AY Honors/Knitting/Answer Key

1. Define the following:

These abbreviations are a form of shorthand used to describe knitting patterns.

a. K

Knit stitch

b. P

Purl

c. STS

Stitches

d. RND

Rounds

e. TOG

Together

f. PSSO

Pass Slipped Stitch Over

g. INC

Increase or Increasing

h. DEC

Decrease or Decreasing

i. YO

Yarn Over

3. Know how to care for these kinds of yarn:

a. Wool

Wool is sensitive to agitation and hot water, which causes the overlapping scales of the fiber to stick together, what we call shrinking, or, if we do it on purpose, felting.

To avoid this, wools should be washed in lukewarm water with little agitation. Most people prefer to wash wool items by hand to avoid any possibility of felting when they can't see what's happening inside their washing machine.

b. Hair

Long eyelash yarn is combined with large, metallic boucle loop yarn. Made of 90% nylon, 8% acetate and 2% polyester, it can be hand washed and dried flat. Designed for making evening wear, such as scarves, sweaters, vests and shawls.

c. Synthetic

Synthetics are well-suited for the many currently popular novelty yarns, and their range is vast. Manufacturers continually attempt to make synthetic yarns that mimic the best properties of the natural fibers. Synthetics are generally durable, water-resistant, and strong, but can also be somewhat non-breathable and non-insulating. Most are machine washable, but are very sensitive to heat, and they will melt or burn at fairly low temperatures. Nevertheless, knitters can’t help but be drawn to their seductive textures and rich colors.

Polyester: Polyester is made from a group of condensation polymers. It is resilient, smooth, crisp, and springy. It can be shaped with heat and is insensitive to moisture. It is lightweight, strong, and resistant to creasing, shrinking, and stretching. It is nicely washable, and is not damaged by sunlight, weather, moths, or mildew. Polyester is very often combined with other fibers.

Acrylic: Acrylic is a synthetic polymer fabric or yarn, and is lightweight and warm with a very wool-like feel. Although it is resistant to moths, oils, and chemicals, it is prone to static and pilling. 100% acrylic yarns can be a bit “cheap-looking,” if not chosen with care.

Nylon: Nylon was the first completely synthetic fiber. It is strong and resistant to many chemicals and moths. It is also easy to wash and is very non-absorbent. It can be a bit scratchy if not blended with another fiber.

Viscose / Rayon: Viscose is a man-made fiber made of wood or cotton cellulose treated with sodium hydroxide to make a liquid that can be extruded as cellophane or rayon yarn. Rayon fiber is quite absorbent, dyes very well, is soft, and has a nice drape. Although it may shrink, it does not melt at high temperatures, and it is resistant to moths, bleach, and many common household chemicals. Rayon thread is divisible, shiny, and good for blending, but is not hard wearing.

5. Identify and know the purpose of the following weights of yarn:

a. Medium

It is recomended by everyone, and is used for almost everything, in inscluding items such as pillows, thorw ons, etc.

b. Sports

Is stil quentionable and doesn't really have specified uses.

c. Heavy

Our heavy-weight yarns are great for new knitters because it's smooth enough so you can see your stitches, and it's easy to finish projects quickly. We have a wide variety of heavy weight yarns from such notable names as Cascade, Rowan, and Brown Sheep. These yarns are great for cozy scarves, comfy hats, and toasty mittens!

d. Bulky

Bulky Weight - Also called chunky, craft, or rug weight. It is a thick yarn that works up quickly on large needles, so if you don't have hours to spend on a new scarf, this is a good choice for something thick and warm, but also fast. It can also be used to make a quick throw or blanket.

Needle size: US 9 - 11 (5.5mm - 8mm)

Hook size: US K10 1/3 - M13 (6.5mm - 9mm)

References

• http://www.learntoknit.com/abbreviations.php3
• http://www.knittinghelp.com/