Knitting is a great skill to learn, and there are many different types of stitches you can use. You can learn about different types of knitting techniques including cast-on, cable cast-on, longtail cast-on, rib knit stitch, nalbinding, and stockinette stitch. All of these techniques are great for beginners to start out with, and can be very useful in a variety of projects.
Casting on stitches
Casting on stitches when knitting is a process of introducing new stitches to a project. This can be done in a variety of ways. Typically, this process requires both hands.
There are many types of cast on methods, so choosing the best one for a particular project depends on what the project is intended for. Some are more stable, while others can be more forgiving. A cast on method that is easy to use and produces a smooth, tight edge is usually the most important.
If you want to cast on stitches in the middle of a row, a cable cast on can be a great way to go. Another option is the backwards loop cast on.
Choosing a cast on method involves considering how you will need to grip the needle and how you will want to manipulate the yarn. One of the most basic cast on methods is the thumb cast on.
Stockinette or stocking stitch
Stockinette or stocking stitch is one of the most common knitting stitches and it is used in most patterns. This stitch is used to create flat pieces or to frame textured patterns. It is also great for making hats and fringes.
Stockinette or stocking stitch is made from alternating knit and purl rows. The pattern can be worked on any number of stitches.
You can knit stockinette or stocking stitch on circular needles. This is a relaxing and stress-free way to do knitting. Adding a seed stitch border or other border is a good idea to help keep stocking stitch from curling.
Stockinette or stocking stitch works well on a variety of needles, including circular, double and straight needles. It is also a great pattern for working on while you are on the go.
Rib knit stitch
Rib knitting is a great way to add stretch and elasticity to your garments. There are many different rib stitches to choose from, and you can experiment with any combination of knit and purl stitches you’d like. Whether you are knitting a sock, a sweater, a hat, or a scarf, you’ll need to know how to make the rib stitch.
Essentially, the rib stitch is a row of knit and purl stitches that creates vertical stripes. These stripes are raised to give the fabric a “ribbed” effect. The stitch also forms small pleats that are used to shape the ribbed edges of the garment.
The rib stitch is particularly well suited for areas that are fitted. For example, it’s a great way to cuff a sock. But you can also use it to accent certain wales, or to break up a pattern.
Cable cast on vs longtail cast on
Cable cast on and long tail cast on are both easy to do, but they are not the same thing. While both methods produce a solid edge, it is up to you which method you choose.
In addition to a sturdy edge, cable cast on gives you the same clean finish that a knitted cast on does, but without any of the extra knots and strings that can result. Plus, it does not require the long tail that long tail cast on requires. This makes it a great choice for underarms, ribbing, and buttonholes.
Cable cast on uses a working yarn to pull up stitches at the beginning of the row. Long tail cast on, on the other hand, uses two strands of yarn to form a loop. Depending on the technique you use, this could be a very long loop or only a short one.
Nalbinding
Nalbinding is a technique that involves working with short pieces of yarn. It’s an ancient stitch and is used primarily for making hats and socks. The earliest known examples of nalbinding date back to the Danish Mesolithic era of the Stone Age.
Nalbinding has been around for thousands of years and has been used in all corners of the world. It’s often compared to knitting but is not the same. Unlike knitting, it requires a different needle, and it can’t be worked from the working end. However, it’s simple enough for a beginner to learn.
There are several different types of nalbinding stitches. They vary in complexity and are done using one or more hand. Some are easier to do than others, depending on the type of nalbinding you’re doing.
