"The numerous ills that flesh is heir to;"
and amongst those, the labors of the Hon. Mrs. Wingfield, upon the estates of Lord de Vesci, in Ireland, ought not to be forgotten.
TO CAST ON THE LOOPS OR St.i.tCHES.--Take the material in the right hand, and twist it round the little finger, bring it under the next two, and pa.s.s it over the fore finger. Then take the end in the left hand, (holding the needle in the right,) wrap it round the little finger, and thence bring it over the thumb, and round the two fore fingers. By this process the young learner will find that she has formed a loop: she must then bring the needle under the lower thread of the material, and above that which is over the fore finger of the right hand under the needle, which must be brought down through the loop, and the thread which is in the left hand, being drawn tight, completes the operation. This process must be repeated as many times as there are st.i.tches cast on.
KNITTING St.i.tCH.--The needle must be put through the cast-on st.i.tch, and the material turned over it, which is to be taken up, and the under loop, or st.i.tch, is to be let off. This is called plain st.i.tch, and is to be continued until one round is completed.
PEARL St.i.tCH.--Called also seam, ribbed, and turn st.i.tch, is formed by knitting with the material before the needle; and instead of bringing the needle over the upper thread, it is brought under it.
TO RIB, is to knit plain and pearled st.i.tches alternately. Three plain, and three pearled, is generally the rule.
TO CAST OVER.--This means bringing the material round the needle, forward.
NARROWING.--This is to decrease the number of st.i.tches by knitting two together, so as to form only one loop.
RAISING.--This is to increase the number of st.i.tches, and is effected by knitting one st.i.tch as usual, and then omitting to slip out the left hand needle, and to pa.s.s the material forward and form a second st.i.tch, putting the needle under the st.i.tch. Care must be taken to put the thread back when the additional st.i.tch is finished.
TO SEAM.--Knit a pearl st.i.tch every alternate row.
A ROW, means the st.i.tches from one end of the needle to the other; and a ROUND, the whole of the st.i.tches on two, three, or more needles. NOTE, in casting on a stocking, there must always be an odd st.i.tch cast on for the seam.
TO BRING THE THREAD FORWARD, means to pa.s.s it between the needles toward the person of the operator.
A LOOP St.i.tCH, is made by pa.s.sing the thread before the needle. In knitting the succeeding loop, it will take its proper place.
A SLIP St.i.tCH, is made by pa.s.sing it from one needle to another without knitting it.
TO FASTEN ON.--This term refers to fastening the end of the material, when it is necessary to do so during the progress of the work. The best way is to place the two ends contrarywise to each other, and knit a few st.i.tches with both.
TO CAST OFF.--This is done by knitting two st.i.tches, pa.s.sing the first over the second, and so proceeding to the last st.i.tch, which is to be made secure by pa.s.sing thread through it.
WELTS, are rounds of alternate plain and ribbed st.i.tches, done at the top of stockings, and are designed to prevent their twisting or curling up.
Sometimes knitting is done in rows of plain and pearl st.i.tches, or in a variety of neat and fanciful patterns. Scarcely any kind of work is susceptible of so much variety, or can be applied to so many ornamental fabrics or uses in domestic economy. The fair votary of this art must be careful neither to knit too tight or too loose. A medium, which will soon be acquired by care and practice, is the best, and shows the various kinds of work to the best advantage. The young lady should take care to preserve her needles entirely free from rust, and to handle the materials of her work with as delicate a touch as possible.
Having thus given instructions in the common rudiments of this useful art, we proceed to give plain directions for some of the most beautiful.
FANCY St.i.tCHES IN KNITTING.
BEE"S St.i.tCH.--In knitting a purse in this st.i.tch, you must cast the loops on three needles, having twenty on each. The two first rows in plain knitting. The third is thus worked. Having brought the silk in front, a st.i.tch is to be slipped, and you knit the next, pulling the one you slipped over it; you knit the next, and the succeeding one is pearled; proceed in this manner for one round. The next round you knit plain; the next is to be executed like the third. Proceed thus in alternate rounds, and you can introduce two colors, highly contrasted, knitting six or eight rounds of each.
