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
2. Demonstrate the following:
a. Cast on
The single cast on is probably the easiest to learn, but its a little more difficult to knit evenly with this cast on. The knitted cast on is a little more difficult to learn, but very similar to the knit stitch, and is a little easier to knit evenly from.
Instructional videos of how to do these cast-ons can be found here: http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/cast-on
b. Bind off
The basic knit and basic purl bind offs (or cast-offs) are the simplest and easiest to learn. Be aware that they do create an edge that is not as stretchy as other bind-offs might.
Videos of how to do the basic knit and purl bind-offs can be found here: http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/casting-off
c. Cable stitch
d. Ribbing
e. Garter stitch
f. Stockinette stitch
g. Pick up a dropped stitch
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
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.
4. Show how to join on a new ball of yarn.
5. Identify and know the purpose of the following weights of yarn:
a. Medium
Worsted Weight (also called Afghan or Aran) yarn is a medium weight yarn that is used for a wide range of projects. Thick adult sized clothing (such as sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc.) and home items (such as pillows, afghans, blankets, dishcloths, etc.)are customarily made from worsted weight yarn. Worsted weight is used when items should be relatively durable, and thick, but not bulky. Needle sizes 7-9 are recommended for use with worsted weight yarn, with a gauge of 4-5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch.
b. Sports
Sport weight (also called heavy baby weight, or fine) yarn is used to create objects with a little more weight than sock yarn, but lighter weight than DK yarn. Baby clothing, light mittens, and light blankets are examples of items usually knit from sport weight yarn. The recommended needle size for sport weight yarn is 1-3, with a gauge of 7-8 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch.
c. Heavy
Chunky also called craft, or rug weight) is a heavy/bulky weight yarn (not to be confused with Bulky, or Roving, which is a super bulky weight yarn). 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)
d. Super Bulky
Bulky or Roving, is a super bulky weight yarn used for extremely thick, very quickly knitted objects, such as very heavy hats, coats and scarves. It is recommended that objects knitted in roving are done with needles sized 11 or greater, with a standard gauge of 1.5 - 2 stitches per inch.
