According to one version, the Arabs were the first to invent knitting. Crusaders during their famous campaigns spied on the intricacies of the craft and brought this knowledge to Spain. In another version, it is believed that in the Old World knitting technique was brought by the Coptic monks, whose clothes stood out against the background of roughly woven things of Europeans. It’s most likely that it’s not possible to find out exactly who got the first chain on the knitting needles. The age of knitting techniques also varies greatly, from 5-6 hundred years to the millennium. Now, things made with knitting needles and crochet still retain their relevance. Some craftswomen create complete toilets with hats, gloves, skirts, sweaters and handbags made of thread. Knitted home decor brings a feeling of warmth and coziness. In addition, such things are easy to do on their own, just cut a window in the schedule for needlework. In the article we will talk about knitting techniques and options for decorating the premises with cute hand-made little things.
Now knitting is considered a purely female hobby, but it was not always like that. In the XVII century, in France and the Czech Republic, men entered into a fierce struggle with the fairer sex for a monopoly in knitting stockings. Women were forced out of the craft in every possible way. Between the leading hosiery workers special agreements were concluded under which they pledged not to hire young ladies for work. A century ago, when knitwear was a curiosity, the Swedish king had under 30 pairs of socks made on knitting needles. The cost of each was equal to the annual salary of the monarch's valet. Since the threads decay over time, for a long time, scientists were not able to find ancient patterns of knitted details of clothing, but once they were lucky. The most “old” sock is considered to be a find in one tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh. The item of clothing had a symbolic pattern, which was supposed to protect the owner from the failures and tricks of the "harmful" deities, and her age is more than a thousand years. Instead of knitting needles, African tribes use special wooden frames, which, by the way, have also been used for centuries. The first knitting machine was invented in 1589 by an English monk. Prices for “stamped” products have declined, as their production has become less costly, but the craft of hand knitting has not sunk into oblivion. On the contrary, such details of clothing and decor began to be valued many times higher, because they were unique. The general name of the material that is created on the machines is knitwear. The yarn is used thinner, which allows you to do elegant things with neat patterns. Unlike fabric, where two systems of threads are interwoven, knitted fabrics are created by joining loops. The secret nickname of the “Queen of knitwear” in the world of haute couture was received by Sonia Riquel.Her designer sweaters were worn by Audrey Hepburn and Francoise Ardi. Now in different parts of the globe a series of speed knitting competitions are being held. The absolute record holder at the moment is considered the Dutch Miriam Tegels. It connects 118 loops in 1 minute. But in another competition, a man distinguished himself who made a scarf three meters long in a little less than 6 hours. Knitting was one of the types of needlework, which in addition to painting and embroidery, girls from wealthy families in the Middle Ages were doing without exception. Many gizmos became real objects of art, because the young ladies had a lot of free time.
Knitting methods
At the moment, there are two main types of knitting:
On the knitting needles;
Crochet.
Although there are a number of less popular techniques using a fork or shuttle. Knitting needles can be knitted in the English and European (continental) way. The only difference is that in the first case, the thread from the ball is laid on the index finger of the right hand, and in the second - the left. European equipment is popular in Japan, but in China they prefer the American one. In the very
Great Britain and the USA use both methods. Although there is no significant difference in them, many choose the method of knitting for left-handed and right-handed people. If you have to work with knitting needles, then there are two main types of loops:
Facial;
Wrong.
The hinges are interconnected, since the front hinges look like purl and vice versa. They are used in any knitting. To obtain complex patterns (cones, pigtails, mesh), crossed, elongated, hem, double, air, additional and double loops are added to the fabric. Among the types of knitting, hosiery (regular and elastic), shawl, Scandinavian two-tone, rice, enterlac, patchwork, quilt and dominoes are noted. The so-called "gum" is also popular. It is classified into English, convex, hollow, double, with moved or crossed loops.If the craftswoman prefers crochet, then for work, two techniques are most often used:
Tunisian knitting;
Irish lace.
