Helpful Knitting Vocabulary

Word Origin: The word "knit" comes from the Old English word "cnyttan," which means "to tie with a knot." This is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "knutjanan," which has the same meaning. The act of knitting involves creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles, resembling the way knots are tied. The word has been used in the context of knitting techniques since the 15th century.

Word Origin: The word "purl" in the context of knitting techniques comes from Middle English "pirlyng," which means to twist or curl. It is derived from the Old English word "pyrlian," which means to twirl or twist. The term "purl" specifically refers to a type of knitting stitch that creates a raised loop on the fabric, giving it a textured appearance.

Word Origin: The term "cast on" in knitting refers to the process of creating the initial row of stitches on the needle before beginning a project. The etymology of the term comes from the Old English word "casten," which means to throw or put in place. In the context of knitting, "casting on" involves creating a series of loops on the needle by "casting" or "throwing" the yarn onto the needle to begin the project.

Word Origin: The term "bind off" in knitting comes from the Old English word "bindan," meaning to tie or fasten. In knitting, binding off refers to the process of finishing a row of stitches and securing them in place so that they do not unravel. This technique involves knitting two stitches, then passing the first one over the second to create a bound edge.

Word Origin: The word "increase" in the context of knitting techniques comes from the Old French word "encreistre," which means to grow or augment. It ultimately derives from the Latin word "incrementum," meaning growth or increase. In knitting, an increase refers to adding stitches to a row or round to make the fabric wider or create shaping.

Word Origin: The word "decrease" in the context of knitting techniques comes from the Old French word "descroistre," which means "to lessen" or "to diminish." This term was later borrowed into Middle English as "decreessen" before evolving into the modern English word "decrease." In knitting, a decrease refers to a technique used to reduce the number of stitches in a row or round, usually to shape the fabric or create decorative effects.

Word Origin: The term "yarn over" in knitting comes from the Middle English word "yernen," meaning "to desire or long for." In knitting, a yarn over is a technique where the yarn is passed over the needle to create an extra loop, which results in an increase in the number of stitches on the needle. This technique is commonly used in lace knitting to create decorative holes or eyelets in the fabric.

Word Origin: The term "cable" in the context of knitting techniques comes from the Old French word "cable," which originally referred to a large rope or cord. This term was later adapted into English and used to describe a type of knitting technique that creates a raised, twisted pattern in the fabric by crossing stitches over each other. The use of the word "cable" in knitting likely comes from the resemblance of the twisted stitches to the appearance of actual cables or ropes.

Word Origin: The term "cable needle" in the context of knitting tools is a compound word made up of "cable" and "needle." The word "needle" comes from Old English "nædl," which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "nædlaz." This word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "nēd-" meaning "to sew." The word "cable" in this context refers to a type of knitting stitch pattern that creates a twisted or braided effect in the fabric. The term "cable" likely comes from the Old North French word "cable," which is derived from the Latin "capulum" meaning "lasso" or "halter." Therefore, the term "cable needle" likely originated from the combination of the need for a specialized tool for working cable stitches in knitting, and the traditional use of needles for sewing and stitching.

Word Origin: The word "yarn" comes from the Old English word "gearn," which originally meant "spun fiber." This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "garnan," which also meant "yarn" or "thread." The use of the word "yarn" in the context of knitting tools refers to the spun fibers that are used to create textiles and fabric through the process of knitting.

Word Origin: The word "needles" in the context of knitting tools comes from the Old English word "nædl," which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "nædla." This ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "neh₂d-", which means "to bind, tie." The use of needles in knitting dates back thousands of years, with the earliest examples found in Egypt and dating back to the 4th century BC. The word "needle" has been used in English to refer to a pointed instrument used for sewing or knitting since the early 13th century.

