What is Knitting?
[[File:Knitting (close-up).webm|thumb|250px|Flat knitting by hand]] '''Knitting''' creates flexible [[fabric]] by looping [[thread]] or [[yarn]] together using two or more knitting needles or a [[knitting machine]]. == Types of knitting == === Flat knitting === Flat knitting, which is usually done on two straight needles, makes a length of cloth and is used to create things like [[blanket]]s, [[scarf|scarves]], and the backs, fronts, and sides of [[sweater]]s. === Circular knitting === {{main|circular knitting}} Circular knitting, which is done on circular needles, or needles that have points on both ends, produces a seamless [[tube]] and is used to create things like [[hats]], [[sock]]s, [[mitten]]s, rings, and [[sleeve]]s. === Cable knitting === {{main|cable knitting}} Patterns called ''cables'' are typically used on [[sweater]]s, particularly on [[Aran|fancy Aran]] sweaters from [[Ireland]]. Different kinds of stitches create different patterns in knitting. For example, the stretchy ends of knitted sleeves are called ''ribbing''. == Materials == [[File:Knitting needles.jpg|thumb|200px|Circular, straight, and double-pointed needles]] === Yarn === {{main|yarn}} Yarn for knitting can be made from any number of natural or synthetic (man made) fibers such as [[wool]], [[cotton]], [[silk]], or [[acrylic]]. Some yarns are made from a blend of several kinds of fibers. Yarns come in many thicknesses or ''weights'' from fine to thick: lace, fingering, sock, sport, double-knit (or DK), worsted, Aran, bulky, and super-bulky. Thinner yarns are generally used with smaller knitting needles, and thicker yarns are used with larger knitting needles. === Needles === Knitting needles come in various shapes: straight, double-pointed, cable, and circular. They can be made from [[bamboo]], [[aluminum]], [[steel]], or [[plastic]]. [[Category:Needlework]] [[oc:Tricot]]