Want a thick piece of material? Then learning double knitting techniques might be right for you. Even better, the knitted fabric you will have will be reversible.
Double Knitting Techniques
Double knitting is a little more complex than regular knitting. While double knitting is a bit more complicated, learning how to double knit is by no means impossible, particularly if you have already mastered the basics of knitting and have started to move on to more challenging stitches and designs.
Actually, there is a double knitting secret. You can double knit if you only know how to knit and purl. The difference is that you will be knitting one side and purling on the other side. Basically, when you double knit, you knit two sides of fabric at the same time. However, you will still only be using two strands of yarn.
The first challenge in double knitting is learning how to hold your two strands of yarn. Both strands of yarn will be placed on your finger. However, the piece of yarn that you will be using for a knit stitch should be in front of the strand of yarn that you will be using to purl stitch the fabric on the back of your piece. Even though you will only be using one strand to knit or purl, both strands should be together either in front or on the back of your piece.
It just takes practice.
There are two ways to cast on and bind off when double knitting. First, you can cast on and bind off using both strands of yarn. Should you decide to use this method, use a size needle that is a couple of sizes smaller than the needle than you will be using for the body of your piece.
If you cast on and bind off using one thread, you will cast on as you would when knitting. On the second row, you will increase by knitting two stitches through each cast on. Similarly, you will decrease stitches when you bind off.
 | Learning how to knit may look more simple than it actually is, but once you master knitting basic instructions for casting on, the knit and purl stitches and binding off, you may find your new hobby results in a new wardrobe. |
With some helpful knitting instruction, it isn't difficult to learn the basics behind knitting backwards. |
According to the Craft Yarn Council of America, knitting has caught on in a big way, with the number of practitioners almost doubling from 1996 to 2002. |
You have to learn how to use two needles when you knit, whereas you need only one hook for crochet, but knitting for beginners is simple, and knitters will usually defend their work as the more polished-looking of the two. |
Even though you might think knitting is a complicated craft to learn, you need to master only a few basic types of knitting stitches. With a pair of knitting needles, an inexpensive ball of yarn and a little patience you'll be on your way to knitting scarves and sweaters. |
