Hello! Today is a bit different because a lovely lady, Linda Noble, asked a question regarding UK vs. American knitting terminology. So because this blog is read by people worldwide I thought why not write a blog to help everyone learn to read both UK and American terms so we can expand our abilities. I have my daughter, T.K. Wilson, toy and doll clothes expert here to help with some fun and easy patterns. We will share some of our favorite patterns at the end of the blog so you can practice new skills.
I am not sure when I first realized there was a difference in terminology between American crochet/knitting and UK crochet/knitting. Perhaps when I started sock knitting. At first it was very confusing because I was barely able to knit and purl however, with the help of Knit Traders of Kingston and my friend Jill Schaefer I was able to learn the differences. There is a difference in the terminology of crocheting. For T.K. Wilson and I, learning the UK terms was a must because some of our favorite designers live and write in the UK, and the Commonwealth. Our stitch lexicons may be different but our love of fiber knits us together! If you are wondering about the American (especially if you are new to knitting) terminology Knittinghelp.com is a brilliant start. The site offers videos which explain how to do each step very carefully. Definitions and videos are prepared in both English and Continental style (depending on the way you wrap your yarn around the needles, explained here:) For those looking for a bit of help understanding American terms for crocheting check Interweave Crochet's glossary. Complete with pictures, videos and complete step by step instruction. For extensive and I do mean extensive help via video New Stitch A Day's video library on YouTube is an ABSOLUTE must. (yes the caps are purposeful!) If you are from outside the USA and you need a visual representation of a technique New Stitch A Day is amazing. Check it out here! Also if you are a die hard crocheter who is accustomed to working in UK terms but would like to learn to work patterns written in American terms the Crochet Crowd is for you! Everything from A to Zed is there! What about knitting with the all new "Knit Crowd"? YES you can! woo hoo! Mikey... undisputed king of everything fiber arts related now has the Knit Crowd to help take the confusion out of knitting in true Canadian style. Much love and friendliness :) For Americans looking to step up their knitting and crocheting game to include patterns from the UK and the Commonwealth not written in American terms there are excellent websites! The English were knitting and crocheting many years before Americans. The UK Hand knitting Society teaches both knitting and crocheting including beautifully done videos. Learning each skill using UK terms. There excellent glossaries of knitting and crochet terminology at The Craft Expert. The Art of Knitting Magazine has extensive video tutorials in UK terms which will demystify some of the differences between the American and UK way of knitting :) For crocheters you can find bunches of videos to help you at Girlybunches fabulous YouTube Channel. She always uses UK terms. American crocheters should be able to get up to speed in style with Girlybunches fantastic tutorials and patterns! I like her style :) For ALL of us, no matter where we live, there is Garnstudio Drops Design YouTube channel. If you are just plain mystified... Garnstudio Drops Design created a youtube channel with no talking over the work. Simple, step by step demonstration to make it easier for everyone, around the world to learn crochet or knitting! Now T.K. Wilson and I will share a few projects in order to test your skills :) One of Lyn's favorite designers is Marion Leys of Made by Marianna. Marion designs fabulous items and gives her patterns away so that they may be used for charity purposes. She uses both American and UK terms! T.K. likes Bunny Mummy's patterns written in UK terms and recommends the "How To Crochet a Granny Square" tutorial. Once you've mastered that go on to the Owl. Lyn totally recommends Garnstudio Drops Designs! You can choose from MANY languages (I mean that literally) and many different designs. Let me recommend the Easter Workshop. Can you say adorable!?? If you are from the UK or one of the Commonwealth countries and you want to learn to knit or crochet in American terms T.K. and I have a couple of designers for you. T.K. recommends Maz Kwok. A fun young designer with so many great patterns to share. However, the Crochet Mini Mad Hatter Hat A fun decoration or perfect size for the 18" dolls that are so popular right now. For Lyn's contribution Lion Brand yarn is very popular and creates both knit and crochet patterns. But for knitters just becoming accustomed to American knitting terminology and measurement the Buttoned Cowl is a great start. You'll need to become a member but of course membership has benefits! Well that is all for today's blog! Thanks to all these great websites, YouTube channellers, and designers for their terrific contributions to today's blog. Also thanks to T.K. Wilson for her help. :) You can find T.K. Wilson at Laterose Doll Clothes and Doll Repair.
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