Glossary of Obscure Knitting Techniques

Welcome to a collection of knitting methods that have largely faded from common practice or are known only to a dedicated few. These techniques, while perhaps challenging, offer unique textures, structures, and decorative possibilities for the adventurous crafter.

Brioche Bobbles

A variation of brioche knitting where stitches are intentionally increased and then decreased to create raised, rounded bobbles within the fabric. This technique is distinct from standard bobbles as it integrates with the inherent flexibility of brioche.

Couching Stitch

While often associated with embroidery, couching can be adapted to knitting. It involves laying a strand of yarn across the surface of knitted fabric and securing it at intervals with small stitches, creating a decorative overlay or a means to add multiple colors without complex intarsia.

Faggoting

A delicate lace-knitting technique that creates openwork panels resembling drawn thread work. It typically involves paired decreases and yarn-overs that form small holes, often used for decorative inserts in garments or shawls.

Grafting in Motion

A more advanced method of grafting (joining two live edges of knitting) that allows the process to be completed while the stitches are still on the needles, rather than transferring them to waste yarn. This offers a seamless join with less manipulation.

Knitting on a Curve

This refers to techniques that allow for the creation of curved knitted fabric, essential for garments that require shaping such as sleeves or yokes, without relying solely on increases and decreases. It often involves strategic manipulation of stitch tension and needle placement.

Plaid Knitting (Fair Isle Overlay)

A method to achieve a plaid effect without complex stranded knitting throughout. One color is knitted plain, and then a second color is "stitched" over it in a contrasting color using a darning needle to create the plaid lines, resembling embroidery.

Shadow Wrap Short Rows

A variation of the wrap and turn technique for creating short rows. Instead of wrapping the yarn around the base of the next stitch, a "shadow stitch" is created by knitting into the stitch below, resulting in a less visible turn.

Twisted Rib

A type of ribbing where either the knit stitches or the purl stitches (or both) are worked through the back loop. This creates a more textured, less elastic, and visually distinct ribbing compared to standard ribbing.

Further Exploration

If you're interested in the more traditional side of this craft, you might find the historical patterns at the archive/historic-patterns section particularly enlightening. It's a deep dive into the foundational stitches.