What is different about Japanese knitting?

Unlike the western use of written instructions, the Japanese use symbols and graphs for all of their knitting and crochet patterns. This means that their patterns can be read universally with no language barriers.

How do you read Japanese knitting patterns?

The Japanese charts work just like English-language charts, because it's how knitting works — you start at the lower right corner with the first stitch, building stitches from right to left, then (if working flat) you read the next row from left to right and invert the stitches (a knit on the right side is a purl on ...

Do people knit in Japan?

Although it would be absurd to suggest that knitting in Japan forms as deep a part of our historical culture as it does in Europe and the Middle East, knitting has been around there a bit longer than you might think.

What are the three types of knitting?

The two basic types of knits are the weft, or filling knits—including plain, rib, purl, pattern, and double knits—and the warp knits—including tricot, raschel, and milanese.

Which country has the most knitters?

For a country known for its boiling hot weather it's quite baffling, but that's why we decided to find out which countries have the most knitters (calculated by the number of official knitting groups). Germany is a top one, with its long history of textile and crafts.

Intro to Japanese Knitting

When did knitting come to Japan?

Knitting was first introduced to Japan during the Nanban trade period (1543–1614 CE) when trade relations with Europe were established in earnest. The Japanese term for knitted fabric, meriyasu, is derived from the Portuguese word 'meias', meaning 'socks'.

What is the difference between amigurumi and crochet?

Amigurumi is essentially the same as crochet, only it refers specifically to the process of making 3D toys. Crochet uses a range of techniques, whereas amigurumi almost always involves working in the round, making spheres which are then stuffed to form the limbs of some adorable little animals.

What is Japanese crochet?

Amigurumi (Japanese: 編みぐるみ, lit. "crocheted or knitted stuffed toy") is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. The word is a compound of the Japanese words 編み ami, meaning "crocheted or knitted", and 包み kurumi, literally "wrapping", as in 縫い包み nuigurumi "(sewn) stuffed doll".

Is it easier to knit or crochet amigurumi?

Check out the Ultimate Knitting Toys Resource!

It didn't matter that I didn't particularly like knitting and found it much more difficult and finicky than crochet. I had to knit those bunnies and the sooner the better. Even though I'd crocheted dozens of amigurumi, knitting them was totally intimidating.

Can amigurumi be knitted?

Most amigurumi are crocheted, but you CAN knit them. The reason it is more of a crochet trend is simply because of the fabric each craft makes. Knitting creates a stretchy fabric, where as crochet results in a dense, thick fabric.

What does amigurumi stand for?

First, a little history behind the making: Amigurumi is the crocheting (or sometimes, knitting) of miniature figures. The word itself is derived from the Japanese words "ami," meaning to knit or crochet, and "nuigurumi," meaning stuffed doll.

What are the two methods of knitting?

In knitting, there are two basic styles of technique: the English method and the German or Continental method. The only real difference lies in how the yarn is held. With the English method, the working yarn is held in the right hand; with the Continental method, it is held in the left.

Who invented knitting?

The Early Origins

The Historian Richard Rutt conservatively suggests that knitting originated in Egypt between 500 and 1200 A.D.. An independent researcher, Rudolf Pfister, discovered some fragments of knitted fabric in Eastern Syria.

Can you knit stuffed animals?

These too-cute stuffed animals are small projects that fill that in-between knitting need. Most of them require small amounts of yarn and are fun to make. Most of all, if you have them ear-marked for a child on your knit-list, they will be welcomed gifts.

Why do old ladies knit?

It improves your hand-eye coordination

Knitting is good for the brain, but it can be good for your body too. Many seniors experience difficulty with hand-eye coordination as they age.

Which came first knitting or crochet?

Knitted textiles survive from as early as the 11th century CE, but the first substantive evidence of crocheted fabric emerges in Europe during the 19th century. Earlier work identified as crochet was commonly made by nålebinding, a different looped yarn technique.

Did the Romans knit?

As far as we know, knitting didn't exist in ancient Roman times. Knitting wouldn't be invented for nearly a thousand years after these dodecahedrons were made.

What is Swedish knitting?

Sweden is also the birthplace of Tvåändsstickning, known in the United States as Two-End, or Twined, Knitting. This technique uses two strands of yarn from the same ball to create a thick, warm, and durable fabric on which embossed motifs can be worked. I enjoy teaching this technique as well as designing with it.

What is Shetland knitting?

Shetland fine lace is an extremely delicate knitted fabric made with soft Shetland wool spun into very fine yarn and knitted into intricate patterns. It is traditionally knitted by hand on wires using a knitting belt. Status. Critically endangered. Historic area of significance.