Difference between Knitting and Weaving
Knitting is the process of taking yarn and making it into sweaters, hats, socks, and more. By creating rows of stitches made of loops, a knitter makes garments and other products. Knitting can be done with a machine as well as by hand. When a knitter knits by hand, he or she uses instruments called needles.
Weaving is the process of taking yarn and making it into garments, rugs, and other products by interlocking two sets of yarn. Weaving often takes place on a loom. Pieces of yarn that lie lengthwise on a loom are called warp threads and the yarn that goes across is called the weft threads.
Products Made From Knitting and Weaving
Knitting produces all sorts of textiles from sweaters and jumpers to mittens and booties. The use of all different types of yarns and threads helps to create various styles of knitted materials. Pieces of knitted items can be joined together to make other products. The process of joining knitted pieces is called grafting.
Weaving is a popular method of creating rugs and carpets. Many forms of fabrics are also created by weaving. Baskets are also created by weaving various materials together. The Industrial Revolution made the mass-production of woven items much easier.
Materials Used in Knitting and Weaving
Knitters use yarns made of all sorts of natural and synthetic types. The thickness or weight of the yarn will determine the gauge of the pattern. Thick yarn will normally need fewer stitches to create the same amount of material. Thin threads can also be used to knit with and create a more delicate look, such as a doily.
Weaving can use a multitude of materials as well. Sometimes strips of cloth are used to make throw rugs. Yarns and threads are used to make fabrics and area rugs. Basket weaving utilizes materials like wood, grass, fabric, and more.
History of Knitting and Weaving
The word knitting comes from the word knot and has existed since the first thousand years of Egyptian history. With the advent of the knitting machine, the craft of knitting became more of a social activity. Knitting has been enjoying a resurgence of popularity in the last several years as more people are discovering the fun that can be had by creating your own knitted items.
Textile impressions have been found indicating that weaving dates back to perhaps the Paleolithic era. The Bible makes many references to weaving as well. The process of creating thread by carding and spinning wool has been around for a very long time and it was not long after that the process of weaving was discovered.
Similarities and Differences
- Knitting and weaving are both crafts that combine yarns, threads and other items into garments and other textile products. Knitted items have a looped appearance and woven items are typically flatter. Knitting and weaving can be done by hand or by machine and both can be considered art forms when practiced by skilled artisans.
- Traditional need for clothing and other materials led to the discovery of knitting and weaving, but man's propensity to creativity has elevated both craft projects to new heights. As people are rediscovering the enjoyment of creating their own knitted and woven items, the popularity of these crafts is increasing.
