KNITTING (from knit, AS. enytta», e»ittan, to knit, from (Ilona. knot). The art of forming a fabric out of a single thread by means of needles on which the thread is placed in a suc cession of loops arranged in rows so that each loop in one row passes through the adjacent loop in the preceding row. Knitting is a more recent invention than the kindred art of netting, with which it is sometimes confused. In both knitting and netting but one thread is used, but in the latter the thread is not lOoped. but is knotted into itself at definite intervals to form a mesh. (See NETS.) Knitting and netting both differ from weaving, because in weaving there are two sets of threads, the longitudinal or warp threads, and the filling or weft threads. which pass in and out at right angles to the warp. Braiding is a still different process, in which the threads, all longi tudinal, are woven diagonally in and out of each other. The advantage possessed by knitted goods over all other fabrics is their great elasticity, which enables them to fit snugly irregular out lines.
The tinnT and place at which the art of knit ting was invented is a matter of dispute. The weight of evidence remains in favor of Scotland. From Scotland knitted stockings found their way.
to France, where a guild of stocking-knitters was formed who chose for their patron saint Saint Fiacre of Scotland.
The needles used in hand knitting are made of steel, wood. hone. rubber, or other substance. Those of steel are usually pointed at both ends, while those of other materials have a point at one end and a round knob at the other. The fol lowing technical term- are u-ed in knitting: To cast on is to make the first row of loops or stitches on the needle. To cast off is to knit two stitches and then pass the first over the second, securing the last stitch by drawing the yarn through it. A purl, seam, or rib is formed by bringing the wool in front of the needle in knit ting. To tricka is to increase the number of stitches. To slip a stitch is to take a stitch oil the needle without either knitting or purling. For further definitions and a full description of the various styles of hand knitting, consult Rose year's Text-book on Knitting. Hand knitting. except as a light form of ladies' `fancy work.' is no longer practiced, having been completely superseded by the more rapid and economical method of knitting by machinery.