In addition to them, smooth surface, knocking, loin, Bavarian and embossed knitting are also used. Knitwear canvases contain air loops (crochet base), embossed, connecting posts and half-columns with or without one (two, three, four) yarn, “hand step”, pico. With the help of yarn and a hook, you can create an original, beautiful decoration for your home interior with your own hands. Craftswomen knit pillowcases for pillows, rugs, napkins, potholders, coasters for hot and covers for sofas, dishes, bottles.
In recent years, the technique of knitting with hands without any special devices is gaining popularity, that is, loops are gaining fingers. For this method, any yarn is suitable. You can buy special thick, fluffy threads from which voluminous things are obtained, or use the usual ones to get a lace product.
Pillows, rugs - warmth and comfort in the interior
Pillows and blankets are the main home decoration for upholstered furniture and a great way to learn simple knitting techniques for beginners. Pillowcases are made according to the same principle as dressed, but with the subsequent fastening of the lock or stitching of the back part, which will form a pocket. Although hand knitting is not as perfect as machine knitting, after the first wash, the rows of loops on the products are usually aligned. Four techniques are used to make blankets:
Straight
No different from ordinary knitting, as the transitions are carried out from row to row.
Oblique or diagonal
In this case, you need to move from corner to middle with a set of loops, and then again to the corner with their reduction.
Circular
Plaids are knitted so rarely, as the technique is mainly used for making rugs. In this case, they move from the center of the web to its edges.
Modular
First, separate parts of the plaid are connected, which are subsequently stitched together. The technique is similar to the patchwork.
For pillows, the methods are similar except for circular knitting, which is not used due to the special shape of the finished product. Knitted patchwork is especially interesting. Individual modules may be connected after manufacture or in the process. Sewing them together with a needle is the easiest option. Joining with a hook allows you to create delicate gaps between the modules, which will add a plaid of elegance. For work you will need multi-colored yarn and knitting needles. The modules can have a classic square shape or be round, triangular, in the form of stars or rhombuses.
Miniature children's plaid blankets can be used instead of envelopes for babies if you need to take a walk with a child or visit a clinic.
Knitted covers for furniture
Covers for furniture are needed primarily to protect its surface from wear, and beauty goes by the wayside. Many people think so, but functional does not always mean mediocre. With the help of knitting needles or a hook, you can tie most of the furniture and decorate the house with a cozy and soft handmade. Also, a warm “protection” will help change the style in the interior or mask the upholstery that has become unusable. When knitting covers on chairs and sofas, two techniques are usually combined. The main part of the canvas in contact with the human body is performed without patterns and relief elements that can cause some discomfort when sitting or lying down. But the hanging parts that cover the lower part of the sofa and armrests can already be created with pigtails, bumps, flowers. To make such patterns, you will need patterns that can be found on the Internet or in special needlework magazines.
Knitted ottomans
Padded stools have become a convenient and easy replacement for bulky chairs and hard chairs. They are mobile, soft and perfectly repeat the shape of the body, allowing you to take any pose while sitting.Ottomans have a small height, so they are convenient in cases where a person is doing something at a coffee table or directly on the floor. Lack of back is good for the spine. Sitting on a puff is like practicing with a fitball, when a person has to maintain balance and find balance, thereby passively connecting various muscle groups. If necessary, such furniture can be used instead of tables. Poufs are organically combined with modern style and are considered the best option for small apartments, where there is no place for massive furniture. To create a simple frameless element you will need:
700 grams of thick yarn;
Knitting needles (15 mm);
Foam for filling;
Sewing thread and needle or hook.
To make a ottoman with a width and height of 50 cm, you will need to dial 40-50 loops. You will have to knit about 140-150 rows. Instead of painstaking counting, the “by eye” measurement technique is usually used. The length of the first row typed will be the height of the future ottoman, and the width of the knit will become its “circumference”. After the canvas is ready, its “short” edges are sewn together. The sides are pulled together and also fixed from the inside, pre-filled with foam.
