Knitting Defined

Knitting is a craft in which two needles along with thread or yarn are used to create fabric pieces or garments by creating loops in the yarn. It can be used to create many types of fabric, from framed knitting artwork to sweaters, afghan quilts, throws, blankets, mittens, or even bedroom slippers.

The most basic type of knitting is called the knit stitch. With the knit stitch, you’ll slip the needle through the loop from front to back. Then, loop the yarn around the needle and put the stitch through onto the second needle. Another common type of knitting is the purl stitch, which is handled in an opposite manner than the knit stitch. When learning how to knit through paid or free knitting lessons for beginners, you’ll learn these basics first.

Why Learn How to Knit?

Knitting has been around for thousands of years, and probably always will be. So, why learn how to knit when you can easily buy finished fabrics in the marketplace?

One, knitting gives you a sense of accomplishment. When you complete a beautiful piece that can be framed as a home decor piece, you’ll be proud to hang it on your wall. When you complete a lovely, warm sweater made with your own hands, you can proudly wear it and explain that you knitted it yourself.

Two, learning how to knit requires self-discipline and steadfastness. You must work on it consistently to complete a project. When children learn to knit, they also learn to set goals, stick with something until the end, and accomplish something special.

Three, knitted items make excellent gifts. When your friend or loved one becomes an expectant mother, you can immediately begin knitting a blanket for the baby. Or, knit slippers for your family members as Christmas gifts. Giving something you made with your own hands makes a very special gift from the heart.

Where to Learn

Learning how to knit is easy today with so many online resources. There are online paid or free knitting lessons for beginners as well as advanced instructions. You can opt to learn from an individual locally, but this can cost quite a bit of time and money. Learning how to knit online enables you to learn from your own home during your spare time. It’s also very affordable.

Through online lessons, you’ll learn what tools and supplies are needed, how to cast on, how to know knits from purls, how to create patterns and designs, how to block and sew your work together, how to care for knitted garments, and other valuable skills.

With free knitting lessons for beginners or advanced knitting instructions, you might also benefit and save money with the free patterns provided at some websites. Learning how to knit will give you a skill that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Author: Chris Robertson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Even a very simple garment may look wonderful if it is knit from good quality materials. For a beginner the most satisfying fiber to knit is wool. This is because wool is durable and naturally elastic. In addition to this you will find wool in an amazing variety of styles and colors.

Furthermore, worsted weight yarn is good for beginners and anything smaller than that will make you lose tolerance waiting for results. Another quality yarn is Lamb’s Pride, which you may easily find in many shops. Lamb’s Pride is basically a wool and mohair blend. This yarn is lustrous and strong; and comes in brilliant colors. You may also use yarn made of wool and silk blend, but this can be quite expensive.

If you live in a warm climate then you may use cotton to start knitting, but it is just not much pleasing to knit with. Keep in mind that you need to knit cotton a bit tighter than wool. So for this you will have to use a slightly smaller needle to knit cotton yarn with ease. Your knitting shop will be pleased to recommend a good sized and appropriate needle for the yarn you choose. Once you have the required tools and have selected some good yarn, you can go ahead practicing the two basic stitches, that is, knit and purl stitch. But if you do not know how to knit and also you do not have someone who can teach you the basics of knitting, you need not fret at all. This is because there is help available for you by which you can easily learn how to knit. You will find many online knitting resources that provide you with instructions and tips on knitting.

For your initial projects, knit easy-to-do pieces that are not based on a lot of precision and measurement. For example, you may knit a pretty pashmina designed stole in about 250 cast on stitches and also knit in garter stitch (that implies you knit every row, with no purling) till it becomes 24 inches broad.

You will definitely enjoy knitting if you knit with a yarn you like or knit different colored stripes. If you use a number of colors, make sure they all are of the same brand and type of yarn.

So there you have a bit of old fashioned know-how about knitting patterns.

