KNIT NEEDLE Meaning and
Definition
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A knit needle is a long, slender tool commonly used in knitting, a craft that entails looping and interweaving yarn or thread to create fabrics, garments, or various textile items. Also known as knitting needles or knitting pins, these knitting tools possess a cylindrical shape, typically made of materials such as wood, metal, or plastic, and feature a blunt or pointed end.
The primary purpose of a knit needle is to hold and manipulate stitches, allowing the knitter to create different patterns and designs. Knit needles come in varying sizes, determined by their diameter, which affects the tension and the overall size of the stitches produced. They also commonly feature a knob or stopper on one end, preventing the unraveling of the stitches.
While knitting, the knitter holds one knit needle in each hand and performs various knitting techniques such as casting on, purling, and knitting stitches. These techniques involve pulling loops or threads through each other with the needles to form new patterns or rows. Knit needles facilitate the smooth movement and manipulation of the yarn, allowing for the production of intricate designs and textures within knitted fabrics.
Overall, the knit needle is an essential tool for knitters, providing them with the means to create various knitted items by manipulating yarn or thread with precision and control.
Etymology of KNIT NEEDLE
The word "knit" itself comes from Old English "cnyttan", which means "to bind together", and "needle" comes from Old English "nǣdl", which refers to a small, pointed instrument used for sewing or knitting. The combination "knit needle" simply stems from these two words being put together to describe the specific type of needle used for knitting.
