User:Loggie/current project

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Knitting using a circular needle.
Knitting using a circular needle.
Knitting on double points.
Knitting on double points.

Circular knitting or knitting in the round is a form of knitting that creates a seamless tube. When knitting circularly, the knitting is cast on and the circle of stitches is joined. Knitting is worked in rounds (the equivalent of rows in flat knitting) in a spiral.[1]

The earliest image of circular knitting, from the 15th century AD.
The earliest image of circular knitting, from the 15th century AD.
Four double pointed knitting needles.
Four double pointed knitting needles.

Originally, circular knitting was done using a set of four or five double-pointed needles. Later, circular needles were invented, which can also be used to do circular knitting: the circular needle looks like two short knitting needles connected by a cable between them. Machines also do circular knitting; double bed machines can be set up to knit on the front bed in one direction then the back bed on the return, creating a knitted tube.[2] Specialized knitting machines for sock-knitting use individual latch-hook needles to make each stitch in a round frame.[3]

Double-pointed needles which are generally used to form tubular fabrics such as socks and the bodies or sleeves of sweaters, are the oldest known knitting needles, and still very much in use. As the name implies, double-pointed needles are tapered at both ends nearly to points. They are normally used in sets of four or five as depicted in a number of 14th century oil paintings, typically called Knitting Madonnas, depicting Mary knitting with double-pointed needles (Rutt, 2003). Typical 21st century double-pointed needles range from about 4 to 15 inches in length. Shorter needles are used for knitting socks and the fingers of gloves. Longer needles are used for nearly all other work, including sweaters, shawls and blankets.

[edit] Uses

Wool sock knitted on doublepoints
Wool sock knitted on doublepoints

Many types of sweaters are traditionally knit in the round. Planned openings (arm holes, necks, cardigan fronts) are temporarily knitted with extra stitches, reinforced if necessary. Then the extra stitches are cut to create the opening, and are stitched with a sewing machine to prevent unraveling.[4]

Most socks are knit in the round, with the notable exception of argyle socks. Both double points and circular needles can be used. Due to the small diameter of socks, circular needles are generally used in pairs.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ knitty.com
  2. ^ Flat knitting machine having four opposed needle beds - Patent # 4100766 - PatentGenius
  3. ^ Sock Machine Museum Sock Knitting Machine Information, Sales, Patterns and Museum
  4. ^ http://www.kidsknits.com/steeks_introduction.html

[edit] Further Reading

  • Zimmermann, Elizabeth. (1972). Knitting Without Tears. New York: Simon and Schuster. (Reprint Edition ISBN 0-684-13505-1)
  • Rutt, Richard (2003). A History of Handknitting. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press. (Reprint Edition ISBN 1-931499-37-3)
  • Hiatt, June Hemmons. (1989). The Principles of Knitting: Methods and Techniques of Hand Knitting. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-0671552336
  • Allen, Pam, Trisha Malcolm, Rich Tennant, and Cheryl Fall. (2002) Knitting for Dummies. New York: Hungry Minds, Inc. ISBN 978-0764553950
  • Breiter, Barbara, and Gail Diven (2003) The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting Illustrated, 2nd Edition. New York: Alpha Books. ISBN 978-1592570898