Author: Lara Greene
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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One of the earliest known examples of knitting was found in Egypt. Finely decorated cotton socks were found in the end of the first millennium AD. Although experts belief this was the origin of knitting, the first knitting trade guild was started in Paris France in 1527. Today, knitting is a popular passion and hobby for people of all ages. Statistics according the Craft Yarn Council of America show that in the United States the number of women knitters age 25-35 increased by 150% in the two years between 2002 and 2004. It’s become so popular today that there are now many groups and classes forming to share this recreation and hobby with others.

While some people prefer to join a group or class others enjoy knitting in the privacy of their own home. With that in mind before starting a new knitting project, there are few things to keep in mind. First find a comfortable, cozy chair or couch where you feel comfortable to work for long periods of time. Make sure the chair has good lighting surrounding your work area as well. Another important thing to remember is to read through any directions or steps before you start. Always keep in mind that learning a new skill, such as knitting, requires lots of patience and practice. But most of all you should remember to have fun while you knit. If you get stuck or discouraged, take a break with a brisk walk, have a snack or even just take a deep breath before going back to your current knitting project.

The first place many knitters start is with a cast-on stitch. Casting-on is the term for making the foundation row of stitches on your needle. This type of stitch is recommended for beginners, intermediate and even experienced knitters. Also, keep in mind, there are many different methods of casting-on. Other methods to casting on are: the single-stitch, the double-knitted, the crochet edge, the long-tail, and the cable cast-on. Experts agree that is recommended to learn the knitting cast-on as your first method because it’s simpler than the others and leaves your project with an edge that stretches well. As you become a more experienced knitter, you may wish to explore the other cast-on methods.

Once you have your stitching down, the next step in exploring knitting is the knit stitch, which is also known as the garter stitch. To put it simply, knitting is the art of creating a fabric by making interlocking loops of yarn, with two basic ways of creating these loops. The first way is ‘knitting’ which is the action of inserting your needles through the bottom of a loop and pulling a new loop down and the through the first loop. The other way is known as ‘purling’, or the action of inserting your needles from the top of a loop and pulling a new loop up and through the first stitch.

Gauge is another important factor to knitting. Gauge refers to the number of stitches and rows a knitter makes per inch using a certain type of yarn and needles or hook. Gauge greatly varies from person to person, so it is very important to make sure you are achieving the gauge of your particular pattern. Basically, your gauge determines the size of your finished piece. Hence if you don’t get the proper gauge, the garment will not come out to the intended size. If you are knitting with a thick yarn you’ll make bigger stitches and have very few stitches and rows per inch. If you are knitting with a finer yarn, you’ll make smaller stitches and have more stitches and rows per inch. To determine a proper and accurate gauge swatch, cast on or chain enough stitches to equal approximately four inches and work in pattern for four inches. Take your stitches off the needle and, without stretching the fabric, place a tape measure on your work and gently pin where the tape measure reads one inch.

When addressing gauge, you should also be conscious of the different varieties and types of needles to knit with. Classic circular needles are a popular choice with knitters today. Another popular choice is the double pointed needle. There are even needles, such as the straight needles that are great for lace knitting. The tips on these needles are specially tapered to make it easier to dig into a stitch. Each type of needle offers different advantages and should be checked out accordingly to what you’re looking for and what type of project you’re working on.

After you have learned the basics of knitting you can start to think about and focus on ribbing. Ribbing is a border that is commonly used on the cuffs of those cozy sweaters, hats, and scarves you will be knitting. It is used because it produces a stretchy fabric and it is made with a combination of those knit stitches and purl stitches we touched on earlier. Ribbing can be done with any number of stitches, but two or three is what is most common.

There are many important steps, and stitches, along the way when acquiring the skill of knitting. What’s so wonderful about knitting is the variety of options that are available to be made. Many different colors, yarn types, needles, stitches, patterns, and looks can be uniquely created by you and only you – making your knitting project a perfect work of art that can never be duplicated.

Author: Christine Beals
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Don’t be fooled into thinking this tea cosy and egg cosy with hens must be difficult to make, because they are really very quick and easy with minimal shaping.

