Knitting is a craft that involves creating fabric from yarn or thread by looping it together using needles, allowing for the creation of a wide range of items, such as garments and accessories.

Knitting likely began around the 11th century in Egypt, where archaeologists discovered finely knitted cotton socks. European knitting guilds emerged in the 14th century, elevating the craft from a domestic necessity to a skilled trade. By the 16th century, knitting had spread across continental Europe, with intricate patterns and lacy stitches becoming status symbols. Industrialization in the 18th and 19th centuries introduced mechanized knitting, transforming production while preserving hand techniques.

Knitted fabric is built from interlocking loops, creating stretch and drape distinct from woven cloth. Each horizontal row of loops is known as a course, while each vertical column is a wale. The balance between yarn tension, needle size, and stitch type determines the garment's weight and elasticity. An understanding of this looped structure enables knitters to manipulate fabric, from dense sweaters to open lace.

There are hundreds of different knitting stitches used by hand knitters, and we won't be able to cover them all here. A piece of hand knitting begins with casting on, which is the initial creation of the stitches on the needle. Different methods are used for different effects. One might be stretchy enough for lace, while another is ideal for decorative edging. Most Western-style hand knitters follow either the English style (holding the yarn in the right hand) or the Continental style (holding the yarn in the left hand). There are also different ways to insert the needle into the stitch. Knitting through the front of a stitch is known as Western knitting, while knitting through the back of a stitch is referred to as Eastern knitting. A third method, known as combination knitting, involves knitting through the front of a purl stitch and the back of a knit stitch. Once the hand knitted piece is completed, the remaining stitches are cast off. Casting off loops binds the stitches across each other, allowing them to be removed from the needle without unraveling the item.

When hand knitting large articles of clothing, such as sweaters, the final knitted garment will be made of several knitted pieces, with individual sections hand knitted separately and then sewn together. Seamless knitting, where the entire garment is hand knit as a single piece, is also possible, but not as common.

Flatbed and circular knitting machines automate loop formation, allowing for high-speed production of tubular and flat panels. Gauge (stitches per inch) is controlled by needle spacing and yarn tension, which dictate the fineness of the fabric. Home knitting machines offer intermediate crafters a way to blend hand skills with the speed of a machine. Machine techniques often mimic hand stitches but trade manual variation for consistency.

Materials and tools used in knitting include the yarn (wool, cotton, silk, acrylic, or blends), hand needles (straight, circular, or double-pointed), machine tools (sinkers, cams, or needle beds), and accessories (stitch markers, tapestry needles, row counters, or blocking mats).

Some key techniques include cables, which are crossed stitches that create rope-like patterns; lace, which are yarn overs combined with paired decreases for openwork; colorwork, which includes stranded (Fair Isle) and intarsia for multicolor designs; and slip-stitch, which refers to passing stitches without working them for mosaic effects.

There are similarities and differences between knitting and crocheting. Both are fiber arts, involving the creation of fabric from yarn using various techniques that include loops. Both utilize a range of yarns, including cotton, wool, acrylic, and blends. Multiple methods in knitting and crocheting can be used to produce garments, accessories, and home decor items, allowing for customization that provides creative freedom in texture, color, and shape. However, knitting uses two needles (straight, circular), while crocheting uses one hook. In knitting, there are multiple active loops on needles, whereas crocheting involves a single active loop worked with a hook. Knitting produces smoother, more elastic fabric, while crocheting produces something sturdier, and often more textured. Due to the comparative complexity, knitting is usually slower, while crocheting is faster for basic projects. Standard knitting techniques are cables, lace, and colorwork, while crocheting includes granny squares, amigurumi, and lace. Knitting has a higher learning curve, while crocheting is easier for beginners to pick up. Many crafters enjoy mastering both knitting and crocheting.

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