Knitted Dining Accessories
Using yarn and knitting needles or a hook, you can create not only ordinary napkins, but also covers for cups, glasses, pot holders, decorative towels or hot coasters. For the manufacture of caps or caps for teapots, woolen threads are used. They are known to retain heat well and will allow it to be stored for much longer. The situation is similar with cup cases and cup holders. Woolen “clothes” will help to stretch the relish with warm tea and protect your hands from burns. For tacking use acrylic or cotton thread. The synthetics in contact with the hot baking sheet will melt. Potholders and hot plates will become a cute and cozy decoration in the kitchen.Crochet crocheted festive tablecloths that will be in harmony with the rustic and ethnic style, Provence. If there is not enough space in the kitchen, then you can safely refuse a cutlery stand in favor of hinged “pockets”. They are knitted with needles, and then fixed directly to the wall. Of course, pre-cutlery needs to be dried so that moisture does not accumulate in the pockets.
Floor mats
Rugs and walkways are very popular even in modern interiors. This cozy addition will make a strict atmosphere softer and more lively. Rugs can have a variety of shapes, from classic squares and circles to asymmetric options. The latter are performed using the technique of knitted patchwork. From small round rugs, whole “paths” are laid out on the floor along the main “highway” of the room. Such products are not suitable for the bathroom, as they retain moisture and eventually begin to exude an unpleasant odor. But in this situation, there is a way, because instead of yarn, you can use plastic bags. Of them twist the harnesses that replace the thread. To knit such waterproof rugs is better to crochet.
Mats can be made not only from yarn or bags. Spoiled nylon tights, ribbons for bows and even old t-shirts cut into strips will be used.
Openwork covers for candlesticks, vases and other containers
Covers for jars, candlesticks, bottles and boxes have long been classics. They blend perfectly with Provence and retro. A simple jar will become a beautiful element of decor if it is decorated with knitted “clothes” with a folding collar at the neck. The compositions from containers of different sizes with covers made in several techniques look original. Candlesticks at night, due to knitting, will exude a soft, diffused light, which will be a pleasant addition to the romantic atmosphere. You can decorate with covers not only containers, but also the candles themselves. They are “dressed” in “sweaters” with fasteners and buttons.Such compositions look great under the Christmas tree, near the Easter cake and a basket of eggs.
New Year's decor
On New Year's Eve, you always want something special. In addition to the standard set of garlands, rain and balls, the Christmas tree is decorated with knitted snowflakes, animal figures and hearts. Warm “pockets” are made of yarn into which pine cones and miniature gifts are placed. If there is no Christmas tree itself, then it is made of threads. A miniature version of the green beauty, of course, will not replace the coniferous original, but it will help create the feeling of a holiday. Wreaths are collected from knitted balls and balls of wool, which are additionally decorated with sequins, beads, buttons, ribbons and cones. Knitting bells with flirty satin bows will decorate the window, Christmas tree and candles on the table. Bearded Santa Claus is also made of yarn with a hook. Such miniatures decorate any surface and complement other decorations.
Knitted pillowcases for pillows provide pockets. On New Year's holidays, spruce branches decorated with spangles are put in them.
Knitted toys - amigurumi and not only
Amigurumi is a knitting technique for animals and humanized objects (muffins, rolls, fruits, hats), which appeared in Japan. The description of the method is easy to find on the Internet. The word "amigurumi" from the Japanese language is translated as "wrapped, knitted." Perhaps the technique would have remained popular only in Japan itself, if at the end of the last century the world had not embraced the fashion for everything “kawaii,” that is, evocative, lovely. One of the symbols of this culture was Hello Kitty baby, which the Japanese actively knitted in all kinds of colors and clothes. In the amigurumi technique, deer, kitties, dogs, cubs, fish, and octopuses are created. The main thing is that the toy should be touching. The sizes of classic amigurumi did not exceed 10 cm. Now there is a tendency for toys to grow, some models can reach 50 cm in height.Amigurumi is used instead of key rings or bags, but some collect entire collections on shelves at home. They knit the animals with knitting needles and crochet. The Japanese also love to make anime and manga characters in a similar technique: Pikachu (and other Pokémon), Ponyo fish, Totoro.
