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"KNITTING, though considered to be an
old-fashioned art, is by no means so ancient as lacemaking. Knitting
has never entirely quitted the hands of English and German ladies;
indeed, among all good housewives of any civilised country, it is
reckoned an indispensable accomplishment. Knitting schools have been
established of late years both in Ireland and Scotland, and Her
Majesty the Queen has herself set an example of this industry, as well
as largely patronised the industrial knitters of Scotland. Of the
rudiments of this useful art many ladies are at present ignorant; it
is in the hope of being useful to these that the following
instructions are offered."
- Mrs. Beeton's Book of
Needlework
To knit, two, three, four, or five
needles, and either thread, cotton, silk, or wool are required.
Knitting needles are made of steel, of
ivory, or of wood; the size to be used depends entirely upon the
material employed, whether thread, cotton, silk, single or double
wool, for knitting. As the size of the needles depends upon that of
the cotton, a knitting gauge is used (see No. 287). The gauge (page
290) is the exact size of Messrs. H. Walker and Co.'s knitting gauge.
Our readers will remark that English and foreign gauges differ very
essentially; the finest size of German needles, for example, is No. 1,
which is the size of the coarsest English wooden or ivory needle.
Straight knitting is usually done with two needles only for round
knitting for socks, stockings, &c., three, four, and five needles are
employed. |