Word Origin: The term "stitch marker" in the context of knitting tools comes from the combination of "stitch," referring to a loop of yarn that forms part of a knitted fabric, and "marker," which indicates a device used to mark a specific point or place in a pattern. Stitch markers are small, often ring-shaped markers that are placed on knitting needles to help knitters keep track of their stitches and patterns as they work.

Word Origin: The term "row counter" in the context of knitting tools comes from the combination of the words "row" and "counter." - "Row" refers to a horizontal line of stitches in knitting, typically worked from one edge of the fabric to the other. - "Counter" refers to a device or mechanism used to keep track of a quantity or number of something. Therefore, a row counter in knitting is a tool used to keep track of the number of rows worked in a project, helping knitters to maintain an accurate count and consistency in their stitch patterns.

Word Origin: The word "tape measure" originates from the Middle English word "tappe," meaning a long, narrow strip of cloth or paper. The word "measure" comes from the Latin word "mensura," which means to measure or to measure out. In the context of knitting tools, a tape measure is used to measure the length and width of knitted fabric or garments.

Word Origin: The word "scissors" is derived from the Old French word "cisoires," which comes from the Latin word "cisoria," meaning "cutting instrument." The term was first recorded in the English language in the 14th century. In the context of knitting tools, scissors are essential for cutting yarn and thread.

Word Origin: The word "fiber" in the context of yarn comes from the Latin word "fibra," which means "a thread" or "filament." This term was originally used to refer to the individual strands or filaments that make up a piece of yarn or fabric. Over time, "fiber" has come to be used more broadly to refer to any type of natural or synthetic material that can be spun into yarn.

Word Origin: The word "blend" in the context of yarn comes from the Middle English word "blenden," meaning "to mix." It originated from the Old English word "blendan," which also means "to mix." The term was first used in the 15th century to describe the process of combining different types or colors of fibers to create a yarn with unique characteristics.

Word Origin: The word "ply" in the context of yarn comes from the Middle English word "plien," which means to fold or bend. This term was used in the textile industry to refer to the process of twisting together two or more strands of yarn to create a stronger, more durable yarn. Over time, "ply" became the standard term for this process in the world of textiles.

Word Origin: The word "loom" in the context of yarn comes from the Old English word "geloma," meaning a utensil or tool. This term eventually evolved into "lome" in Middle English, which referred to a tool or implement used in weaving. The word "loom" specifically came into use in the 13th century, referring to the framework or machine used to hold the warp threads in place while weaving.

Word Origin: The word "yarn" can be traced back to the Old English word "gearn," which originally referred to fibers spun into thread for weaving or knitting. This word ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "garn," meaning "fiber" or "yarn." The term has been used in English since the Middle Ages to refer to spun fibers used for textiles, and it continues to be used in the same sense today.

Word Origin: The word "knit" comes from the Old English word "cnyttan," which means "to tie with a knot." This word originally referred to the act of tying things together with a knot, but over time it came to specifically refer to the act of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.

Word Origin: The word "crochet" comes from the French word "crochet," which means "hook." The practice of using a hooked needle to create fabric dates back to the early 19th century, and the term "crochet" was officially adopted in English in the mid-19th century.

Word Origin: The word "skein" in the context of yarn comes from the Middle English word "skeine," which is derived from the Old North French word "escagne" or "escaigne." This in turn comes from the Latin word "exquania," meaning "a quantity of yarn wound on a reel." The word ultimately traces back to the Greek word "skaine," which means "a band or ribbon."

Word Origin: The word "needle" comes from the Old English word "nǣdl," which is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*nēdla." This word is related to the Old High German "nādala" and the Dutch "naald," all of which refer to a thin, pointed object used for sewing or stitching. In the context of yarn, a needle is a small, slender tool with a sharp point used to manipulate the yarn and create different types of stitches in knitting or crocheting.

Word Origin: The word "pattern" in the context of yarn comes from the Middle English word "patron," which originally meant a model or example to be copied. This word ultimately derives from the Latin word "patronus," which means a protector or defender. Over time, the meaning of "pattern" evolved to refer to a design or template that is used to create a specific shape or form in knitting, crocheting, or other textile crafts.