BERLIN WIRE St.i.tCH.--The st.i.tches cast on must be an even number. Knit three, four, or five plain rows. Then begin the work by taking off the first st.i.tch, knit one st.i.tch, knit off two st.i.tches together, and make a st.i.tch; repeat this process to the end of the row; the next row is to be knitted plain, and so on alternately.
This work may be done either with large pins and lamb"s wool, if it be intended for shawls, &c., or with fine needles and thread, in which case it forms a beautiful kind of insertion work for frocks, capes, collars, and other articles of dress. If it is intended for insertion work, the number of st.i.tches cast on are eight, and one pattern is formed by each four st.i.tches.
COMMON PLAIT.--This is employed for m.u.f.fatees, coverlets, and various other articles. You cast on the st.i.tches in threes: the number is unlimited. Knit one row plain, then proceed as follows. Row first, three plain st.i.tches and three pearled. Second row the same, taking care to begin where the last is finished, that is, if you ended with plain st.i.tches, you begin with the pearled. Proceed in the same way with the third row, and you will have a succession of squares, of inside and outside knitting, alternately. The fourth row is to be begun with the same kind of st.i.tches as completed the first row; continue as before, and the work will be in squares, like those of a chess board. This st.i.tch is extremely pretty.
CHAIN St.i.tCH.--The number of loops to be cast on is thirteen. Knit the first two rows plain, and in beginning the third, knit three plain st.i.tches, and bring the material in front, then pearl seven st.i.tches; the material is then to be turned back, and you knit the other three st.i.tches plain. The next row is plain knitting, and then you proceed as in the third row, and so on alternately, until you have completed sixteen rows. You then knit three st.i.tches plain, and take off the four succeeding ones upon a spare pin. The next three st.i.tches from behind the pin, are to be knitted so as to miss it completely, and the material is to be drawn so tight, as that the pins may be connected together as closely as possible. This done you knit the four st.i.tches of the third pin, which completes the twist. The remaining three st.i.tches are then to be knitted, and a fresh link begun, by knitting three st.i.tches, pearling seven, knitting three, and so proceeding for sixteen rows, when another twist is to be made.
CROW"S-FOOT St.i.tCH.--This st.i.tch may be worked in two ways. If it be for a shawl, begin at the corner, and raise at the beginning and end of each row.
In the other method, you cast on any number of st.i.tches that can be divided by three, and you must cast on one additional for the commencement. You knit the first row plain and then proceed according to the following directions: First, knit a st.i.tch. Second, make a st.i.tch.
Third, slip the next. Fourth, knit two st.i.tches together. Fifth, put the st.i.tch you slipped over the two last knitted; this is to be repeated, with the exception of the first knitted st.i.tch, to the end of the row.
The next row is composed entirely of pearled st.i.tches. This st.i.tch is neat and elegant.
DOUBLE KNITTING.--Of this st.i.tch there are three kinds, now in general use. In executing them proceed as follows. Having cast on any even number of st.i.tches, knit a few rows in plain knitting; then, for the double st.i.tch, begin the row by knitting a st.i.tch, and pa.s.s the material in front, between the knitting pins. Then a st.i.tch is to be taken off, being careful to put the needle inside the loop, and to pa.s.s the material back again. You then knit another st.i.tch, and so proceed to the end of the row.
For the second kind of double knitting, you cast on an even number of st.i.tches, as before, and the first st.i.tch is knitted plain; the material being put twice over the pin. Then, as in the first kind, pa.s.s the material between the needles; a st.i.tch is to be slipped, and the material pa.s.sed again behind. This process is repeated in every st.i.tch to the end of the row. In the next row, you reverse the work, knitting the st.i.tches that were before slipped, and slipping the knitted ones.
The third kind is very simple, and can be done quicker than the others.
It is worked on the wrong side, and when completed must be turned inside out; hence it is necessary to knit plain at the sides or ends. The number of st.i.tches must be even, as in the previous methods. No plain row is needed; but you commence by putting the material in front of the pins, and being careful to keep it constantly in that position. Turn the first st.i.tch, take off the second, and so on alternately, till the row is finished.
DUTCH COMMON KNITTING.--This is the common knitting st.i.tch, performed in a more expeditious manner than that in general practised. The needle filled with st.i.tches, is held in the left hand, and the material also, which is to be wrapped round the little finger once or twice. It pa.s.ses to the needles over the fore finger. To form the loop on the needle held in the right hand, it is only necessary to put it into the st.i.tch from behind, and knit off by putting the material round the needle.
