Knitting clubs, also known as knit-a-thons, bring members from all walks of life together to develop skills and enjoy a fun night out. However, if you’re wondering what knitters and crocheters are collectively called, alternatives to "hooker" include "fiber artist," "crafter," or "yarnie". The act of undoing stitches, known as frogging, derives its name from the sound "rip it, rip it", reminiscent of a frog’s croak.
Starting a Knitting Club
Knitting clubs consist of two or more people who knit or crochet together. Knitters of any skill level are welcome. If you’re looking to teach someone how to knit, begin with casting on, followed by the knit stitch. Funny names for knitting groups can vary, and some may have a shared love of certain knitting accessories.
Knitting Terminology and History
Knitting Abbreviations
- SC = Single Crochet
- KO = Knit One stitch
- GM = Gram
- Inc = Increase stitches
Knitting has its roots stretching back to the 14th century when a guild of knitters was established to improve the quality of knitwear. A landmark invention occurred in 1589 when William Lee developed the first knitting machine, demonstrating the trade value of knitted goods. Today, knitting continues to be a passionate hobby for many, allowing the creation of beautiful garments and textiles.
Famous Knitters
Celebrities such as Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks are known to knit. Designers too contribute to the community by creating new knitting patterns. Moreover, professional knitters may follow these patterns to craft goods for sale either online or at shows. Additionally, the charitable side of knitting includes making sweaters for those in need, such as victims of natural disasters and even wildlife affected by environmental tragedies.
A particularly esteemed title within the knitting community is that of Master Hand Knitter, a certification granted by The Knitting Guild Association which currently includes about 350 recognized individuals worldwide.
Knitting fundamentally involves forming loops of yarn to create fabric, a term derived from "knot". Whether doing it alone or with others, knitting and crochet offer a bridge to connect individuals over a shared passion for crafting.
A professional knitter has the opportunity to turn their craft into a livelihood by selling their creations at craft fairs or through online marketplaces. There’s a steady demand for handcrafted knitted items, making it a viable source of income for skilled artisans.
Tunisian crochet is a unique form of crafting that melds knitting and crochet elements and requires a special crochet hook. It’s an easy-to-learn technique but one that adds diversity to the textile crafts repertoire.