Knitting Wikipedia
Techniques, abbreviations and core knitting concepts used across Ruke patterns.
What is knitting?
Knitting is the craft of making fabric from loops of yarn held together as stitches.
Slip Knot
A slip knot is the adjustable loop often used to start a cast-on.
Long Tail Cast-on
Long Tail Cast-on creates a neat, moderately elastic edge that works for many knitting projects.
Knit stitch
The knit stitch is the first foundation stitch in knitting and creates the smooth V-shaped side of stockinette fabric.
Purl stitch
The purl stitch is the partner of the knit stitch and creates the raised bump side of stockinette fabric.
Garter Stitch
Garter Stitch is created by knitting every row when working flat and gives a squishy, ridged fabric.
Stockinette Stitch
Stockinette Stitch creates smooth V-shaped fabric on the right side and purl bumps on the wrong side.
1x1 Rib
1x1 Rib alternates one knit stitch and one purl stitch to create a stretchy fabric.
2x2 Rib
2x2 Rib alternates two knit stitches and two purl stitches for a clear elastic rib.
Joining in the round
Joining in the round connects cast-on stitches so the project can be worked as a tube.
M1R
Make one right increase used for right-leaning shaping.
M1L
Make one left increase used for left-leaning shaping.
M1R vs M1L
M1R and M1L are mirrored make-one increases used for balanced shaping.
K2tog
K2tog decreases one stitch by knitting two stitches together.
SSK
SSK is a left-leaning decrease made by slipping and knitting two stitches together.
Picking up stitches
Picking up stitches creates new live stitches from an existing edge.
Basic Bind-off
Basic Bind-off secures live stitches to finish an edge.
Gauge
Gauge explains how many stitches and rows fit into a measured area.
Gauge Swatch
A gauge swatch is a sample used to measure stitch and row gauge before starting a project.
Top-down sweater
A top-down sweater is worked from the neckline toward the hem and cuffs.
Raglan sweater
A raglan sweater uses diagonal shaping lines from neckline to underarm.
Positive ease
Positive ease is the extra room between body measurements and finished garment measurements.
How to read a knitting pattern
Reading a knitting pattern means understanding abbreviations, stitch counts, repeats and construction notes.
Blocking
Blocking shapes finished knitting with moisture, measurements and drying time.
RLI
Right lifted increase adds one stitch by lifting the right leg of the stitch below.
LLI
Left lifted increase adds one stitch by lifting a stitch from the row below.
Ruke Cast-Off in rounds
Ruke Cast-Off in rounds finishes circular edges with a clean and elastic result.
Ruke Cast-Off in rows
Ruke Cast-Off in rows finishes flat edges with controlled elasticity.
Fisherman's Rib
Fisherman's Rib creates a thick, stretchy ribbed fabric with deep texture.
Star Stitch
Star Stitch creates a textured fabric with small clustered star shapes.