EMBOSSED DIAMOND.--You cast on any number of st.i.tches which can be divided by seven. The first row is plain: for the second, pearl one st.i.tch, knit five, and pearl two; thus proceed, alternately, to complete the row: for the third, knit two, pearl three, and knit four, and so proceed. The fourth row you pearl three, knit one, and pearl six, alternately. The fifth row is plain knitting. The next row you pearl two, knit two, pearl five, and so on to the end. Next knit two, pearl four and knit three, alternately. Next knit six, and pearl one, successively. Reverse the next, pearling six, and knitting one. Then in the succeeding row, knit five and pearl three, and knit four in succession. Next knit three, pearl two, and knit five, alternately. The succeeding row is plain.
EMBOSSED HEXAGON St.i.tCH.--You can work with any number of st.i.tches you choose, which can be divided by six. The first row is plain, the next pearled throughout; the third row is plain. For the first knit four st.i.tches, and slip two at the end; then pearl a row, taking care to slip the st.i.tches that were slipped before. Next knit a row slipping the two st.i.tches as before. The next row is pearled still slipping the two st.i.tches. The succeeding two rows are knitted and pearled like the others, and the two st.i.tches are still to be slipped. The next row is pearled, and you take up all the st.i.tches; then a row is to be knitted plain, and a row pearled, which completes the pattern. In beginning the next pattern, you pearl a row, slipping the fifth and sixth st.i.tches, so that they shall be exactly in the centre of the previously worked pattern; you then proceed as before.
ELASTIC RIB.--This as its name implies, is the proper st.i.tch for garters, or any kind of an article which is wanted to fit easily yet firmly. You are to set on any number of loops you please, and knit one row plain; the next is pearled, the two next are plain; then one pearled, and so on alternately to the end.
FANTAIL St.i.tCH.--The application of this st.i.tch is in the preparation of mitts, gloves, &c., and sometimes it is used for purses, in which it looks extremely pretty. The material generally employed is cotton, and you begin by setting on any even number of st.i.tches you require. A loop is made, by throwing the cotton over the pin; you then knit a loop, and make and knit alternately; each of the two last are knitted plain, and you narrow the commencement and conclusion of each row, at the second and third loops, until you have reduced it to the number originally cast on. The usual number of st.i.tches cast on is fourteen.
FRENCH St.i.tCH.--You set on the loops in fours, and must have two over.
The first st.i.tch is pearled, then turn the thread back, and knit two st.i.tches together. Form a new st.i.tch by bringing the thread in front, and knit a st.i.tch; the thread is again to be brought in front, and the last st.i.tch pearled, which completes the pattern. The next row is begun in a similar manner, the thread is turned back, two st.i.tches are knitted together at the end, the thread is turned, and you knit the last st.i.tch.
GERMAN KNITTING.--You cast on twenty-one st.i.tches, and proceed as follows. First row, the material is to be pa.s.sed forward, one st.i.tch slipped, then knit one, and pa.s.s the slipped one over; three st.i.tches are then to be knitted, and two taken as one; again pa.s.s the material forward, and knit one st.i.tch. Second row, the same, except that when in the first you knitted three st.i.tches, knit one; and when one, you knit three. For the third row, you pa.s.s the material as before, and slip one st.i.tch, then two are taken as one, and the slipped one is pa.s.sed over again; repeat this, except that in taking two st.i.tches together, you knit one, and pa.s.s the slipped one over; finish by knitting two st.i.tches.
HONEYCOMB St.i.tCH.--This is also often used for shawls. It is knitted as follows. You knit the first st.i.tch, and pa.s.s the other to make a loop over the needle. Two st.i.tches are then knitted together, and you thus continue making the loops, and knitting two st.i.tches together, until you have completed the row. You knit every second row thus; the alternate ones plain.
HERRING-BONE BAG St.i.tCH.--You cast on the st.i.tches by fours, and the material used is silk. Knit two plain st.i.tches, and then make a large one, by turning the silk twice over the needle; after which, knit two st.i.tches together, and repeat this, until you have completed the work.
