Knitting Honor

Arts & Crafts

Requirements

1. Know how to perform the following stitches and state their abbreviations:
   • Sock
   • Knitting
   • Stitch loop
   • Simple cast-on
   • Double cast-on
   • Joined stitch

   Answer: Basic stitches: 1) PURL (p) — the yarn passes behind the needle; 2) KNIT (k) — straight stitch, yarn in front; 3) YARN OVER (yo) — pass the yarn over the needle without a stitch; 4) SINGLE DECREASE (sl1-k1-psso) — pass 1 stitch over the other; 5) DOUBLE DECREASE — pass 2 stitches over the next one; 6) KNIT TWO TOGETHER (k2tog) — knit 2 stitches together as one. Each forms a distinct texture in the final piece. — Knit and purl are the fundamental stitches — combined, they create all patterns (stockinette, rib, basketweave). The yarn over creates holes (lace) and increases. Decreases (single and double) and knit-two-together are decreases — used in necklines, sleeves, and shaping. The abbreviations are an international standard (in English: k = knit, p = purl, yo = yarnover, sl = slip, k2tog = knit two together).

2. List 5 different types of yarn and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.

   Answer: 5 types: 1) SHEEP'S WOOL — warm, naturally insulating, but can be itchy; 2) COTTON — cool, hypoallergenic, ideal for summer and babies; 3) ACRYLIC — cheap, machine-washable, but less breathable; 4) CASHMERE — luxurious, soft, and warm, but expensive and delicate; 5) MOHAIR (goat) — fuzzy, light, and warm, but can shed fibers on contact. Each is for specific projects. — Merino wool (from Australian Merino sheep) is the gold standard — it does not itch and regulates temperature. Alpaca is a good alternative: hypoallergenic and warmer than sheep's wool. Acrylic has lost popularity for being a microplastic (environmentally poor). Cashmere comes from the Himalayan cashmere goat — one goat produces only 200g/year, hence the price. Bamboo is a recent ecological fiber, sustainable and soft.

3. Demonstrate how to join one ball of yarn to another and make the knot unnoticeable in a simple piece.

   Answer: To join balls of yarn without a visible knot: 1) LEAVE 10cm of yarn from the old ball + 10cm from the new one; 2) INTERWEAVE the strands, overlapping them by 5cm along the knitting line; 3) KNIT the following stitches with the 2 strands together (3-5 stitches); 4) TRIM the excess close; 5) the knot stays hidden in the weave. Alternative: the 'felting' technique, slightly wetting the strands so they bind by friction. — The felting technique (Russian join) works only with natural wools (sheep, alpaca) that felt with friction + moisture. With synthetic yarns (acrylic), overlapping 5cm of strands together is the only method. Always make the join at an internal stitch (not at the visible edges). Dripping a drop of white glue on the join also works in emergencies.

4. Demonstrate how to bind off a knitted piece.

   Answer: Binding off (casting off): 1) work the first 2 stitches of the row; 2) with the left needle, pass the 1st stitch over the 2nd (leaving 1 stitch on the right needle); 3) work the next stitch and repeat; 4) at the end, cut the yarn leaving 15cm and pass it through the last stitch, pulling to close. Use a tapestry needle to bind off firmly at the seams. — Binding off (cast off / bind off) is the technique that closes the piece, preventing it from unraveling. The tension should be similar to the stitches of the fabric (neither tight nor loose). For a collar/cuff, use an elastic bind-off (yarn over + 1) that provides flexibility. After cutting the yarn, hide the end by passing a tapestry needle through the back over 5-7 stitches to fix it permanently.

5. State the care needed when washing and storing pieces made of wool.

   Answer: WASHING: cold water + a neutral coconut/wool soap (Hertz, Woolite); do NOT wring (it shrinks and deforms); press the water out with a towel. Dry flat on a towel (do not hang — the weight deforms it). STORAGE: fold, do NOT hang (it widens the shoulders); store in a closed bag/box with mothballs or cloves (which repel moths); in a dry, dark place. — Hot water shrinks wool (felting by friction + temperature). Alkaline soap (ordinary powder detergent) destroys the fibers. Hanging it wet stretches and deforms it — hence drying flat. Moths love wool — mothballs, cedar, or clove essential oil repel them (use sachets). Clean wool stored for months will not attract moths; dirty wool is an invitation — always wash it before storing for long periods.

6. Make a piece following a pattern that has at least 3 different stitches.

   Answer: You must make a piece (scarf, beanie, gloves, etc.) following a pattern with at least 3 different stitches — examples: knit stitch, purl stitch, and basketweave stitch (alternating 4 knit + 4 purl in squares); or popcorn stitch, rib, and stockinette. Present the finished piece to the instructor along with the pattern used and samples of the 3 stitches demonstrated. — Combining stitches creates rich visual patterns: stockinette (knit only) + 1x1 rib + basketweave produce texture, elasticity, and visual interest. Patterns in magazines (Tricô Fácil, Drops Design) provide tested combinations. The scarf is the ideal first piece — its simple shape lets you focus on the stitches. Always make a swatch (15x15cm) before starting to check the tension and the size of the planned stitches.

7. Make 2 knitted pieces from the following options: gloves, baby booties, beanie, scarf.

   Answer: You must make 2 chosen pieces: GLOVES (warm hands), BABY BOOTIES (a useful gift), BEANIE (warm head), SCARF (the simplest for beginners). The scarf is the easiest (a rectangle); a beanie needs decreases at the crown; gloves require separate fingers. Present the 2 finished pieces to the Honor instructor along with the patterns used. — The scarf is the perfect project for beginners — just straight stitches for 100-150cm. A beanie can be made on circular needles or sewn up afterward. Baby booties are adorable — Drops Design kits offer free instructions online. Gloves with fingers require advanced technique (5 double-pointed needles). Start with the simplest and progress gradually as skill is acquired.