Knitting Hobby

Knitting

 

Knitting, with its roots in the word "knot," uses many needles to craft a fabric from interconnected loops. Though the earliest documented evidence comes from a pair of Egyptian socks (3rd-5th century AD), the intricate nature of these socks hints at a much older tradition.

Knitting's journey from the Middle East to Europe began around the 14th century, traveling along trade routes in the Mediterranean. It even has a place in art history: Master Bertram of Minden's "Visit of the Angel" (1410) depicts the Virgin Mary knitting.

In the UK, the weather-resistant qualities of knitted wool garments made them a favorite among soldiers, sailors, and laborers from the Middle Ages onward. However, the invention of the first mechanized knitting machine in 1589 by William Lee of Calverton shifted production from rural areas to city centers.

Knitting from Profession to Pastime

For centuries, knitting wasn't a gendered activity. Both men and women were professional knitters, crafting garments for a living. This all changed in the mid-to-late 19th century. According to author and historian Penelope Hemingway, knitting became "a parlor hobby" relegated to the domestic sphere for middle-class women. Hemingway, speaking to BBC Designed, explains how this shift positioned knitting as something women did "in the spaces between men's more public-facing lives." This association with the domestic sphere ultimately led to knitting being seen as an "idle" pursuit, a feminine pastime confined to the home.

The 20th century saw knitting's popularity fluctuate. While some saw it as a quaint hobby, it remained a crucial skill for those with limited resources or disabilities. Hemingway highlights how knitting provided a way for the elderly "to stay economically active" in a time before social safety nets. However, the world wars and the Great Depression cemented the association of knitting with housewives. Women were encouraged to knit for soldiers, and many turned to knitting and mending out of necessity. Even today, knitting carries echoes of those times, linked to the domestic roles and preferences of women who embraced it in the past. Knitwear, much like other fashion trends. Coco Chanel, known for her iconic suits, embraced knits, incorporating them into her designs and promoting them for leisure activities like sailing and sports. The 1950s and '60s saw a rise in sweater sets and A-line skirts, championed by designers like Emilio Pucci and Missoni. This era solidified knitwear's association with either affluence and preppy style or a sense of comfortable ease.

From then on, influential designers including Yves Saint Laurent, Sonia Rykiel, Calvin Klein, Liz Claiborne, and Diane von Furstenberg regularly incorporated knits into their collections. Knitwear became a staple, often reflecting either a luxurious or relaxed aesthetic. However, towards the end of the 20th century, fashion rebels like Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Julien Macdonald emerged. These pioneers pushed boundaries, using knits in unconventional ways to create edgy garments. Their innovative approach expanded the possibilities of the technique, taking knitwear beyond its traditional roles in fashion.

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Pushing the Boundaries of a Time-Honored Craft

The world of knitting has undergone a fascinating transformation in recent years, with designers, artists, and hobbyists taking it to new extremes. This movement is fueled by a desire to challenge preconceived notions and elevate knitting to a whole new level.

Pioneering figures like Yan Yan and Hazar Jawabra are leading the charge, gaining international recognition for their innovative, fashion-forward knitwear. Their work actively subverts the traditional domestic, mundane, and tedious stereotypes associated with knitting. Sandy Black, a professor at the London College of Fashion, observes the powerful impact of this artistic rebellion.

Black further emphasizes the persistent underestimation of knitting's complexity. She highlights how knitting is often perceived as a simple, amateur craft, both within and outside the fashion industry. This perspective, however, fails to recognize the immense skill and artistry required to create the intricate and challenging pieces that define extreme knitting.

Enhance Your Knitting Skills

If you're looking to gain more knitting experience and eventually design your own pieces, the key is practice. Experiment with different years and knit a variety of garments and accessories, exploring a wide range of designers.

Don’t hesitate to purchase patterns. Invest in patterns from reputable designers and publications known for quality. If you're unsure where to start, I personally recommend patterns published by Twist Collective. I have used many of their patterns and have always been satisfied. (Note: I am not affiliated with them; this is just a personal recommendation.)

Learn by example. Try new techniques and closely examine how patterns are designed, written, and formatted. Pay attention to the phrasing that makes instructions clear and easy to follow. Identify what you like and dislike. Educate yourself on the diverse range of knitting patterns available to broaden your understanding and skill set.

