We all have seen it on patterns, stuff like Garter Stitch, Stockinette, Ribbing, double Ribbing, but what does it all mean? If you are new to the world of loom knitting or knitting in general, these terms are unknown to you and as such may make a pattern that is really simple into something quite confusing. Let's take a closer look at what they all mean and how to get them done on a loom, shall we?
Garter stitch: Garter stitch has one of the best characteristics out there, it creates reversible fabric that has a horizontal ridge. Also, Garter Stitch fabric lays flat--meaning, it doesn't curl on itself.
How to loom it: it is done the same in the round (a circular item such as a hat or sock) as in a flat panel (such as a scarf or blanket)
The two rows/rounds make one Garter Stitch Ridge. Some patterns may tell you to make 20 Garter Stitch ridges which in turn will mean to work 40 rows/rounds.Row/Round 1: Knit
Row/Round 2: Purl
Repeat Row/Round 1 and 2 until you have reached the desired length
Stockinette: nice and fancy name, it must mean something quite difficult, actually, you are probably already doing it each time you loom a hat. Stockinette refers to the smooth side of the fabric, the one that has all the little v's. Watch out, fabric done completely in stockinette stitch will curl at the edges.
How to loom it:
As loom knitters, we are very lucky as we don't need to do go through the trouble of purling on the wrong side rows to make the smooth fabric. To create stockinette on a loom, it is the same if you are working in the round or a flat panel.
Row 1/Round 1: knit
Row 2/Round 2: knitRepeat Row/Round 1 and 2 until you have reached the desired length.
Reverse Stockinette: Simply refers to the opposite of stockinette, instead of the nice smooth side, we want the bumpy side to be on the right side of the fabric. As in stockinette, Reverse Stockinette also curls on itself, so plan for it.
Looming it: To create reverse stockinette on a loom, it is the same if you are working in the round or a flat panel.
Row 1/Round 1: purl
Row 2/Round 2: purlRepeat Row/Round 1 and 2 until you have reached the desired length.
Lastly, let's look at ribbing. What exactly is ribbing and no it is not going to the local rib joint and eating until your tummy explodes.
Ribbing: Elastic and reversible fabric with vertical ridges, mostly seen on cuffs or hems of sweaters. There are various types of ribbing, the most common single and double. Single involves 2 stitches, double 4 stitches.
Looming it:
Single: Involves 2 stitches:
Row/Round 1: *k1, p1; rep from *. What does it mean? Knit 1 peg, purl 1 peg, repeat from * to the end of the row/round.
Repeat Row/Round 1 until you have reached the desired length.
Double: Involves 4 stitches:
Row/Round 1: *k2, p2; rep from *. What does it mean? Knit 2 pegs, purl 2 pegs, repeat from * to the end of the row/round.
Repeat Row/Round 1 until you have reached the desired length.
Now that we have deciphered what the terms mean, go and loom something with them and come back and share with me your pictures and your loomy discoveries.
Keep on looming!
