Knitting Abbreviations and Methods of Starting to Knit for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Clothing and Textiles
Topic: NEEDLE CRAFT
Subject Matter: Knitting – abbreviations; Starting to knit (methods); Knitting various patterns – ribbing, garter, stocking, stitches etc. (practical)

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify common knitting abbreviations and their meanings.
• State different methods of starting to knit.
• Describe the characteristics of garter stitch, stocking stitch, and ribbing.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of understanding knitting abbreviations for following patterns.
• Develop patience and precision while learning knitting techniques.
• Value the skill of creating various knitted fabrics.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate at least one method of casting on stitches.
• Practically knit basic stitches (knit and purl).
• Practically knit simple patterns like garter stitch and stocking stitch.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Clothing and Textiles for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 3
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Knitting pins (various sizes)
• Different colours and types of wool/yarn
• Charts showing knitting abbreviations
• Samples of fabrics knitted in garter stitch, stocking stitch, and ribbing

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in knitting, which are essential for creating various textile products. Understanding knitting abbreviations enables students to interpret patterns, while mastering starting methods and basic stitches builds confidence for more complex projects. This practical skill can lead to personal hobbies or vocational opportunities in textile crafts.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of needlecraft and an interest in textile production.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

NEEDLE CRAFT

Knitting Abbreviations

Knitting abbreviations are shorthand symbols used in knitting patterns to provide instructions concisely. Understanding them is crucial for following patterns accurately.

Common knitting abbreviations include:

1. K – Knit (knit stitch)
2. P – Purl (purl stitch)
3. CO – Cast On (to create the first row of stitches)
4. BO – Bind Off (to finish the edge of a knitted piece)
5. St(s) – Stitch(es)
6. RS – Right Side (the public-facing side of the fabric)
7. WS – Wrong Side (the reverse side of the fabric)
8. Rep – Repeat
9. YO – Yarn Over (to create a new stitch and an eyelet)
10. Sl – Slip (to move a stitch from one needle to another without knitting it)
11. Tog – Together (to knit or purl two stitches together)

Methods of Starting to Knit (Casting On)

Casting on is the process of creating the initial loops on the knitting needle to begin a project. It forms the foundation row of stitches.

Common methods of casting on include:

1. Long-Tail Cast On: This method uses a long tail of yarn to create a stretchy and neat edge. It is widely used for many projects.
2. Knitted Cast On: This method creates new stitches by knitting into existing ones, resulting in an edge similar to a knitted row.
3. Cable Cast On: Similar to the knitted cast on, but the new stitch is inserted between the last two stitches, creating a firmer, decorative edge.

Basic Knitting Patterns

Different combinations of knit and purl stitches create various fabric textures and patterns.

Garter Stitch

The garter stitch is the simplest knitting pattern, formed by knitting every row. It creates a reversible, ridged fabric that lies flat and is very stretchy.

How to create Garter Stitch:

1. Cast on the desired number of stitches.
2. Knit every stitch in every row.

Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch)

The stocking stitch is created by alternating knit and purl rows. It produces a smooth, “V”-shaped texture on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. It tends to curl at the edges.

How to create Stocking Stitch:

1. Cast on the desired number of stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2.

Ribbing

Ribbing is created by alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row. It produces a very elastic and textured fabric, often used for cuffs, necklines, and hems because it pulls in the fabric.

How to create Ribbing (e.g., 1×1 Rib):

1. Cast on an even number of stitches.
2. Row 1: *Knit 1, Purl 1*; repeat from * to * across the row.
3. Repeat Row 1 for all subsequent rows.

How to create Ribbing (e.g., 2×2 Rib):

1. Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.
2. Row 1: *Knit 2, Purl 2*; repeat from * to * across the row.
3. Repeat Row 1 for all subsequent rows.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall any previous knowledge they have about needlecraft or knitting. The teacher then introduces the topic of knitting abbreviations and methods of starting to knit.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.

