All Knitting Tech Support

1. Origins (Ancient Times): Knitting is believed to have originated in the Middle East, specifically in what is now modern-day Egypt, around the 3rd to 5th centuries CE. Early knitting techniques were likely influenced by other forms of textile production, such as weaving and nalbinding (a precursor to knitting). The earliest known knitted artifacts are socks found in ancient Egyptian tombs.
2. Spread to Europe (Medieval Era): Knitting spread to Europe through trade and cultural exchanges, and it gained popularity during the Medieval period. Nuns and monks in European monasteries were among the first to develop and document knitting techniques. They created intricate and colorful knitted textiles, including garments and accessories.
3. Renaissance and Beyond (16th-18th Centuries): During the Renaissance, knitting became more widespread across Europe. Knitted garments became fashionable, and knitting patterns started to appear in publications. The advent of knitting guilds helped standardize techniques and fostered the sharing of knowledge among knitters.
4. Industrial Revolution (18th-19th Centuries): The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to the knitting industry. The introduction of knitting machines revolutionized textile production, making knitted fabrics more accessible and affordable. Hand knitting continued to be a popular pastime for individuals, but it also contributed to cottage industries and small-scale production.

World Wars and Knitting for the Troops: During World War I and World War II, knitting became a patriotic duty in many countries. People on the home front knitted socks, scarves, and other warm items for soldiers at the front lines. This period saw a resurgence of interest in hand knitting.

1. Post-War Popularity and Modern Knitting (20th Century): After World War II, knitting remained a popular pastime and hobby. The mid-20th century saw the publication of many knitting patterns and the emergence of knitting magazines. Knitting styles evolved to include both functional and fashionable items.
2. Revival of Traditional and Ethnic Knitting (Late 20th Century - Present): In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional and ethnic knitting techniques. Many knitters and designers have explored and revived old patterns and styles from different cultures. This has led to a rich tapestry of knitting traditions from around the world being celebrated and integrated into contemporary knitting projects.
3. Digital Age and Online Knitting Communities (21st Century): The advent of the internet has transformed the knitting world. Online knitting communities, forums, and video tutorials have made it easier for knitters to share knowledge, patterns, and inspiration. Social media platforms like Ravelry and Instagram have become hubs for knitters to connect and showcase their work.

Today, knitting remains a beloved craft, with a diverse community of practitioners who continue to explore and innovate while honoring the rich traditions of this ancient textile art.

Traditional knitting, also known as hand knitting, is a method of creating knitted fabric using two knitting needles and yarn. It's a versatile and widely practiced craft that has been used for centuries to create various clothing items, accessories, and decorative pieces. Here's how traditional knitting works:

Materials Needed:

• Knitting Needles: You typically use two knitting needles, which come in various materials, lengths, and sizes, depending on the project and yarn you're using.
• Yarn: Choose a suitable yarn for your project, considering its weight, fiber content, and color.
• Scissors: You'll need scissors to cut the yarn when finishing your project.
• Yarn Needle: A yarn needle or tapestry needle is used for weaving in loose ends and sewing seams if necessary.
• Pattern: Most knitting projects are based on a pattern or instructions that guide you in creating specific stitches and shaping.

Basic Steps:

Cast On:

• Start by creating a foundation row of stitches, a process known as "casting on." There are various cast-on methods, such as the long-tail cast-on or the knit cast-on, which provide different results and stretchiness.

Holding the Needles:

• Hold one knitting needle in each hand. The needle with the cast-on stitches is referred to as the "left needle," and the empty needle is the "right needle."

Knitting Stitches:

• Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, from left to right (front to back). The right needle should cross behind the left needle.
• Wrap the yarn around the right needle counterclockwise, bringing the yarn from the back to the front.
• Use the right needle to pull the wrapped yarn through the stitch on the left needle, creating a new stitch on the right needle.
• Slide the old stitch off the left needle, transferring it to the right needle.
• Repeat these steps for each stitch across the row.

Purling Stitches (Optional):

• To create a different texture or pattern, you can introduce purl stitches alongside knit stitches. Purling is essentially the reverse of knitting. Insert the right needle from right to left (front to back) into the stitch, wrap the yarn counterclockwise, and pull it through, then slide the old stitch off the left needle.

Following the Pattern:

• Continue knitting or purling according to your chosen pattern. Patterns may include instructions for different stitch combinations, increases, decreases, and shaping to create the desired design.