To make the three country hens, tea cosy you will need…

5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles,

3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 4 knitting needles,

50g White double knitting wool,

50g Lemon double knitting wool,

25g Dark Brown double knitting wool

25g Red double knitting wool

Other oddments of hen coloured double knitting wool and scraps of felt for the beak.

Knit the Front and Back of the tea cosy to match

Using the white wool and the lemon wool as double thickness yarn and size 5 knitting needles, cast on 28 stitches and work 38 rows in straight garter stitch (Knit each row)

Leave the stitches on a spare needle until later.

Shaping the top…
Using white and lemon wool as a double yarn proceed to knit across the tea cosy front and then tea cosy back as follows…

Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end

Next and every alternate row Knit.

Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end.

Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end.

Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end.

Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end.

Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

With the front and back right sides together, sew about 9.5cm from the finishing off point down the side seam towards the cast on edge.

At the bottom of each side seam, sew about 3cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.

Knitting the hens…
Using a hen coloured double knitting wool and with size 10 needles, cast on 16 stitches and work 16 rows in stocking stitch (knit a row, purl a row)

Cast off.

To make up the hen…
Fold the square of knitting in half diagonally (with the right sides of the work facing) to form a triangle. Sew along one edge, turn and stuff lightly and neatly over-sew up the opening. With the thread still attached, sew small running stitches half way along the folded side of the triangle. Then insert the needle into the middle of this side and come out at the opposite corner, passing the yarn through on the inside of the hen. Draw up the stitching tightly to the hen’s tail and head a bird like shape, and finish off.

The Hen’s Comb (The red crest on the top of its head)…
With red double knitting wool and sized 10 knitting needles, cast on 7 stitches.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: K1 *Bring the wool round the needle tot he front of the work and K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 3: Purl
Cast off.

To make up the Comb…
Fold the red knitting in half so that the holes form a little scallop edging. Over-sew the long straight edges together and sew into position on the hen’s head.

Finishing off…
Finish off the hen by sewing an eye on either side of its head in dark brown wool. Cut a diamond shape from black felt, fold in half to create a triangle and sew into place. With red wool sew a couple of loops just below the beck for the hen’s wattles.

Make three hens in this way for the top of the tea cosy.

The Nest…
Using dark brown knitting wool and size 5 knitting needles cast on 60 stitches and then cast off.

Sew this long length of knitting to the tea cosy to form four loops, a bit like a flower. These loops make the hen’s nest.

Sew the three hens into position on the nest at the top of the tea cosy.

To Make The Egg Cosy…
With lemon and white double knitting wool and size 5 knitting needles, cast on 27 stitches and work 12 rows in garter stitch.

Shaping the Egg Cosy Top…

Row 1: *K1 K2tog* repeat to end.

Row 2: Knit

Row 3: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

With the front and back right sides together, sew up the seam.

The Egg Cosy Nest…

Using dark brown knitting wool and size 5 knitting needles cast on 20 stitches and then cast off.

Stitch in a ring at the top of the egg cosy. Finally make a hen to sew at the top of the cosy.

Author: S. Roberts
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Listed below are just of few of 1000’s currently available, just to get you started.

There is a wide variety of knitting books available which can be purchased either at bookshops, some knitting shops sell them or over the internet. You will be amazed of how many books you will find covering the subject and at all different levels as well.

Amazing choice

You can find knitting books by famous knitters like Melissa Mathay, Melissa Leapman, Liv Ullman, Candi Jensen, Cat Bordhi, Leigh Radford, Jillian Moreno, Nancy Bush, Amy Singer, Pam Allen, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, The Yarn Girls, Lynn Vogel, Annie Modesitt, Jane Davis, Vickie Square, Jil Eaton, Erika Knight, Nicky.

You can find books for beginners, like 25 Gorgeous Sweaters For The Brand New Knitter By Catherine Ham , or conversely books with very complicated patterns really only suitable for experienced knitters.

You can also find books that specialize on a certain area of the hobby like books for scarves and shawls lovers- Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers by Carri Hammett, books about socks , like Simple Socks: Plain and Fancy , books about knitted toys – toys to knit:

Starting out ………..

