How to french knit
If you enjoy knitting and want to try something different, French knitting might be just the thing for you. This technique, also known as spool knitting or corking, is a simple way to create tubular knitting using a small tool called a knitting Nancy or a French knitting bobbin. French knitting is a great project for beginners and a fun and relaxing activity for knitters of all ages. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of French knitting, starting from choosing the right tools to finishing your first French knitted project.
Step 1: Gather the Materials
Before you start French knitting, you will need a few basic materials. You will need a French knitting tool, which can be a wooden knitting Nancy or a plastic spool with pegs, also called a French knitting bobbin. You will also need some yarn of your choice. It’s best to start with a medium or chunky weight yarn, as it is easier to work with. Lastly, you will need a pair of scissors to cut the yarn.
Step 2: Set Up your French Knitting Tool
Now that you have all your materials ready, it’s time to set up your French knitting tool. If you are using a knitting Nancy, start by placing the end of the yarn through the hole in the center of the knitting Nancy. If you are using a French knitting bobbin, start by securing the end of the yarn around one of the pegs. Make sure the end of the yarn is securely tied or wrapped around the tool.
Step 3: Start French Knitting
Once your French knitting tool is set up, you are ready to start French knitting. Hold the tool with one hand and the yarn with the other hand, making sure there is tension in the yarn. Use your thumb or fingers to hold the yarn in place around the tool, and use your other hand to work the yarn. Insert the yarn into the first stitch or peg from the outside in. Then, using the knitting tool, pull the loop of yarn through to the top. Move on to the next stitch or peg and repeat the process until you have worked all the way around the tool.
Step-by-Step Guide on French Knitting
French knitting, also known as spool knitting or corking, is a fun and creative way to make tubular or rope-like knitted items. This technique is easy to learn and is perfect for beginners. Follow these simple steps to start your own French knitting project!
Step 1: Gather your materials. You will need a French knitting spool or a wooden spool with four nails, a ball of yarn, and a pair of scissors.
Step 2: Prepare the spool. If you are using a French knitting spool, no preparation is needed. But if you are using a wooden spool, start by hammering four nails evenly spaced around the top edge of the spool.
Step 3: Start the project. Tie the end of the yarn into a slipknot and slide it onto one of the nails or into the center hole of the spool. Hold the spool in one hand firmly.
Step 4: Begin the knit stitches. Take the yarn from behind the first nail and place it in a counterclockwise direction across the front of the nail. Repeat this step for the remaining three nails.
Step 5: Continue knitting. With the yarn in front of the first nail, use the crochet hook or your fingers to gently lift the bottom loop on the nail over the top loop and off the nail. Pull the yarn gently to tighten the stitch. Repeat this step for the remaining three nails.
Step 6: Create more rows. Repeat Step 5 by adding more rows of knit stitches until you reach the desired length of your project.
Step 7: Finish the project. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the loops on the nails and carefully slide them off. Pull the tail to tighten and secure the stitches.
Step 8: Personalize your project. You can decorate your French knitting project by adding beads, buttons, or other embellishments. Let your creativity shine!
Now that you know the steps to French knitting, you can explore various patterns and create beautiful knitted items. Practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt is not perfect. Enjoy the knitting process and have fun!
Materials and Tools Needed for French Knitting
French knitting, also known as spool knitting or corking, is a fun and simple craft that requires only a few basic materials and tools. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, these are the essential supplies you will need to get started:
1. Knitting Spool
The knitting spool, also called a French knitter or knitting dolly, is the key tool for French knitting. It is a compact device made of wood or plastic with pegs on top that help guide the yarn when knitting. You can find knitting spools in various sizes, so choose one according to your preference and project requirements.
2. Yarn
Yarn is the main material used in French knitting. You can choose from a variety of yarn types, such as acrylic, wool, or cotton, depending on the project you want to create. Select yarn colours that match your preferences and complement your designs. It’s best to start with a medium-weight yarn, as it is easier to work with for beginners.
3. Crochet Hook
A crochet hook is useful while working on French knitting. It helps to pick up stitches, fix mistakes, and finish off the project. It is recommended to have a crochet hook that is the same size or slightly smaller than the knitting spool’s pegs.
4. Scissors
Scissors are required to cut the yarn while starting and finishing your knitting. Choose a pair of sharp and pointed scissors that will make clean cuts without fraying the yarn.