Conclusion
Knitting is an activity that perfectly calms nerves and develops patience. This type of needlework develops fine motor skills of hands, which is useful for both adults and children. The decor created by knitting or crocheting will become an original, cute and simply beautiful addition to homeliness.
According to one version, the Arabs were the first to invent knitting. Crusaders during their famous campaigns spied on the intricacies of the craft and brought this knowledge to Spain. In another version, it is believed that in the Old World knitting technique was brought by the Coptic monks, whose clothes stood out against the background of roughly woven things of Europeans. It’s most likely that it’s not possible to find out exactly who got the first chain on the knitting needles. The age of knitting techniques also varies greatly, from 5-6 hundred years to the millennium. Now, things made with knitting needles and crochet still retain their relevance. Some craftswomen create complete toilets with hats, gloves, skirts, sweaters and handbags made of thread. Knitted home decor brings a feeling of warmth and coziness. In addition, such things are easy to do on their own, just cut a window in the schedule for needlework. In the article we will talk about knitting techniques and options for decorating the premises with cute hand-made little things.
Content
Interesting Facts About Knitting
Now knitting is considered a purely female hobby, but it was not always like that. In the XVII century, in France and the Czech Republic, men entered into a fierce struggle with the fairer sex for a monopoly in knitting stockings. Women were forced out of the craft in every possible way. Between the leading hosiery workers special agreements were concluded under which they pledged not to hire young ladies for work. A century ago, when knitwear was a curiosity, the Swedish king had under 30 pairs of socks made on knitting needles. The cost of each was equal to the annual salary of the monarch's valet. Since the threads decay over time, for a long time, scientists were not able to find ancient patterns of knitted details of clothing, but once they were lucky. The most “old” sock is considered to be a find in one tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh. The item of clothing had a symbolic pattern, which was supposed to protect the owner from the failures and tricks of the "harmful" deities, and her age is more than a thousand years. Instead of knitting needles, African tribes use special wooden frames, which, by the way, have also been used for centuries. The first knitting machine was invented in 1589 by an English monk. Prices for “stamped” products have declined, as their production has become less costly, but the craft of hand knitting has not sunk into oblivion. On the contrary, such details of clothing and decor began to be valued many times higher, because they were unique. The general name of the material that is created on the machines is knitwear. The yarn is used thinner, which allows you to do elegant things with neat patterns. Unlike fabric, where two systems of threads are interwoven, knitted fabrics are created by joining loops. The secret nickname of the “Queen of knitwear” in the world of haute couture was received by Sonia Riquel.Her designer sweaters were worn by Audrey Hepburn and Francoise Ardi. Now in different parts of the globe a series of speed knitting competitions are being held. The absolute record holder at the moment is considered the Dutch Miriam Tegels. It connects 118 loops in 1 minute. But in another competition, a man distinguished himself who made a scarf three meters long in a little less than 6 hours. Knitting was one of the types of needlework, which in addition to painting and embroidery, girls from wealthy families in the Middle Ages were doing without exception. Many gizmos became real objects of art, because the young ladies had a lot of free time.