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Text Processing

Many designers use Word to create patterns, and there's nothing wrong with that if it's your preferred text editor. However, I don't use Word for my knitting patterns anymore. I used to, but it often crashed my MacBook and lacked design control. 

LaTeX

Another option is LaTeX, which is widely used for typesetting in mathematical publications. While it has a steep learning curve, it's invaluable for writing texts with numerous references. I used LaTeX for my doctoral thesis, but it's not ideal for knitting patterns. LaTeX excels in creating beautifully formatted mathematical documents but requires significant effort for other types of content.

Layout

This professional layout software offers numerous features, full control over the design, and various publishing formats. Whether you need to print, create Kindle versions, or generate EPUB files, InDesign handles it all seamlessly. While some may find it expensive, Adobe offers a range of subscription options and discounts. You can find more details on Adobe's website.

Vector Graphics (Scalable)

For creating vector graphics—which are scalable without loss, unlike pixel-based graphics made with software like Photoshop and GIMP—I use Adobe Illustrator. While Inkscape is a solid option, I personally find Illustrator more comfortable and intuitive to use.

Pixel Graphics (Photo & Image Editing)

I've been using Photoshop since version 3.0. It's powerful, but like Inkscape, I find it less intuitive because I'm so accustomed to Photoshop. However, I did use GIMP for a while when working on a Linux system that didn't support Photoshop natively. It got the job done. Give it a try—it's free and open-source, which is always a plus.

Charting Software

For my charts, I use Knit Visualizer because it produces clean, professional-looking charts and offers excellent usability. Despite a few minor issues, such as not mirroring decreases properly, the software has many useful features, including automatic creation of written instructions from charts and custom stitch libraries. However, I understand that not everyone wants to invest $189 in charting software.

The Basics of Reading Knitting Patterns

Reading a knitting pattern is much like reading a Western book. You start at the top left corner and read to the bottom right. If the pattern includes columns, read them as you would in a newspaper, moving from left to right across each column.

Key Components of a Knitting Pattern

While knitting patterns are not fully standardized, a well-written pattern typically includes the following elements:

Legend with Abbreviations

Purpose: This section deciphers the abbreviations used throughout the pattern.

Details: Look for explanations of terms like "k" for knit, "p" for purl, and other stitch instructions.

Knitting Instructions & Charts

Purpose: Provide step-by-step instructions for creating the piece.

Details: This includes written instructions and sometimes visual charts to help you follow along.

Gauge & Size Information

Purpose: Ensures that your finished piece will be the correct size.

Details: This section tells you the number of stitches and rows per inch, which you should match by adjusting your needle size or tension.

Materials Needed

Purpose: Lists all the materials required to complete the project.

Details: This includes the type and amount of yarn, needle sizes, and any additional tools like stitch markers or tapestry needles.

Pictures/Schematics

Purpose: Provides visual references to help you understand the final product.

Details: Look for images of the finished piece and diagrams showing measurements and construction details.

Detailed Walkthrough of Each Component

Legend with Abbreviations: This is crucial for understanding the shorthand used in the instructions. For instance, "k2tog" means "knit two together."

Knitting Instructions & Charts: Read the instructions line by line. If a chart is provided, familiarize yourself with its symbols and read it according to the pattern's instructions, usually from bottom to top and right to left.

Gauge & Size Information: Before starting, knit a small swatch to check your gauge. Adjust your knitting tension or needle size if necessary to match the pattern's gauge.

Materials Needed: Gather all required materials before you begin to ensure you have everything you need.

Pictures/Schematics: Use these visuals to get a sense of the final shape and dimensions of your project, helping you to follow the pattern more accurately.

Not all patterns will include all these components, especially older or free patterns, which may be less detailed and more challenging to interpret. Understanding these basics will help you navigate any knitting pattern with greater ease.

In summary, knitting is a versatile and rewarding hobby, offering relaxation, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you're a novice or an expert, the rhythmic motion of the needles and the endless possibilities of yarn provide a soothing escape from daily stresses. Why not embrace the chance to pick up those needles and begin a journey of self-expression and craftsmanship? Happy knitting!