5. Yarn Needle
A yarn needle, also known as a tapestry needle, is used for sewing in loose ends and finishing off the project. It has a large eye that makes it easy to thread the yarn through. Make sure to use a yarn needle with a blunt tip to avoid accidentally poking yourself.
| Materials | Tools |
|---|---|
| Knitting spool | Crochet hook |
| Yarn | Scissors |
| – | Yarn needle |
With these materials and tools at hand, you are ready to start your French knitting journey. Happy knitting!
How to Start French Knitting
French knitting, also known as spool knitting or corking, is a fun and easy way to create knitted tubes that can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you want to make a scarf, a small pouch, or even a decorative trim for a project, French knitting is a great skill to learn. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Choose your materials: You will need a knitting spool or a wooden spool with four nails inserted into the top. You will also need a crochet hook and some yarn in the colors of your choice.
2. Secure the yarn: Start by tying the end of the yarn to the base of one nail on the spool. Make sure it is secure but not too tight.
3. Begin wrapping: Hold the spool with one hand while using your other hand to wrap the yarn around each nail in a counterclockwise direction. Continue wrapping until each nail has two loops of yarn around it.
4. Start knitting: Take the end of the yarn that is still attached to the ball and pull it through the loop on your first nail with the crochet hook. This will create a new loop that you will slide over the top of the nail.
5. Keep knitting: Repeat step 4 for each nail, pulling the yarn through the loop and sliding the new loop over the top of the nail. As you continue knitting, you will see a knitted tube forming at the bottom of the spool.
6. Adjust tension: If your stitches are too loose, try pulling the yarn tighter before sliding the loop over the nail. If your stitches are too tight, try loosening the tension slightly.
7. Continue knitting: Keep following steps 4-6 until your knitted tube reaches the desired length. You can add additional yarn by tying a new piece to the end of the old one and continue knitting.
8. Finish off: Once you have finished knitting, carefully remove the knitted tube from the spool. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and use the crochet hook to pull the tail through the last loop to secure it.
Now that you know how to start French knitting, you can get creative and experiment with different yarn colors and textures to create unique and beautiful knitted projects.
Practicing Different French Knitting Stitches
Once you have mastered the basic french knitting technique, it’s time to practice different stitches to create more intricate and interesting patterns. These stitches can add texture and depth to your knitted projects.
One popular stitch is the purl stitch. To perform a purl stitch in french knitting, simply wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the outside of the previous stitch on the peg, away from you. Then, using the knitting tool, lift the bottom loop over the top loop and off the peg. This creates a new purl stitch, which appears reversed compared to the knit stitch, giving it a bumpy texture.
Another stitch you can experiment with is the twisted knit stitch. To do this stitch, start by wrapping the yarn clockwise around the outside of the second stitch on the peg toward you. Instead of lifting the bottom loop over the top loop, lift the entire stitch off the peg. Then, insert the knitting tool through the bottom of the stitch from right to left, and slide the loop back onto the peg. This creates a twist in the stitch, adding interest to your french knitting project.
If you want to create a ribbed effect, you can alternate between the knit stitch and the purl stitch. This is commonly known as the rib stitch. Knit a stitch, then purl the next stitch, and continue this pattern until the end of your project. Repeat this row for the desired ribbed effect. It’s a great stitch to use when creating items such as scarves or cuffs.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of these stitches or to explore other french knitting patterns that you find online. With practice, you’ll be able to create unique and beautiful pieces using these different french knitting stitches.
Tips and Tricks for French Knitting Success
In order to achieve French knitting success, there are a few tips and tricks that can come in handy. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or more experienced and looking to improve, these suggestions will help you on your knitting journey.
1. Choose the Right Yarn and Needles
One key aspect of French knitting is selecting the right yarn and needles. For beginners, it’s best to start with a medium or bulky weight yarn as they are easier to handle. As for needles, using a set with a larger size will be more comfortable and help you learn the technique more easily.
2. Maintain Proper Tension
When French knitting, it’s important to maintain a consistent tension throughout your work. This will help ensure that your stitches are even and the finished result looks polished. Practice keeping a steady tension by relaxing your hands and allowing the yarn to flow smoothly as you work.
Another technique to achieve consistent tension is to give your work a gentle tug after each stitch. This will help to align the stitches and keeps them from being too loose or tight.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of French knitting. Remember to be patient with yourself, as knitting is a skill that develops over time. Before you know it, you’ll create beautiful pieces and enjoy the calming process of French knitting.
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