Word Origin: The word "weave" in the context of yarn comes from the Old English word "wefan," which means "to weave." This term has been used for centuries to describe the process of intertwining yarn or threads together to create fabric or textiles. The word "weave" is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "weban," which has the same meaning of "to weave." Ultimately, both of these words can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "webh," which means "to weave" or "to knit."

Word Origin: The word "spinning" in the context of yarn comes from the Old English word "spinnan," which means "to draw out and twist fibers into thread." This word has its origins in the Proto-Germanic word "spinnan," and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages such as the Old Norse "spenna" and the Dutch "spinnen." The act of spinning yarn has been a fundamental human activity for thousands of years, and the word itself has remained relatively unchanged since its earliest origins.

Word Origin: The word "dye" comes from the Old English word "deah," which means to color or stain. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "daubijan," which also means to color or stain. The use of dyes to color yarn dates back thousands of years, with evidence of natural dyes being used in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The process of dyeing yarn involves applying color to the fibers through various methods, resulting in a wide range of vibrant hues and patterns.

Word Origin: The word "wool" comes from the Old English word "wull," which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wulno." This word is ultimately traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "wel," meaning "to tear, pull off." This reflects the process of shearing the wool from sheep to create yarn.

Word Origin: The word "acrylic" in the context of yarn comes from the chemical compound "acrylonitrile," which is a key ingredient in the production of acrylic fibers. Acrylic yarn is made from synthetic fibers that are derived from acrylonitrile, which is a type of plastic. The term "acrylic" was first used in the 1950s when acrylic fibers were developed as a cheaper alternative to natural fibers like wool.

Word Origin: The word "alpaca" in the context of yarn comes from the Spanish language. The term "alpaca" originally referred to the domesticated South American mammal of the same name, known for its soft and luxurious fleece. The yarn made from alpaca fibers is highly valued for its warmth, softness, and durability, making it a popular choice for knitting and crocheting projects. The word "alpaca" itself is believed to have originated from the Aymara language spoken by indigenous peoples in the Andes region, where alpacas are primarily found.

Word Origin: The word "mohair" comes from the Arabic word "mukhayyar," which means "choice" or "select." This is because mohair yarn is made from the hair of the Angora goat, which is known for its softness and quality.

Word Origin: The word "Cashmere" in the context of yarn comes from the region of Kashmir, located in northern India and Pakistan. This region has long been known for producing high-quality wool from the Cashmere goat, which is known for its softness and warmth. The term "Cashmere" specifically refers to the fine, soft wool that is obtained from this goat breed.

Word Origin: The word "silk" comes from the Old English word "seolc," which is derived from the Latin word "sericum." This Latin word ultimately comes from the Greek word "σηρικός (serikos)," meaning "silk." The origins of the word can also be traced back to the ancient Chinese word "si" or "sze," which referred to silk fabric. Silk is a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms and has been used for thousands of years in textiles and yarns due to its luxurious feel and sheen.

Word Origin: The word "tension" in the context of yarn comes from the Latin word "tensio," which means "a stretching" or "a straining." This term refers to the amount of pull or resistance that is applied to the yarn as it is being worked with, either by hand or by a machine. Proper tension is important in knitting, crochet, weaving, and other textile crafts to ensure that the yarn is evenly distributed and that the finished product is not too loose or too tight.

Word Origin: The term "jumbo" in the context of yarn weights likely comes from the original meaning of the word, which is used to describe something that is very large or oversized. In the world of yarn, jumbo yarn refers to a very thick and bulky yarn that is typically used for projects that require a lot of material and work up quickly. The use of the term "jumbo" in this context likely comes from the fact that this type of yarn is much larger and heavier than traditional yarn weights, making it ideal for creating thick, warm, and cozy items such as blankets, scarves, and sweaters.