Changing Colors (Optional):

• If your project requires color changes, you can simply join a new color of yarn by leaving a tail and knitting it along with the old color. Secure the loose ends later.

Binding Off:

• Once you've completed your project or a section of it, bind off or cast off the stitches. This involves knitting the first two stitches, passing the first stitch over the second, and repeating until one stitch remains. Cut the yarn and thread it through the last stitch to secure it.

Finishing:

• Weave in any loose yarn ends using a yarn needle to hide them within the fabric.
• Seam pieces together if you've worked on separate sections.
• Block your finished project, if necessary, by gently wetting it and reshaping it to the desired dimensions.

Traditional knitting allows for creativity and flexibility, and there are countless stitch patterns and techniques to explore. It's a relaxing and enjoyable craft that can be used to make a wide range of handmade items.

Loom knitting is a method of creating knitted fabric using a specialized tool called a knitting loom or knitting board. Here's a brief history of loom knitting:

1. Ancient Origins: Loom knitting, or a form of it, can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Early looms and weaving devices were used to create fabric by interlocking threads or fibers, and this is considered a precursor to modern knitting. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and other cultures used loom-like instruments for textile production.
2. Medieval Europe: While hand knitting gained popularity in medieval Europe, simple looms and weaving methods were still prevalent for textile production. These early looms used pegs or nails to hold the yarn in place and create basic woven fabrics.
3. Renaissance and Beyond (16th-18th Centuries): As knitting gained popularity in Europe, some developments in loom knitting also occurred. Looms with more sophisticated mechanisms, like the stocking frame knitting machine, were invented. These machines paved the way for the mass production of knitted textiles.
4. 19th Century and Industrialization: The 19th century saw significant advancements in loom knitting technology. Circular knitting machines, such as the circular sock knitting machine invented by William Lee in the late 16th century, became more widespread. These machines allowed for the production of seamless knitted items like socks and stockings, revolutionizing the textile industry.
5. 20th Century and Hobby Loom Knitting: While industrial knitting machines dominated textile manufacturing, hobbyist loom knitting gained popularity in the early 20th century. Companies like Knifty Knitter and Boye began manufacturing looms for home use, and loom knitting books and patterns were published to support this growing craft.
6. Resurgence in Popularity (21st Century): Loom knitting experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 21st century, partly due to the accessibility of loom kits and tutorials on the internet. Loom knitting offers an easier entry point into knitting for beginners and those with physical limitations, making it an attractive option for a broader audience.
7. Innovation and Diverse Looms: The 21st century has also seen the development of various types of looms, including round looms, rectangular looms, and rake looms, each with its own advantages and purposes. Loom knitting enthusiasts have continued to innovate by adapting traditional knitting patterns for loom knitting and creating new designs specifically for loom use.

Today, loom knitting is a versatile and accessible craft enjoyed by a wide range of individuals. It continues to evolve as loom knitters explore new techniques, patterns, and styles, making it a valuable addition to the world of textile arts and crafts.

Loom knitting is a method of creating knitted fabric using a knitting loom or knitting board, which consists of a frame with evenly spaced pegs. Loom knitting is an excellent alternative to traditional hand knitting with needles, especially for beginners or those who may have difficulty using needles. Here's how loom knitting works:

1. Selecting a Loom: Choose a knitting loom that suits your project. Looms come in various shapes and sizes, and the choice depends on the type of item you want to create. Some common looms include round looms, long looms, and rectangular looms.
2. Yarn: Select the appropriate yarn for your project. The yarn thickness (weight) should match the loom's gauge, which is usually indicated in the loom's instructions or packaging.
3. Anchoring the Yarn: Begin by securing the yarn to one of the pegs on the knitting loom. You can use a slipknot or another method, depending on your preference. This peg is typically referred to as the "anchor peg."
4. Wrapping the Pegs: With the yarn anchored, start wrapping it around the pegs in a specific pattern or configuration. The wrapping pattern and number of wraps depend on the type of stitch you want to create. For example, for a basic knit stitch, you might wrap the pegs in a figure-eight pattern.
5. Knitting Over: After wrapping the pegs, use a knitting tool (often included with the loom) or a crochet hook to lift the bottom loop over the top of the peg. This process is similar to knitting over or binding off in traditional hand knitting. It creates a knit stitch on the peg.
6. Repeat: Continue wrapping the pegs and knitting over the loops until you've completed the desired number of rows or reached the desired length for your project.
7. Changing Stitches: Loom knitting allows you to create various stitch patterns, including knit, purl, ribbing, and more, by changing the way you wrap the pegs and knit over the loops. Follow specific instructions or patterns to achieve different textures and designs.
8. Casting Off: To finish your project, you'll need to cast off or bind off. This involves carefully removing the stitches from the pegs, securing the last row, and creating a finished edge. The casting-off method may vary depending on the type of project you're making.
9. Finishing: After casting off, you'll often have loose yarn tails to weave in and trim to give your project a polished appearance.