Dozens Of Patterns For Heirloom, Dolls, Doll Clothes , Animals& Accessories. In this last book each pattern is carefully explained, with clear charts and detailed instructions, so even the less-experienced knitter will find them easy to follow.It begins with the pattern for the Basic Doll with fingering weight yarn, dressed in a large variety of outfits, from a wrap top and full skirt to a sailor suit or a traditional kimono.

Once you have mastered the simple doll pattern, you can experiment with different facial expressions and hairstyles to create your own cast of characters. This knitting book also shows you how to make a stylish doll by adding accessories such as leg warmers, tutus, little shoes, and striped panties. Separate patterns are given for a wonderland of animals, mostly worked in worsted weight yarns, from Tucker the Monkey and Penguin, to Kangaroo and Baby Roo.

For the more experienced ………..

There are also books that teach you how to knit faster, like Speed Knitting by Kris Percival , which is very useful because you are helped by simple diagrams, photos of each finished project, a comprehensive techniques section, and straightforward language throughout.

Believe it or not, knitting isn’t really such a boring activity as many would originally think, after all and there are people who have found their true inspiration in knitting and for whom knitting has become a very satisfying, interesting hobby & in some instances an excellent money earner..

2 Handy books for beginners ……….

There are also very useful books that introduce you to the world of knitting by explaining the basics like patterns, designs, sizes, gauges and more- The Knitter’s Handy Book Of Pattern, Basic Designs In Multiple Sizes & Gauges By Ann Budd , The Big Book of Knitting by Katharina Buss. In the latter book beginners will find everything they need to make their first knitting projects, and experienced knitters will enjoy the photos of the creative process and the finished projects.

All the essential techniques appear, from needles to fabrics along with a variety of stitches and weaves–not only the basics, but also intricate double-face, jacquard, and intarsia.

It teaches you how to add buttons and buttonholes, zippers, borders, and pockets. weave or embroider one of many popular designs onto the fabric. If you like to change the way you finish off and you want your knitted things to be more interesting, you can find here how you can make pompons, piping, fringes, and tassels.

Here’s a small selection of interesting books you may find useful:

Little Box of Knitted Ponchos and Wraps:

is a knitting book with 23 projects on laminated cards, As ponchos and shawls have already been among the most fashionable items over recent years, this knitting book provides 20 trendy patterns that feed your desire for new and interesting clothes.

You will find styles for all occasions, from elegant evening wear to practical layers for daily use . Simple sizing and shaping make these projects perfect for not only yourself but also whipping up quick gifts for family and friends.

Lavish Lace:

Knitting with Hand Painted Yarns is a knitting book that has 14 patterns covering 14 scarves and shawls. Helpful hints make it easy to play with palettes of exotic textures, colors and fibers.to create truly unusual & original items and will encourage you try out and buy slightly more adventurous yarns after you take a look at the spectacular yarns presented in this knitting book. It comes in full color, 80 pages

Baby Blankets:

is a knitting book with 15 easy-to-follow patterns that will help even first-time knitters create a memorable item for your own baby or that of a friends. . From a simple basketweave pattern to a blanket featuring a parade of safari animals, Knit Baby Blankets feel that you are a lifetime knitter because it gives you the confidence to make a baby gift that is uniquely personal and truly one of a kind.

Blankets, Hats and Booties to Knit and Crochet:

is a knitting book with beautiful blankets to swaddle, hats to coddle, and booties for your little baby. These knit and crochet confections for Baby are truly sweet. Fifteen coordinating sets of projects are just right for snuggling a new baby and delighting a new mom. You can create 45 designs in soft, subtle colors and timeless styles; 10 sets are knitted, 5 sets crocheted it contains designs that highlight the beauty of simple stripes, lacy loops, and motifs such as flowers, ducks, and pinwheels. This knitting book includes ideas for sizing projects up or down to fit larger and smaller babies.
When you are a beginner and you really want to master knitting techniques and get the most out of you time knitting you simply must consider buying some knitting books. Knitting books are not expensive, and a widely available form normal bookstores, specialist knitting shops and also online.

