
Knitting
has long been the favorite technique for shawl making because of the
detailing and color patterning that is possible and the supple, drapable
fabric the stitches produce. Knitted shawls have something special in
common, a great fit and cozy comfort.
Knitted Fabrics
Knitted fabrics are made by intermeshing of loops of yarn, and can be
composed of any kind of fiber, yarn, stitches or patterns for apparel,
home-furnishing, and industrial end-uses. Knitted fabrics can be divided
into two general types: weft knitted and warp knitted. Weft knitted
fabrics are the knitted fabric in which a yarn forms loops across the
width of the fabric; they can be either hand-made or machine processed.
Warp knitted fabrics are knitted fabrics in which a series of yams run
in the lengthwise direction to the fabric.
Designs & Motifs
The two basic stitches, knit and purl, can be worked alone or together
and form the basis of dozens of designs as well as other stitches.
Knitting requires two needles and a continuous strand of yarn. The basic
stitches are created using both needles, wrapping the yarn over one
needle and drawing the wrapped yarn through loops on the other needle. A
variety of techniques, including diagonal knitting lace, short rows,
entrelac, and intarsia are used while crafting knitted shawls.