Word Origin: The term "Aran" in the context of yarn weights comes from the Aran Islands, a group of three islands located off the west coast of Ireland. The traditional Aran sweater, which is known for its intricate cable patterns and heavy weight, originated on these islands. As a result, yarn that is classified as Aran weight is typically thicker and heavier than other types of yarn, making it ideal for creating warm and cozy garments such as sweaters and blankets.

Word Origin: The word "bulky" in the context of yarn weights originates from the Middle English word "bolk," meaning "heap" or "mass." It is related to the Old Norse word "balkr," meaning "beam" or "log." The term "bulky" was later adapted in the textile industry to describe thicker, heavier yarns that create chunky, substantial fabrics when knitted or crocheted.

Word Origin: The term "chunky" in the context of yarn weights comes from the English word "chunk," which originally meant a thick, solid piece or lump of something. In the world of knitting and crocheting, "chunky" yarn refers to a thicker, heavier weight yarn that is made up of shorter, bulkier strands. This type of yarn creates a chunkier, more textured fabric when knitted or crocheted, hence the name "chunky yarn."

Word Origin: The term "chunky weight" in the context of yarn weights comes from the English word "chunky," which means thick or bulky. This type of yarn is typically heavier and thicker than other yarn weights, making it ideal for projects that require a chunkier, more substantial look and feel. The term has likely been adapted from the common use of "chunky" to describe something that is large or substantial in size.

Word Origin: The term "cobweb" in the context of yarn weights refers to a very fine and delicate yarn that is similar in thickness to an actual cobweb. The exact etymology of the word in this context is unclear, but it likely derives from the Old English word "coppe" meaning spider, as cobwebs are intricately woven by spiders. The association with fine, delicate yarn likely comes from the delicate and intricate nature of cobwebs themselves.

Word Origin: In the context of yarn weights, DK stands for "double knitting." The term originated in Britain in the mid-20th century and refers to a medium weight yarn that is thicker than fingering weight but thinner than worsted weight. Double knitting yarn is typically used for making sweaters, cardigans, and other garments that require a balance between warmth and drape.

Word Origin: The term "fine weight" in the context of yarn weights refers to a category of yarn that is lightweight and thin. The etymology of the word "fine" in this context comes from Middle English "fyn" or "fyne," which originated from Old French "fin," meaning "delicate" or "carefully made." This term was used to describe yarn that is finely spun and has a soft, delicate texture.

Word Origin: The term "fingering" in the context of yarn weights comes from the traditional British system of naming yarn weights based on the number of threads used in a yarn. In this system, yarn weights were named after the number of "fingers" of a glove that could be knit with the yarn. Fingering weight yarn is so named because it was traditionally used to knit fine gloves that required delicate, intricate work with small needles. Over time, the term "fingering" has come to refer to a specific category of yarn weight that is lightweight and typically used for delicate, detailed projects.

Word Origin: The term "worsted" in the context of yarn weights comes from the name of a type of yarn originally made in the village of Worstead in Norfolk, England. The term "heavy worsted" refers to a thicker, heavier weight of yarn that is typically used for projects that require a more substantial and warm fabric, such as sweaters or blankets.

Word Origin: The word "novelty" in the context of yarn weights likely comes from the meaning of "novel" or "new." In the world of yarn, novelty yarns are those that are unique, often experimental, and different from traditional yarns in terms of texture, color, or construction. These yarns are designed to add interest and creativity to knitting or crochet projects, making them stand out from more traditional yarns. The use of the word "novelty" in this context reflects the idea that these yarns are fresh, innovative, and unconventional compared to the standard options available.

Word Origin: The term "laceweight" in the context of yarn weights comes from the fine and delicate nature of the yarn itself. The word "lace" refers to the intricate and delicate fabric typically used in making lace, which requires fine threads to create intricate patterns. "Weight" in this context refers to the thickness or thinness of the yarn. Therefore, "laceweight" yarn is a very fine and thin yarn that is typically used for creating delicate lace patterns in knitting or crochet.