Loom knitting is known for its ease of use and can be an excellent introduction to knitting for beginners. It allows you to create a wide range of items, including scarves, hats, socks, blankets, and more. Many loom knitting patterns and tutorials are available online and in craft books, making it accessible to crafters of all skill levels.

The history of rake knitting, also known as knitting boards or knitting rakes, is somewhat challenging to trace precisely. It is an ancient technique that has been used in various forms across different cultures for centuries. While the specific origins of rake knitting are not well-documented, we can gain some insight into its history based on the evolution of knitting tools and techniques.

Here's a general overview of the historical development of rake knitting:

1. Early Origins: Knitting as a craft likely originated in the Middle East or Mediterranean regions around the first millennium CE. Early knitting was done using two needles, similar to what we now consider traditional knitting. Rake knitting, with its pegs and boards, may have evolved as a simpler and more accessible method for creating knitted fabrics.
2. Medieval Europe: By the Middle Ages, knitting had spread to Europe, and various knitting tools and techniques were in use. While hand knitting with needles was prevalent, there is evidence that knitting boards with pegs were also used, particularly for creating items like socks and caps.
3. Colonial America: Rake knitting boards were used by early European settlers in North America. These simple tools were particularly useful for producing warm clothing, such as mittens, socks, and scarves, which were essential in the harsh winters.
4. 19th Century: Rake knitting continued to be used in the 19th century, particularly in rural and frontier communities where resources were limited, and people had to make their own clothing. These knitting boards were often homemade, crafted from readily available materials.
5. 20th Century and Beyond: While traditional hand knitting with needles became more popular and widespread in the 20th century, rake knitting never completely disappeared. In fact, it experienced a resurgence in interest, especially for its simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible to beginners and individuals with physical limitations.

Today, rake knitting boards are commercially available in various sizes and configurations, catering to a wide range of knitting projects. They are used for both practical and creative purposes, and they remain a valuable tool in the world of knitting and textile crafts.

Despite the lack of detailed historical records, the use of rake knitting boards is a testament to the enduring appeal of this versatile and accessible knitting technique throughout the ages.

Rake knitting, also known as "knitting rake" or "knitting board," is a specialized knitting technique that uses a long, narrow tool with multiple pegs or pins to create knitted fabric. It is an alternative to traditional hand knitting with needles or loom knitting. Rake knitting is often chosen for its ease of use and the ability to produce a double-sided fabric with minimal effort.

Here's how rake knitting works:

1. The Rake: The main tool in rake knitting is the knitting rake itself, which resembles a long, flat board with a series of evenly spaced pegs or pins along its length. The pegs can vary in number and spacing, depending on the specific rake knitting board you're using.
2. Yarn: You'll need yarn suitable for your project, and the choice of yarn weight will depend on the gauge you want for your fabric.
3. Knitting Technique: To create fabric using a knitting rake, you typically use the following technique:
   a. Setup: Begin by anchoring the yarn to one end of the rake, usually by wrapping it around the first peg. You can secure the yarn with a slipknot or by tying it in place.
   b. Wrapping Pegs: Wrap the yarn around the pegs in a specific pattern or according to your desired stitch type. The configuration of wraps will depend on the knitting pattern you're following.
   c. Knitting Over: After wrapping the pegs, use a tool (such as a specialized knitting hook or a regular crochet hook) to lift the bottom loops over the top of the pegs. This process creates knit or purl stitches, depending on the wrapping pattern.
   d. Repeat: Continue wrapping the pegs and knitting over the loops until your fabric reaches the desired length.
4. Finishing: Once you've completed your project, you'll need to cast off, which typically involves carefully removing the stitches from the pegs and securing the final row of knitting.

Rake knitting is especially popular for creating scarves, blankets, and other flat, rectangular items. It's known for its relative simplicity, making it accessible to beginners or those who may find traditional knitting with needles challenging. Additionally, because rake knitting produces a double-sided fabric, it's reversible, which can be advantageous for certain projects where both sides will be visible.

