting skills to their bag of tricks! Lace, entrelac and mosaic patterning are fascinating when done on the machine, and Susan gives the technical back-up to ensure success."
Deborah Newton, author of Designing Knitwear.

"A great resource! This volume brings the sensibilities and handcrafted details loved by hand knitters to machine knitting."
Norah Gaughan, author of Knitting Nature

"In Hand Knits by Machine, Susan Guagliumi guides the hand knitter through her many tips and tricks to make a machine knit sweater look completely handmade. Clear concise directions, explicit photographs and Susan's incredible expertise will turn you into a machine knitter in no time. Bobbles, lace, cables, mosaic and color–work patterns, entrelac and more are all hand knitting techniques that Susan gives instruction for working."
Kristin Nicholas, author of Knitting Today's Classics

"The process of taking a hand-knit garment and recreating it with a knitting machine can be daunting at first, but with a little guidance, it can be very exciting! Hand Knits by Machine deconstructs each of the steps involved with clear and concise detail, making them understandable and achievable. As well, there are thorough explanations and instructions for techniques hand-knitters love, such as entrelac, mosaic knitting, and modular knitting, demystifying them so they can easily be accomplished with a knitting machine. This book is an excellent resource that will be referred to again and again. "
Trisha Malcolm, editor Vogue Knitting Magazine