Word Origin: In the context of yarn weights, "light fingering" refers to a specific category of yarn that falls between fingering weight and sport weight yarn. The term "fingering" originally referred to the weight of yarn that could be knit using fingers (as opposed to needles or hooks), and "light fingering" is simply a lighter version of this weight category. The etymology of the term "fingering" in relation to yarn weights is not entirely clear, but it likely comes from the action of using one's fingers to manipulate and work with the yarn. Over time, as the yarn industry developed standardized weight categories, the term "fingering" was adopted to describe a specific weight of yarn that is finer than, for example, worsted or bulky weight yarn. "Light fingering" is a further refinement of this weight category, indicating a yarn that is even finer and lighter than traditional fingering weight yarn. This allows for more delicate and intricate stitch work, making it a popular choice for lace knitting and other projects that require a lightweight and delicate fabric.

Word Origin: The term "light sport" in the context of yarn weights likely comes from the world of sports and athletics. In sports, a "light sport" refers to a category of sport that involves minimal physical exertion and is typically more leisurely and recreational in nature. This term has been adapted to the world of yarn weights to describe a category of yarn that is lightweight and suitable for more delicate or intricate knitting or crocheting projects. The etymology of the term likely stems from the idea of "lightness" or "softness" in both the physical and metaphorical sense, conveying a sense of ease and comfort in working with these types of yarns.

Word Origin: The term "medium weight" in the context of yarn weights refers to a category of yarn that is neither too thick nor too thin. The etymology of the word "medium" derives from the Latin word "medius," meaning "middle" or "midway." Therefore, in the context of yarn weights, "medium weight" yarn falls in the middle range of thickness, making it versatile for a variety of different knitting and crocheting projects.

Word Origin: The word "worsted" in the context of yarn weights comes from the town of Worstead in Norfolk, England. In the 12th century, the town of Worstead became known for its production of high-quality woolen cloth, which was made from long-staple wool fibers that were combed and spun into a smooth, fine yarn. This type of yarn became known as worsted yarn, and the term eventually came to be used to describe a specific weight of yarn that is smooth, strong, and durable.

Word Origin: The word "thread" comes from the Old English word "þrǣd," which means a fine cord made up of twisted fibers. In the context of yarn weights, thread refers to the finest category of yarn, typically used for delicate projects such as lacework or embroidery. Thread is often made up of multiple plies twisted together to create a smooth and strong strand.

Word Origin: The term "super bulky" in the context of yarn weights comes from the textile and knitting industry. The word "bulky" is used to describe yarn that is thick and heavy, making it suitable for creating warm and cozy garments and accessories. The prefix "super" was added to indicate that this particular weight of yarn is even thicker and heavier than regular bulky yarn. The term "bulky" itself originates from the Middle English word "bolk," which means "heap" or "mass." This likely refers to the larger size of the yarn strands in this weight category compared to thinner yarns. Overall, "super bulky" yarn is known for its quick knitting or crocheting projects and its ability to create chunky and substantial finished pieces.

Word Origin: The term "sport" in the context of yarn weights originated from the traditional British yarn weight system, which categorized yarn into different weights based on their thickness and density. In this system, "sport weight" referred to a medium-weight yarn that was thicker than fingering weight yarn but thinner than worsted weight yarn. The term "sport weight" likely originated from the idea that this weight of yarn was suitable for knitting or crocheting garments and accessories for sports and outdoor activities.

Word Origin: The term "roving" in the context of yarn weights comes from the Old English word "rafian," which means "to roam." In the textile industry, roving refers to a long, narrow bundle of fiber that has been combed and slightly twisted in preparation for spinning into yarn. The term likely originated from the idea of the fiber strands "roaming" or wandering in the roving bundle before being spun into yarn.