A Knitting Breakdown for Muggles
AKA Non-Knitters
Knitters across the interwebs have adopted the fun Harry Potter monicker for non-magic peeps for those who do not knit. And why not? We essentially make epic things with two magic wands. I often get asked by people if I can make them something, if they can pay me to make something that someone else has already created, etc. I’m sure my other knitting friends get these same requests, and misconceptions too – so here’s a little something to clear up the confusion.
Knitting is not Crochet
While I prefer knitting and use crochet techniques as embellishments, they are pretty much created separate but equal. Often people send me a crocheted project and ask me to make it for them. Since I’m not a wiz at crocheting, what you’re asking me to do is spend copious hours cursing, stressing and drinking way too much wine to figure out how to make what you want. Some fiber artists who prefer one art form over the other actually get insulted if you do this.
Knitting
- two needles or two needles connected by a cable. Also sometimes more than but let’s not complicate things here.
- Series of loops that stay on the needle for the length of the project (and are manipulated to form different shapes and patterns)
Crochet
- One hook
- Series of loops that are independent of your hook. There are more nuances here but sadly I was too young and impatient to learn when my Grandma Helen tried to teach me.
I’m not going to go into too much detail beyond there because there are various ways to achieve similar things with both of these skills, but I only understand the knitting side of the house. Maybe some of my crocheting friends can help us out here.
Asking for Free Items
If you knew the amount of time, effort and energy a single hat consumed, you wouldn’t ask me to make you that crazy long, and intricate scarf pattern…for free. The biggest challenge that faces knitters today is getting a fair price for their work. Machine knitting and cheap fibers have seriously undercut and devalued our skillset. Just go look at the “knits” section of Target and Old Navy. (Not going to lie – I love those stores too but I refuse to buy anything remotely “knitted” from them). On top of that, materials also have a cost, and depending on the type of yarn, it can be more than you might expect.
Most of the time I’m able to laugh off these requests, but they are bothersome – and they happen way more than you would expect. In fact, on top of the “Are you, like, 80?” jokes, it’s the second most common thing said to a knitter. Also, those jokes, they weren’t funny to begin with and now you risk your personal safety (if you’re going to crack them, be sure your knitting friend is sans needles).
Offering to Pay a Knitter to Make Something Someone Else Has Made/Designed
Previous rant aside, I do enjoy making things for other people, especially those who value my time, effort and materials. But there are some times when friends find something that someone else has made, and rather than buying it from them, they ask me to make it for a price. To be honest, this happens a lot and I used to do it. But now that I make and sell my own patterns, I see how frustrating it is. When you approach me with this request, I weigh whether I want to do it or not, and then generally respond, “I’ll do it and charge you for the pattern, and/or materials, but can’t accept payment for this as it’s someone else’s design”
When this happens it inhibits that individual person’s ability to profit from their own hard work. It’s similar to buying a cheap knockoff poster of painting because you don’t want to actually pay for a sanctioned reproduction. (Not the best analogy but you get it).
It’s Like your Fibrous Bestie – It comes everywhere with you
When I’m working on something exciting, I tend to take it with me everywhere. When you’re used to being able to use your down time to make awesome stuff, sitting idly and waiting is like being forced to endure nails on a chalkboard. So if I have to wait in line, or sit and wait my turn for any length of time, then I’m prepared. Also, you can still have my attention while I knit, in fact, sometimes I’m actually paying more attention while knitting. In college, I had a few classes in which I started to doodle during discussions. I noticed when this happened I totally zoned out. But if I could avoid having to sit still (AKA knitting), I could pay better attention. So yes, I brought my knitting to class. In hind sight, I should probably have approached the professor before hand so they didn’t take it as an insult, but hey – I wasn’t sure it would work. Note: if you’re going to try this, it’s best to let the professor know you’re actually paying attention.
Knitting Takes Time to Learn
It’s fun and fascinating, but it takes time. If you’re just starting out, be patient with yourself. Yes the same old garter stitch scarf pattern can get old quick, so ask a friend for a pattern suggestion. There are a lot of great ways you can switch it up just by combining knit and purl stitches in different ways, or by learning a simple increase or decrease. Just don’t get frustrated with yourself and when in doubt, YouTube it out.
The Stash
When you become obsessed, you tend to get really excited about yarn in its various forms, colors and textures…so it’s natural that you start amassing it. This way, you always have a project on deck…or like 60 projects on deck. We’re a little touchy about our stash, so its best to leave your muggle thoughts unspoken.
Knitflix and Chill
It’s a thing. You can bet, that unless I’m working a crazy lace pattern for the first time, if I’m knitting, there’s generally NetFlix playing in the background. Knitters have finally found everyone’s secret desire – to be productive while sitting on the couch and watching your favorite shows. The only downer for others in the room is that generally you need to leave the lights on…unless you like to live dangerously and knit in the dark. Or, if you have those needles with the lights in the tips – but I generally stick to cable needles for as much as possible so I’m SOL there.