Author: Toby Russell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The good news is that sewing equipment and dressmaking patterns are highly developed now than ever, so it has been made easier for you to start, whether you wish to make basics for yourself and your family, supplement sophisticated ready-to-wear with simple additions of your own, or eventually progress to the heights of the designer’s patterns.

Whatever the reason, you will have the satisfaction of expressing your own ideas – the pattern you purchase may be available to many, but the fabric you choose and perhaps the trimmings that complete it are exclusive to you.

Take for example the case of knitting. This is, basically, a special way of creating marvelous creations from a ball of yarn. Through this process, the yarn or thread is converted into cloth.

Basically, knitting can be made either manually, where the hands create remarkable cloth with the help of knitting needles, or mechanically, with the use of knitting machine.

Knitted Fabrics

In knitting, a different kind of fabric is used, known as the knitted fabrics. All knit fabrics are made of a series of interlocking loops. This makes them more flexible than woven fabrics. While all knits have stretch, they vary considerably in amount and direction of stretch. The factors that influence stretch are the yarn and the structure of the knit.

There are two basic knit types: weft and warp. The first derives from age-old techniques of hand knitting. The second, a modern innovation, is the product of complex machines.

Records show that the first knitting machine was invented in 1589. Today’s advanced versions produce an incredible range of fabrics from sheer lingerie knits to bulky sweater knits.

Basic Composition

Knit fabrics may be tubular or flat. Some flat knits have perforated lengthwise edges comparable to selvedges in woven fabrics.

Complex stitches or special finishes sometimes obscure a knit structure, making it hard to tell whether a fabric is knitted or woven. To establish which it is, pull a thread from one crosswise end. If lops show, the fabric is a knit; if a fringe appears, it is woven.

Knits vary in stretchability. Just how much a knit stretches crosswise should be determined before you buy it. If the pattern you have chosen is marked “for knits only,” it will probably supply a gauge, but for only one of three stretch categories — slight, moderate, or super stretch.

Shopping for Fabrics

In knitting, it is extremely important to choose the best knit fabrics available in the market. A successfully chosen garment fabric will complement the pattern design, flatter the wearer, perform according to expectations, and be of good quality for the money.

Here is a list of some tips that you need to employ when choosing for the best knit fabric:

1. Weave should be firm.

You can test this by scratching the surface; if the threads shift easily, the garment seams may be inclined to slip or develop holes around the stitching.

2. Weave should be uniform.

Hold it up to the light and check for any unusually thick or thin areas. The light test will show up any weak spots or imperfections.

3. Print colors should be even

There should be no white (undyed) spots showing through them, except in areas that are clearly meant to be white.

Getting a perfect knit fabric is one of the chief, if not the paramount, reason for learning how to employ knitting at its best. Hence, if you are considering on trying some knitting, try to learn first how to identify a good knit fabric by using the guides for buying knit fabrics.

Author: Robert Thatcher
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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While the older generation is busy passing on their valuable knitting skills, it’s the younger groups that are reviving knitting with a passion. So whether you’re an experienced knitting elder or a beginning knitter — a charity knitter or a Goth knitter creating gruesome skull caps, discover how you can join in on the fun of knitting.

Fun Groups

The cool and fun thing about knitting groups is there is one for everybody. Regardless of who you are, what walk of life you’re from, your beliefs or core values, trust me, there’s a group for you.

Knitting tradition flew out the window with the first Stitch and B**** group. And how about this for an idea. The fun-loving ladies of The Yarn Garden in Portland, Oregon meet in a local pub.

Then there’s the Knit Wits in Decatur, Alabama who get together once every week and welcome everyone with open arms. You don’t even have to know how to knit to join this group — they’ll teach you! How to knit a hat, how to knit a scarf, whatever you’re interested in.

Young or old, traditional or unconventional, rest assured there’s a fun-loving group waiting for you.

Fun Charities

Of course, what would knitting be without knitting charities? You won’t find harder working knitters anywhere than those who knit for charity. But don’t think for a minute that it’s all work and no play. No siree! When knitting charities get together to work their magic and knit piles of hand-knit goods for those less fortunate, there’s still fun to be had by all.

