Knitting is a hobby enjoyed by many and a craft that is often handed down through the generations, with the joy coming from creating projects using skill and patience to weave the yarn together as if by magic. However, even the keenest knitter would sometimes admit that a project is taking too long, or perhaps they are creating a gift to a deadline. The feeling of fatigue, or worse, in the wrists and fingers, will be all too familiar to regular knitters and can really slow you down. So which knitting technique is the fastest?
National styles
Although they may not realise it, most knitters use either the English method or the continental method, depending on how they were taught (and by whom). The Victoria and Albert museum shares some of the history of knitting styles and traditions in the UK . One of these techniques is reputed to be particularly rapid, and that is lever knitting. This is also known as the Irish cottage style and is a simple but effective variation on the English style. In lever knitting, one needle is held stationary and this, of course, reduces the movement, which in turn reduces the time taken and also the strain on the knitter. This allows particularly quick production of ribbing patterns with the alternation between knitting and purling, and also works well on lace.
Other speedy methods
However, it is not just the knitting itself that takes up the time in this craft hobby. Selecting a pattern, finding the right size for the intended recipient if it is a garment, working out how much yarn is needed, and then ensuring you are happy with the colour choices all take up time. And don’t forget about finding the right size needles from your collection!
A much easier way to produce a knitted project quickly is to make use of a knitting kit to shortcut this decision making and resource gathering process. A knitting kit will bring together attractive yarn colours in a weight suitable for the pattern, in the right quantity. You will need to supply needles, but other than that, these kits are ready to use and can really save time and effort when you need to.
To learn a new knitting technique is rewarding but also time consuming. A ready made kit could be the solution where a speedy knit is required.