Lesson 1

Supplies, Yarns and Tools


The process of knitting has three basic tasks:

  1. Active stitches must be held so the stitches do not drop.
  2. Stitches must be released sometime after they are secured.
  3. New bights of yarn must be passed through the fabric, and then secure them.

This process of knitting must incorporate the proper needles, yarn and tools to complete a textile art.

Click each coloured tab to view information about the activity.


  • Knitting needles are single pointed, double pointed and circular.

  • Knitting needles vary in diameter and length. Always refer to your instruction sheet for the suggested size.

  • The thicker the needle, the larger the stitch size. If the needle is too large for the yarn, the knit structure will be flimsy, and if the needle is too small for the yarn, the texture will be compact and stiff.

  • Needle length is determined by project size.  Shorter needles are easier to handle and usually the project does not have a great width.

  • Knitting needles are available in plastic, metal and wood. The choice is personal.

Single Pointed

Double pointed

Circular

  • Yarns vary in fiber content, texture, weight and ply.

  • Highly twisted yarns are smooth and easy to work with. Loosely twisted yarns are less durable but are appealing and give warmth.

  • The fiber content of the yarn affects the performance.
  1. wool is warm and soft
  2. acrylic is soft
  3. linen and cotton are cool
  4. rayon is decorative
  5. nylon is strong and decorative
  • Yarn varies in thickness. Thick yarns knit more quickly that thinner yarns.
  • Purchase the yarn from among those recommended for the chosen project.

  • If substituting the yarn, select one which is as close as possible in weight and type to the yarns recommended in the pattern.

  • Check the label for dye lot number. Purchase all the yarn needed for the project from the same dye lot to avoid color variations.

  • Check the label for care information, tension and recommended needle size.

  • Check the yarn recovery. Stretch and release a 15 cm length. Does it return to its original size?

Practitcal and colorful storage of skeins of yarn being used for different knitting, crocheting, and needle-point canvas projects.



A crochet hook is used to pick up lost stitches in knitting.




A stitch holder is like a large safety pin. It is used to hold reserve stitches to be picked up later and worked into the project.
 



A tapestry needle also called a darning needle is used for sewing sections together.



A cable stitch holder temporarily holds back a few stitches o be later picked up and knit in a special knitting pattern such as the cable stitch.



A point protector protects needle points and also keep stitches from sliding off when the knitting is set aside.



Knitting measures are available in many different shapes. They are used to identify knitting needle size and to measure tension.



Bobbins are used to hold different yarn colors and textures.