Knitting methods
At the moment, there are two main types of knitting:
Although there are a number of less popular techniques using a fork or shuttle. Knitting needles can be knitted in the English and European (continental) way. The only difference is that in the first case, the thread from the ball is laid on the index finger of the right hand, and in the second - the left. European equipment is popular in Japan, but in China they prefer the American one. In the very
Great Britain and the USA use both methods. Although there is no significant difference in them, many choose the method of knitting for left-handed and right-handed people. If you have to work with knitting needles, then there are two main types of loops:
The hinges are interconnected, since the front hinges look like purl and vice versa. They are used in any knitting. To obtain complex patterns (cones, pigtails, mesh), crossed, elongated, hem, double, air, additional and double loops are added to the fabric. Among the types of knitting, hosiery (regular and elastic), shawl, Scandinavian two-tone, rice, enterlac, patchwork, quilt and dominoes are noted. The so-called "gum" is also popular. It is classified into English, convex, hollow, double, with moved or crossed loops.If the craftswoman prefers crochet, then for work, two techniques are most often used:
In addition to them, smooth surface, knocking, loin, Bavarian and embossed knitting are also used. Knitwear canvases contain air loops (crochet base), embossed, connecting posts and half-columns with or without one (two, three, four) yarn, “hand step”, pico. With the help of yarn and a hook, you can create an original, beautiful decoration for your home interior with your own hands. Craftswomen knit pillowcases for pillows, rugs, napkins, potholders, coasters for hot and covers for sofas, dishes, bottles.
Pillows, rugs - warmth and comfort in the interior
Pillows and blankets are the main home decoration for upholstered furniture and a great way to learn simple knitting techniques for beginners. Pillowcases are made according to the same principle as dressed, but with the subsequent fastening of the lock or stitching of the back part, which will form a pocket. Although hand knitting is not as perfect as machine knitting, after the first wash, the rows of loops on the products are usually aligned. Four techniques are used to make blankets:
For pillows, the methods are similar except for circular knitting, which is not used due to the special shape of the finished product. Knitted patchwork is especially interesting. Individual modules may be connected after manufacture or in the process. Sewing them together with a needle is the easiest option. Joining with a hook allows you to create delicate gaps between the modules, which will add a plaid of elegance. For work you will need multi-colored yarn and knitting needles. The modules can have a classic square shape or be round, triangular, in the form of stars or rhombuses.
Knitted covers for furniture
Covers for furniture are needed primarily to protect its surface from wear, and beauty goes by the wayside. Many people think so, but functional does not always mean mediocre. With the help of knitting needles or a hook, you can tie most of the furniture and decorate the house with a cozy and soft handmade. Also, a warm “protection” will help change the style in the interior or mask the upholstery that has become unusable. When knitting covers on chairs and sofas, two techniques are usually combined. The main part of the canvas in contact with the human body is performed without patterns and relief elements that can cause some discomfort when sitting or lying down. But the hanging parts that cover the lower part of the sofa and armrests can already be created with pigtails, bumps, flowers. To make such patterns, you will need patterns that can be found on the Internet or in special needlework magazines.
Knitted ottomans
Padded stools have become a convenient and easy replacement for bulky chairs and hard chairs. They are mobile, soft and perfectly repeat the shape of the body, allowing you to take any pose while sitting.Ottomans have a small height, so they are convenient in cases where a person is doing something at a coffee table or directly on the floor. Lack of back is good for the spine. Sitting on a puff is like practicing with a fitball, when a person has to maintain balance and find balance, thereby passively connecting various muscle groups. If necessary, such furniture can be used instead of tables. Poufs are organically combined with modern style and are considered the best option for small apartments, where there is no place for massive furniture. To create a simple frameless element you will need:
To make a ottoman with a width and height of 50 cm, you will need to dial 40-50 loops. You will have to knit about 140-150 rows. Instead of painstaking counting, the “by eye” measurement technique is usually used. The length of the first row typed will be the height of the future ottoman, and the width of the knit will become its “circumference”. After the canvas is ready, its “short” edges are sewn together. The sides are pulled together and also fixed from the inside, pre-filled with foam.