You know, you can laugh, talk, joke, tease, eat, drink, and solve the world’s problems while you knit. That’s what these ladies do and have a great time doing it.

Crazy Fun!

If you’re still thinking knitting is for the sedate, laid-back old-timers, let me open your eyes a little bit. A new trend on the knitting scene is Goth knitting. Yeah, you heard right. There are plenty of Goth knitters who get a kick out of knitting their own corset lace fingerless gloves.

Then there’s Goth leggings, Tough Baby Sweaters, and the ‘I Skull (instead of heart) Goth’ tote bag you can knit.

Not Goth — how about alternative knitting? There are books galore that take you beyond basic knitting. Knitting with Wire, Knitting Over the Edge, Knitting Mochimochi, and Pretty in Punk are just a few over the edge books to get you started.

Fun Patterns

Don’t you just love the Internet? I do for many reasons, but one of the top reasons is the fun knitting patterns I find. While surfing and just generally meandering around the ‘Net, I’ve come across loads of fun patterns.

How about knitting an alien? If aliens are not your thing, maybe you would like to try some fun baby toys, crazy fruit people, or egg people? When the holidays come around, try your hand at knitting candy ornaments, miniature Christmas stockings, ghosts, pumpkin candy bags, or even a Halloween boa to bring out the diva in you!

These fun knitting patterns are just a start. With a little browsing, you’ll find plenty more — usually for free. How fun is that?

I hope by now, you know that knitting is fun! So if you’ve been putting it off, why not learn this old skill and you’ll soon be having a blast with the fun of knitting.

Author: Kyla Quinlan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Yes there is!

Whether you are nutty about knitting or an eager novice with your needles paused there are lots of charities to choose from. Knitting for charity can definitely be fun, but it can also be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things you’ll ever do.

Have you knitted for your children? Your grandchildren? Your friends’ children? Your friends’ childrens’ children? Knitting baby clothes is quick and rewarding but sometimes there are just not enough babies in your social circle to knit for. If you love knitting beautiful little items of baby clothing then why not think about charity knitting for premature babies?

There are lots of ways that you can click your knitting needles for a worthy cause. The information here will help you begin charity knitting for premature babies. There is something sweet about knitting a little item for the tiniest of babies. Not only are you providing an individual gift for someone who urgently needs it, but also baby clothes are quick and simple to make! So it’s gratifying in more ways than one. Even if you’re a novice this is a venture you can start and see through right to the end. Read on for some great general guidance on charity knitting for premature babies and some details of particular charities you can have a look at before you decide who to knit for. The charities often offer free knitting patterns.

Where can I find Premature Baby Charity Knitting Patterns?

• Bliss

One of the many ways that you can support Bliss is by knitting for babies in special care units. Knitted items are most helpful for babies about to go home, but there is also a need for blankets and hats for babies in hospital. Knitted items are often not suitable for intensive care units – stitched cotton is preferable. However for larger babies, and in high dependency and special care units, knitted items are often very welcome.

Bliss asks that to reduce their costs volunteer knitters help by sending items direct to their local unit, and not to Bliss. To find the address of your local unit, and to check which items they have requested to receive, please contact Bliss via their website.

Bliss also use Knitted breasts. The knitted breasts allow nurses to easily demonstrate to women important massage techniques that let them stimulate their milk production and express their valuable first drops of milk. They are particularly helpful when there are language barriers. Woollen breasts are a brilliant free alternative to expensive teaching aids that are used by health professionals to educate new mothers to express by hand before going on to use an electric pump.

• Bonnie Babies

This charity sends premature baby outfits and blankets to special care baby units around the UK and to parents who need support. A mother who needed a way to deal with the loss of her premature child founded Bonnie Babies six years ago. Bonnie Babies makes premature clothing, blankets, and burial outfits for U.K. Special Baby Care Units and families. Their aim is to show each mother and family that there are people thinking of them and caring for them.

