Class Notes: Beginning Knitting - A Washcloth (aka the "Bera" Necessities)

Introduction

No, I will not apologize for the pun.

    The following is what I print out for my class. It is intended as an overview, much like a PowerPoint presentation, where the majority is explained through the duration of the class. I chose a washcloth because it is a quick project, can be finished in one day (usually), and is a very useful item. When I first started knitting, I found it boring to make a scarf. Doing the same stitch for what seems like years is discouraging whereas washcloths are near-instant gratification. Happy with the knit stitch? Great, move on to practicing the purl stitch, yarn overs, or any other variation of stitches that creates knitting. Keep making washcloths until you're comfortable and then move on to other things.
    The handout does not mention the history behind knitting, but this is because the class is intended to teach the skill. I will discuss a bit of what I have learned during class, but I do not focus on the historic aspects of the craft because I want the focus to be on the class gaining the skills and confidence to learn more on their own. 

Needles

*Knitting requires at least two needles
*Various lengths and thicknesses (US vs Metric)
*If the project calls for it, more needles are used
*Materials of the needles differ and chosen based on preference or skill

Yarn

*Comes in different “weights” (aka thicknesses)
*Examples; wool, flax, silk, bamboo, milk, possum
*Chosen based on project or preferences

 Knitting types

*English vs Continental (class is taught using the English method)
*There are others, but these are the two common ones
*Also based on preference or experience
 *If one way isn't working, trying another!

 Casting on

    Casting on is the method of creating the first stitch in your project and does count as a stitch (stitch one). From there, we will use the backwards loop (basically half hitches) to cast on the number of required stitches. To start with, we will just use a slip knot as the first stitch.

Patterns

• Most patterns use standardized language
• Most patterns usually provide a glossary, but terms can also be found online
• Right side vs. wrong side; right side is the side intended to be seen, wrong side is against skin
• Knits and purls make up most stitches

 Straight needles (back and forth on two needles)

• Stitches start on left needle, work them onto right needle. When finished, the right needle is  switched to the left hand, turning the work
• Using knit stitches only creates “garter stitch”
• A knit row followed by a purl row creates “stockinette stitch”

Knitting in the round (DPN's or circular needles)

• Project is circular such as socks or a hat, and is worked continuously until it reaches the desired length
• Using knit stitches only creates stockinette stitch
• A knit row followed by a purl row creates garter stitch

 To knit (verbal instruction)

    Insert the right needle tip into the left side of the first stitch on your left needle. Bring yarn around the back left of the working needle, up, and to the right. Keeping yarn somewhat taut on the right needle tip, bring the working end of the yarn through the loop, pushing up slightly on the working needle to keep the yarn tight. Slide this first stitch off the left needle. One stitch has been knitted! Now repeat.
    When your first row is done bring your working needle into your left hand. It is now the resting needle and the empty one in your right hand is your working needle. A good recommendation is to count your stitches on your needles every row or every other row until you get comfortable with the pattern. Keep going until you've made a square, like how long your project is, or can't be arsed to keep going.

 Casting Off

    To cast off, knit two stitches as normal. Then, on your right needle, lift the stitch closest to your right hand (the first stitch you knitted) over the second stitch and let it drop. You will have one stitch on your right needle and 43 on your left. Knit another stitch from the left needle; you will have 2 on your right needle and 42 on your left. Pass the stitch closest to your hand over the stitch you just made. Keep doing this until you have cast off all stitches and one stitch remains. Cut yarn about six inches or so and bring the end through the last stitch, pulling tight. Sew in the tail end of your yarn.

Pattern:

Cast on (CO) 20 stitches
Rows 1-4: Knit (K) all stitches
Row 5: K2, purl to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 6: Knit all stitches
Repeat rows 5 and 6 until desired length.
Knit 4 rows
Cast off all 20 stitches