Knitted Dining Accessories
Using yarn and knitting needles or a hook, you can create not only ordinary napkins, but also covers for cups, glasses, pot holders, decorative towels or hot coasters. For the manufacture of caps or caps for teapots, woolen threads are used. They are known to retain heat well and will allow it to be stored for much longer. The situation is similar with cup cases and cup holders. Woolen “clothes” will help to stretch the relish with warm tea and protect your hands from burns. For tacking use acrylic or cotton thread. The synthetics in contact with the hot baking sheet will melt. Potholders and hot plates will become a cute and cozy decoration in the kitchen.Crochet crocheted festive tablecloths that will be in harmony with the rustic and ethnic style, Provence. If there is not enough space in the kitchen, then you can safely refuse a cutlery stand in favor of hinged “pockets”. They are knitted with needles, and then fixed directly to the wall. Of course, pre-cutlery needs to be dried so that moisture does not accumulate in the pockets.
Floor mats
Rugs and walkways are very popular even in modern interiors. This cozy addition will make a strict atmosphere softer and more lively. Rugs can have a variety of shapes, from classic squares and circles to asymmetric options. The latter are performed using the technique of knitted patchwork. From small round rugs, whole “paths” are laid out on the floor along the main “highway” of the room. Such products are not suitable for the bathroom, as they retain moisture and eventually begin to exude an unpleasant odor. But in this situation, there is a way, because instead of yarn, you can use plastic bags. Of them twist the harnesses that replace the thread. To knit such waterproof rugs is better to crochet.
Openwork covers for candlesticks, vases and other containers
Covers for jars, candlesticks, bottles and boxes have long been classics. They blend perfectly with Provence and retro. A simple jar will become a beautiful element of decor if it is decorated with knitted “clothes” with a folding collar at the neck. The compositions from containers of different sizes with covers made in several techniques look original. Candlesticks at night, due to knitting, will exude a soft, diffused light, which will be a pleasant addition to the romantic atmosphere. You can decorate with covers not only containers, but also the candles themselves. They are “dressed” in “sweaters” with fasteners and buttons.Such compositions look great under the Christmas tree, near the Easter cake and a basket of eggs.
New Year's decor
On New Year's Eve, you always want something special. In addition to the standard set of garlands, rain and balls, the Christmas tree is decorated with knitted snowflakes, animal figures and hearts. Warm “pockets” are made of yarn into which pine cones and miniature gifts are placed. If there is no Christmas tree itself, then it is made of threads. A miniature version of the green beauty, of course, will not replace the coniferous original, but it will help create the feeling of a holiday. Wreaths are collected from knitted balls and balls of wool, which are additionally decorated with sequins, beads, buttons, ribbons and cones. Knitting bells with flirty satin bows will decorate the window, Christmas tree and candles on the table. Bearded Santa Claus is also made of yarn with a hook. Such miniatures decorate any surface and complement other decorations.
Knitted toys - amigurumi and not only
Amigurumi is a knitting technique for animals and humanized objects (muffins, rolls, fruits, hats), which appeared in Japan. The description of the method is easy to find on the Internet. The word "amigurumi" from the Japanese language is translated as "wrapped, knitted." Perhaps the technique would have remained popular only in Japan itself, if at the end of the last century the world had not embraced the fashion for everything “kawaii,” that is, evocative, lovely. One of the symbols of this culture was Hello Kitty baby, which the Japanese actively knitted in all kinds of colors and clothes. In the amigurumi technique, deer, kitties, dogs, cubs, fish, and octopuses are created. The main thing is that the toy should be touching. The sizes of classic amigurumi did not exceed 10 cm. Now there is a tendency for toys to grow, some models can reach 50 cm in height.Amigurumi is used instead of key rings or bags, but some collect entire collections on shelves at home. They knit the animals with knitting needles and crochet. The Japanese also love to make anime and manga characters in a similar technique: Pikachu (and other Pokémon), Ponyo fish, Totoro.
Conclusion
Knitting is an activity that perfectly calms nerves and develops patience. This type of needlework develops fine motor skills of hands, which is useful for both adults and children. The decor created by knitting or crocheting will become an original, cute and simply beautiful addition to homeliness.