Bonnie Babies mainly makes blankets for premature babies. They provide patterns for toys, hats, and sweaters (including a “5 Hour Baby Sweater!”), but blankets are quick, simple to make, and guaranteed to fit. Families can then continue to treasure them long after the child is grown.

Feed the Children

Feed The Children is a UK charity that has a knitting pattern for a jumper appropriate for children of all ages. They are also look for knitted hats, gloves and scarves.

• Early Angels

This is a site based in the U.K set up to help people to knit, crochet or sew clothes, blankets and other keepsakes for premature, low birth weight and sadly stillborn babies. They have a wide range of free knitting, crochet and sewing patterns accessible on their pattern page.

The charities have a lot of information on their websites, below is some general advice to help you get those needles clicking.

Colours

Pastel colours are the most popular. Apart from baby pinks and blues other colours, which may be chosen, are: Lemon, Cream, White, Mint Green, Peach, Lilac and Aqua. It is accepted that bright and dark colours should be avoided as they often make premature babies look frailer. When knitting burial garments the advice suggests its best to use colours such as white or cream and to avoid pinks, blues and lilacs, as they are not appropriate for the colouring of a stillborn baby.

Yarn

Premature babies have very delicate skin and can often be allergic to wool; therefore it is best to steer clear of garments made with a wool mix. Acrylic yarn is more appropriate when knitting for preemies. Ideal yarn to use for preemie knits is baby double knit or 4ply yarn. Most preemie patterns will use these.

Size

Don’t put too much importance on trying to perfect the size of a preemie item of clothing. There is a great difference between premature baby sizes and so an item of any size should be suitable for at least one baby. As a general guide premature babies head circumference is roughly the same as their chest circumference. The average premature babies chest measurements are 8″-14″. However clothes of all sizes are needed for preemies, so no matter how big or small your item is it will most likely fit at least one baby.

Fastenings

Plain flat half-inch buttons are best to use for fastening. Avoid nylon and metal fastenings, as they get very hot under the incubator heaters. Do not use Velcro as a fastening, it is very scratchy on the hook side and also damages knitted garments when they are laundered. Ease of dressing is vital for preemies and as a general rule it is best not to use ribbon as a fastening as ribbon can often be fussy to tie on a garment so small.

The charities involved usually have free knitting patterns and advice on their websites so do not be worried by all the details as you really will be able to find a garment to suit both your knitting skills and the babies needs

Knitting items for premature babies can be very worthwhile and rewarding. It is definitely appreciated by the charities and the families who receive them. If you are excited by the prospect of getting your knitting needles working for charity and want to explore charity knitting for other organisations here are some other ideas to help your search.

Charity Clowns

Teddies for Tragedies

Algerian Action

Save the Children

Knitting for Operation Christmas Child

The Sailors’ Society

Loving Hands

Operation Elderly Charity Stitcher

The Baby Pack Project

I hope you find the right premature baby charity knitting patterns to suit your skills and enjoy the rewards of knitting for charity.

Find out more

Author: Jo Carthew
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Buy electrical pressure cooker

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Knitting is a famous craftwork. In fact, knitting turns thread or yarn into cloth. Knitting consists of loops. These loops called stitches are obtained by pulling the thread through each other. Knitting is either done by hand or by machine. There are a number of methods in hand knitting. In some, the end product may be entirely different and in some produce it may be similar. Flat knitting does the length of the cloth and the circular knitting produces a seamless tube. Using different yarns, kneedles, color, texture and weight produces different end products.

There are many different style of knitting. Weft knitting and warp knitting are the two major varieties of knitting. Weft knitting requires only a single yarn. One yarn for every stitch is used in warp knitting. Weft knitting is done either by hand or machine whereas warp knitting is done by machine generally. Circular knitting is otherwise called as knitting in the round. It creates a seamless tube. A set of four or five double pointed needles is used for doing circular knitting. Flat knitting is used to produce rectangular pieces of cloth. Two straight knitting needles are used in this type and stitches are made in rows and horizontal lines. Hats, socks, mittens and sleeves are made by using circular knitting. Scarves, blankets and front and backsides of sweaters are made with flat knitting. These are just a couple of the styles of knitting.