Machine knitting, also known as knitting automation, is a method of producing knitted fabric using knitting machines. Here's a brief history of machine knitting:

1. Early Attempts (18th Century): The origins of machine knitting can be traced back to the late 18th century when inventors began experimenting with mechanized methods of knitting. Some early knitting machines, like the "stocking frame," were developed to automate the production of stockings and other hosiery.
2. Industrial Revolution (19th Century): The early 19th century witnessed significant advancements in knitting technology during the Industrial Revolution. Innovations like the "circular knitting frame" and the "hosiery frame" were developed to mass-produce knitted textiles. These machines were capable of producing seamless tubes of fabric, making them highly efficient for producing items like socks and stockings.
3. Invention of the Shima Seiki Machine (1960s): One of the most significant milestones in machine knitting came in the 1960s when the Japanese company Shima Seiki introduced the first fully computerized flat knitting machine. This innovation marked a turning point in the industry as it allowed for more complex and customizable knitted designs, including intricate patterns and textures.
4. Rise of Computerized Knitting Machines (Late 20th Century): Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, computerized knitting machines continued to evolve. These machines were capable of reading digital patterns, making it easier to produce complex and customized knitted garments, including sweaters, scarves, and more.
5. Contemporary Machine Knitting (21st Century): In the 21st century, machine knitting has continued to advance. Computer-controlled knitting machines are now widely used in textile manufacturing, enabling designers and manufacturers to create a wide range of knitted products with precision and speed.
6. Hand and Hobbyist Machine Knitting: While industrial knitting machines have played a significant role in textile manufacturing, there's also a thriving community of hand and hobbyist machine knitters. These individuals use smaller, more portable knitting machines to create custom projects, experiment with unique designs, and explore the creative possibilities of machine knitting.

Machine knitting has transformed the textile industry, making it possible to produce knitted garments and fabrics on a large scale. It has also opened up new avenues for creativity and customization in the world of knitting, appealing to both professionals in the fashion industry and enthusiasts in the crafting community.

Machine knitting is a method of creating knitted fabric using a knitting machine, also known as a knitting frame or knitting loom. Unlike hand knitting or loom knitting, machine knitting automates much of the knitting process, allowing for faster and more precise production of knitted items. Here's how machine knitting works:

Selecting a Knitting Machine:

• Knitting machines come in various types and sizes, ranging from simple manual machines to computerized models. The choice of machine depends on the complexity of the project and the features you require.
• Some knitting machines are designed for flat knitting, while others are circular machines that can knit in the round.

Yarn Selection:

• Choose the appropriate yarn for your project. The yarn thickness, fiber content, and color will depend on your design and personal preferences.

Machine Setup:

• Set up the knitting machine on a stable surface and ensure that it's properly threaded and ready for operation.
• Load the chosen yarn onto the machine's yarn carrier or tension mast.

Cast On:

• Begin by casting on stitches onto the knitting machine's needle bed. This can be done manually by placing individual stitches onto the needles or using a cast-on comb for quicker casting on.

Selecting Stitch Patterns:

• Knitting machines often have pattern selection mechanisms, such as punch cards, buttons, or digital interfaces, that allow you to choose different stitch patterns or designs.

Operating the Machine:

• To knit a row, you manually guide the carriage (or knitting head) across the needle bed. As the carriage moves, it engages the needles, forming stitches in the process.
• The carriage can be set to knit, purl, or perform other stitches according to your pattern.

Tension and Stitch Size:

• Adjust the machine's tension settings to ensure the stitches are neither too tight nor too loose. This helps achieve the desired fabric quality.
• You can also adjust the stitch size (gauge) by changing the needle size or spacing on the machine.

Repeating Rows:

• Continue knitting rows by manually operating the carriage, following the pattern instructions.

Changing Colors and Techniques:

• To create color patterns or incorporate different techniques (e.g., fair isle or intarsia), you'll need to manually change yarn colors and manipulate the machine's settings as needed.

Casting Off:

• When your project is complete, you'll cast off or bind off the stitches to create a finished edge. This is typically done manually by transferring stitches and then binding them off.

Finishing: 

   After removing the knitted fabric from the machine, you may need to weave in loose yarn ends, seam pieces together (if knitting in sections), and perform any other necessary finishing touches.

   Machine knitting is favored for its efficiency and ability to produce large quantities of knitted items with precision. It is commonly used in commercial knitting operations for producing garments, accessories, and textiles. While it requires some initial learning and practice, machine knitting can be a rewarding craft for individuals who enjoy working with textiles and creating customized, high-quality knitwear.