Library Book - Yarns, Silk, Needles and Tools
Chapter 1 Yarns
a) Find out everything you need to know about all types of Yarns in this 90+ page document - click here to view the Reference Library PDF (Yarns page 7 to page 101).
b) There's some information about the exciting benefits of knitting with handspun yarn here.
Chapter 2 Knitting and Caring for Silk
Important facts to remember when working with silk - from lustre preservation, ironing, washing, colouring to selecting the right needle.
To preserve the lustre of silk, handling should be as light as possible and the knitting should be done from the correct end of the silk yarn.
This can be determined by drawing a thread between finger and thumb. Whichever direction roughens the skin, work from the opposite end.
A specially important point in silk knitting is that the needles should be of the right size therefore a gauge should be used to obtain the correct size.
A little known technique for ascertaining the right size needle if unable to use a gauge is as follows:
- Twist two strands of silk together and then compare the width of the twist with the size of the needle. If the widths correspond that choice of needle is safe to use.
There are many types of silk yarn. It is usually enough to knit with the yarn suggested in a pattern unless you are very experienced.
Measuring silk knitting should be done in cms or inches, but in some cases rows will need to be counted. In garter stitch, using two needles, each ridge will need to be counted [a ridge will be two knit rows], but in stocking stitch each row will need to be counted. Knitting on four needles or a circular knitting needle will be counted in rounds.
To Increase.
Method 1.
Pick up and knit a stitch from the previous row, at the point indicated in the pattern
Method 2.
Another method is to knit into the back as well as the front of the stitch.
To Decrease.
Method 1.
This is done by knitting two stitches together.
Method 2.
By slipping a stitch, knitting the next, and drawing the slipped stitch over the knitted one.
TIP.
When knitting stockings from old patterns use both methods above to decrease for the seam stitch.
Colours.
Working with four needles, and two colours.
With horizontal stripes, the first two stitches of the newly begun stripe should always be knitted with both silks ..... that just used and that about to be used. This prevents the join of the stripe from appearing uneven.
In patterns where the yarns have to be carried across the back of the work, care must be taken to keep the work loose in order that it will stretch if necessary.
How to knit with several colours.
Method.
Knit the first colour using the German method of laying the yarn across the first finger of the left hand AT THE SAME TIME using a second colour knit using the English method of knitting, then drop this second coloured yarn to pick up a third colour and again knit using the English method, but placing this third thread over and above the second, close to the needle.
Care of silk
Ironing
The correct temperature should be used for all knitted silk i.e. not very hot and contrary to most ironing methods the silk should be protected with a soft piece of material placed between the iron and the silk. [Some silk items do well to be slightly damp before ironing].
Washing knitted silk
Wash in warm water at about 90F. Pure soap products should be used rather than detergents. A lot of products contain alkaline substances which can harm the colours of silk yarns
After washing rinse thoroughly and squeeze out the water. Do not wring. Dry, but do not iron when very wet. |