Flat stockinette stitch is the most common texture for the knitted garment and knit stitches worked flat is used for machine made stockings and T-shirts. Simple textures are made using knit and purl stitches, garter stitch, ribbing and moss and seed stitches. There is more number of complicated patterns in which slip stitch and heel and linen stitches are used. Small eyelet holes can also be created in the fabric. The use of yarn also changes the appearance of the garment. If the yarn is thick, the stitches will be more visible and if the yarn is thin, the texture will be finer.

The process of casting on begins a piece of knitting. It is the creation of stitches on the needle. Different methods of casting on are used. Thumb method and double needle method are the various methods in cast on. Thumb method is ideal for picking up stitches and double needle method produces firm edge on the border. The two styles of knitting are continental style and English style. In the English style yarn is held in right hand whereas in continental style the yarn is held in the left hand. Knitting needles, knitting machines are the tools used for knitting.

People find knitting as an enjoyable hobby. I hope that you find this article helpful and have fun with your now hobby.

Author: Terry Gilliland
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Advice on AdSense

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Multi-taskers will find that knitting works well for them. Throughout time, groups of women have been known to sit and knit while chatting with friends and family. You can watch your kids and knit at the same time as well, making knitting a great hobby for busy moms and dads.

Many people find the idea of learning to knit to be daunting. When you’re just starting out the needles feel foreign in your hands, making the process awkward and frustrating at times. Keep in mind though, that the initial awkwardness goes away and you’re left with a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Creating something with your own hands is one of the best feelings to have. Knitting can leave you with this feeling. Having the patience and correct supplies will help you achieve your goal of learning to knit.

If you’re ready to learn the simple basics of knitting, the following easy steps can help you get going.

Getting the Right Knitting Supplies

Although it may seem complicated, all that you need to start knitting are a pair of knitting needles and some yarn. Some folks start out with a pattern, so if that’s your plan you’ll need an easy knitting pattern to follow too.

Your Knitting Needles

There are many different types of knitting needles to choose from, and not all are created equal. Most knitters will agree that the easiest needles to start out with are wooden needles. The yarn seems to stay on wooden needles better, allowing you to knit easier. Plastic or metal knitting needles cause the yarn to slip off easily if you’re not advanced and know how to handle them properly. So, newbie knitters should stick with wooden knitting needles.

Start out with large wooden needles so that you can easily see your mistakes and complete your project quicker. If you drop a stitch you want to be able to see it quickly and fix the mistake easily.

Getting Your Yarn

Beginner knitters should start their first project using natural yarn such as cotton or wool. Natural fiber yarn will stay on the knitting needles better than a synthetic yarn will. Do not be lured by the fancy yarn you see in the stores. You will find working with them to be far too challenging and cause frustration at first. Start out with simple natural yarns and then go from there.

Learning Knitting Jargon

Just like almost any craft, knitting too has its own language or jargon. When you’re starting out, you’ll need to learn the jargon that goes along with knitting. Yes, at first it can seem overwhelming, but you’ll get the hang of the lingo quickly. Crafting books, knitting dictionaries and online sources will help you learn what you need to know to get started. Here are a few basics to help you out.

K = Knit,

KB = Knit-in-Back,

BO = Bind-Off,

P = Purl,

EOR = knit every other row

Knitting – Get Going!

With anything that’s worth doing, the first step is to just do it. Get your supplies, patterns, instruction books and start learning to knit. Don’t go overboard with buying supplies, because you may find that once you’ve given it a go, knitting may not be your cup of tea after all.

You’ll find once you’ve learned to knit that you may start seeking out others who share your passion and enthusiasm for the craft. You’ll be able to make new friends as well as wonderful pieces of art and family heirlooms from your knitting skills. As a beginning knitter, you’ll soon become advanced if you take care to buy the right supplies for your skill level and look for proper knitting instruction. These basic tips will help you reach your goal of learning to knit with ease. Have fun and happy knittin’!

Author: Sherry Frewerd
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty

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