IMITATION NET-WORK St.i.tCH.--You set on any number of st.i.tches you please, but you must have no odd ones. The first row is plain knitting.
The next row you commence by bringing the wool upon the first pin, and twisting it round it by bringing it over from behind, and putting it behind again. You are then to knit two loops together, and the pin must be put first into the one nearest to you, and the wool is to be twisted round the pin as before. Then again, knit two together, and so on to the end. Each row is done in the same manner.
KNIT HERRING-BONE St.i.tCH.--Any number of st.i.tches you please may be cast on, observing to have three for each pattern, and one over at each end.
The first row must be plain: then, in beginning the second, take off the first st.i.tch, and knit two together in pearl st.i.tch. Next make one, by pa.s.sing the material before, and knitting one, pearl two st.i.tches together, and make and knit a st.i.tch as before. Every row is the same.
LACE WAVE St.i.tCH.--The number of st.i.tches must be even. The first st.i.tch is to be slipped; then knit one, and make one, by casting the material over the pin. Narrow, by knitting two st.i.tches together, and again knit a st.i.tch; then make one, and again narrow; and so on till you complete the row. The next row is done plain. The third row is as follows: two st.i.tches knitted plain; make one st.i.tch, and narrow two in one; then knit one st.i.tch; make and narrow, as before to the end; then knit a row plain. For the fifth row, knit three st.i.tches plain, and thus proceed as in the third row. The sixth row is done plain; and the seventh one commences by knitting four st.i.tches plain, and then proceeding as before. The eighth row is plain; and the ninth is begun by knitting five plain st.i.tches, and proceed as above; then knit two rows plain, and the pattern is complete. This can be continued to any length required.
MOSS St.i.tCH.--This is easily done. Cast on any even number of loops, and for the first row, the first loop is slipped, the material brought in front; the st.i.tch is pearled, and repeat so to the end. The next row is so worked, that the st.i.tches knit in the proceeding row, must be pearled in this.
OPEN HEM.--The number of st.i.tches is unlimited, but they must be capable of being divided by four. At the beginning of each row you slip the first st.i.tch, and knit the second. Then make a st.i.tch by putting the cotton over the pin; knit two loops together; knit one st.i.tch, make a st.i.tch, and so proceed. You must have very fine pins and sewing cotton.
OPEN CROSS St.i.tCH.--This is done in the following manner. Two colors are to be employed, and the first row of each is done in pearl st.i.tch. In working the second row of each, the following is the order of procedure: first, knit a st.i.tch: second, make a st.i.tch; third, slip one; fourth, two are to be knitted together, and the one slipped is to be drawn over the knitted ones; thus you proceed to the end of the row. The two next are to be commenced with the other color; and thus you work two rows with each color, successively. The fresh color is always to cross from beneath the last one, or otherwise a hole would be left in the work. In the making of shawls, this st.i.tch is often adopted, and it looks well, but, of course, requires to be bordered with some other pattern.
ORNAMENTAL LADDER St.i.tCH.--The st.i.tches are to be set on in elevens.
Commence by knitting two st.i.tches plain, then knit two together, and repeat the same, drawing the first loop over the second; proceed thus to the end. Commence the second row by pearling two st.i.tches; pa.s.s the material over the pin twice; again pearl two st.i.tches, and so proceed to the end. In the next row, knit two; pa.s.s the material round the pin twice, knit two, and so continue. Thus you proceed with alternate rows of knitted and pearled st.i.tches, being careful to slip the st.i.tches made by throwing the material round the pin, without knitting them.
PINE APPLE St.i.tCH.--For a bag you must cast on thirty-six loops on three needles, and proceed thus: First row, knit one plain, raise one by throwing the silk over the pin, knit one plain, then raise, knit two plain, you knit the next two together, drawing the last loop over the first; you will then have six loops. In the second row, knit the first raised loop, then raise, knit the next one plain, then raise, knit plain till you come to the next raising, and omit knitting the two together as in the first row. Third row, you knit plain to the raising, and then proceed as in the first row. You knit the fourth as the second; and so proceed alternately, until you have twelve rows. Then in the st.i.tches you had previously narrowed, you must raise, and introduce a bead upon each plain loop, with a thread, and again raise. Where you had previously raised, you must narrow with the bead you have upon the silk.