Knitwear Basics

Knitwear is a great choice for cold weather and a wardrobe staple. From classic sweaters to unique statement pieces, this versatile fabric adds a personal touch to any outfit.

The top knitwear import markets in Europe are Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. The value of their imports has been increasing in the past years.

Cable Knitting

Cable knitting is an essential skill that every knitter should master as it adds a special touch to any sweater, hat or scarf. The stitch is incredibly versatile, able to be worked in different patterns to create different types of cables. The most common is the standard rope cable, which is easy to work and looks fantastic in a variety of designs. Other variations of the cable stitch include two, three or four braids plaited together to form intricate and beautiful designs. There is even a six-cable design known as the Saxon braid that can be used to create unique and stunning pieces.

When knitting a cable, you need to slip the stitches onto a cable needle or stitch holder to place them on hold while you knit from the back of the work. This process of knitting your stitches out of order creates the crossed pattern that is the heart of a cable stitch. It is important to note that the cables will either twist up and to the right (an S curve) or down and to the left (a Z curve). This is indicated by the letters at the end of the cable stitch name like cb4 for a four-stitch right-twisting cable.

One of the biggest things to remember when Knitwear adding cables into a pattern is that they will significantly change your stitch gauge. It is best to knit a gauge swatch before you start so that you can make sure that you are casting on enough stitches for your desired size sweater.

Ribbed Knitting

Rib knitting is a stitch that creates a raised vertical pattern in your fabric. It is a very common stitch that can be knitted next to stockinette for a thicker garment or as a stand alone stitch such as in hats. The ribs are created by the alternating knit and purl stitches. The pattern can be as narrow as 1×1 ribbing (one knit stitch then one purl stitch) or much wider like 3×3 ribbing. Rib stitch is very stretchy and makes for a squishy warm fabric. It also looks great with a wide variety of yarns.

When knitting ribs it is best to use needles that are a couple of sizes smaller than the ones you would normally use for the rest of your garment. This allows the ribs to be more elastic and will help your garment fit better. It is also a good idea to bind off the ribs slightly shorter than the pattern recommends. This will prevent the ribs from pulling out of shape.

Some rib patterns can be a bit confusing to count rows in, but once you get the hang of it, it is easy. Just remember that each little V stands for one knit stitch and thus one row. Ribs are also a wonderful stitch for decreasing in, with the k2tog decrease being particularly invisible and a good choice for this purpose.

Jacquard Knitting

Jacquard knitting creates fabrics that look like they are woven, but without the labor-intensive looms and machinery. Textile manufacturers use this technique to make patterned clothing and shoes, as well as ornamental tapestries. In the past, jacquard patterns were woven on mechanical Jacquard looms with punched cards, but modern machines allow for more control and faster operation.

The most common fabric types produced using jacquard are cotton, silk and synthetic fibers. However, these fabrics can be made with other fibers as well. Cotton yarn is favored for everyday garments, while silk is typically reserved for ceremonial dresses and robes. Other non-apparel fibers include wool, which is often used for woven tapestries and can be mixed with other yarn types to create a variety of different textures.

Although classic jacquard can knit up to six different types of yarn simultaneously, any more than this becomes technically challenging and burdens the finished product with unnecessary weight. Using the same technique, a new Knitwear technology called Segue jacquard allows manufacturers to knit more intricate and sophisticated patterns by releasing only the necessary yarn types as needed, eliminating any excess material.

The environmental impact of jacquard depends on the fibers used. Silk, for example, requires no chemical processing and can be produced using sustainable methods that minimize animal cruelty, while cotton fabric has a low ecological footprint and is biodegradable. Wool, on the other hand, can be grown organically and does not require fertilizers or pesticides. These natural and organic fibers may be eligible for a number of certifications, such as the Global Recycle Standard and OEKO TEX.

Ripped Tops & Cropped Jackets

A ripped top is one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. It’s a cool look that can be worn with just about anything, from a pair of jeans to a mini skirt. The trick is to find a jacket or pants that connect with your shirt and ties the outfit together. This way, the jacket isn’t just a separate piece of clothing, but an integral part of your outfit that adds structure and visual interest to your look.

A cropped denim jacket is another great option for a casual vibe. It’s perfect to wear over a summer dress, especially when the weather starts turning cooler. If you’re looking for a look that’s a little more formal, a long-sleeve jean jacket can also work. Just be sure to choose a color that looks good with your pants or skirt to create a balanced look. Fashion influencer Eileen @eileenternullo pairs her denim jacket with a high-waisted pink skirt for a flattering leg-lengthening effect.

A cropped puffer jacket is also a cool outfit idea for autumn adventures. It looks great with form-fitting dresses that hug your curves and can be layered with a wide-legged jumpsuit or flared pants and skinnies for an on-trend fall outfit. Just don’t forget to pick up a pair of boots and a brown leather bag to complete your look.