Learning Point: Introduction to knitting

Step 2: Discussion of Knitting Abbreviations

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Listing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a chart of common knitting abbreviations and explains their meanings, emphasizing their importance in following knitting patterns. The teacher asks students to identify some abbreviations.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the chart, listen to explanations, and identify abbreviations as requested.

Learning Point: Common knitting abbreviations

Step 3: Demonstration of Casting On Methods

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Explaining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates two common methods of casting on stitches (e.g., long-tail cast on and knitted cast on) using knitting pins and wool, explaining each step clearly.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the teacher’s demonstration carefully, paying attention to the hand movements and yarn manipulation.

Learning Point: Casting on techniques

Step 4: Guided Practice for Casting On

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes knitting pins and wool to each student and guides them to practice casting on stitches using one of the demonstrated methods. The teacher provides individual assistance and correction.

Pupils’ Activity: Students actively practice casting on stitches under the teacher’s guidance.

Learning Point: Practical casting on

Step 5: Demonstration of Garter Stitch

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Explaining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to create the garter stitch, explaining that it involves knitting every row. The teacher shows a sample of garter stitch fabric.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration and examine the garter stitch sample.

Learning Point: Garter stitch creation

Step 6: Demonstration of Stocking Stitch and Ribbing

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Explaining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to create stocking stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) and a simple ribbing pattern (e.g., 1×1 rib), showing samples of each. The teacher highlights the differences in texture and elasticity.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstrations and compare the different knitted samples.

Learning Point: Stocking stitch and ribbing

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What does “K” stand for in knitting abbreviations?
2. Mention two methods of starting to knit.
3. How is garter stitch created?
4. Describe the appearance of stocking stitch.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding knitting fundamentals

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on knitting abbreviations, casting on methods, and basic patterns into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly recaps the importance of understanding knitting abbreviations and the practical skills of casting on and knitting basic stitches, encouraging students to practice further.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Reinforcing knitting skills

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Complete the following tasks at home and submit them in the next class:

1. List five more knitting abbreviations not discussed in class and state their meanings.
2. Practice casting on 20 stitches using the long-tail method.
3. Knit 10 rows in garter stitch using the 20 cast-on stitches.
4. Knit 10 rows in stocking stitch using the same 20 stitches.

Lesson Keywords

• Knitting – The craft of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
• Abbreviations – Shorthand symbols used in knitting patterns.
• Cast On – The process of creating the first row of stitches on a knitting needle.
• Garter Stitch – A knitting pattern made by knitting every row, creating a ridged fabric.
• Stocking Stitch – A knitting pattern made by alternating knit and purl rows, creating a smooth fabric on one side.
• Ribbing – A knitting pattern made by alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row, creating an elastic fabric.
• Knit (K) – A basic knitting stitch.
• Purl (P) – A basic knitting stitch, the reverse of a knit stitch.

Differentiation

For students who grasp the concepts quickly, encourage them to try more complex cast-on methods or explore variations of ribbing (e.g., 2×2 rib). For students who are struggling, provide additional one-on-one demonstration and guided practice for casting on and the basic knit stitch, focusing on correct tension and hand position.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for:

• “Common knitting abbreviations explained”
• “How to long-tail cast on for beginners”
• “Knitted cast on tutorial”
• “How to knit garter stitch”
• “How to knit stocking stitch”
• “How to knit 1×1 rib”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have enough knitting pins and wool for all students to participate in the practical activities. Prepare charts of knitting abbreviations and samples of garter stitch, stocking stitch, and ribbing. Begin by engaging students with their prior knowledge of needlecraft. Systematically introduce knitting abbreviations, explaining their importance. Follow with clear demonstrations of casting on methods, allowing ample time for guided practice. Then, demonstrate the creation of garter stitch, stocking stitch, and ribbing, highlighting the unique characteristics of each. Constantly check for understanding through questions and direct observation during practical sessions. Students should copy the Board Summary notes after the practical demonstrations and evaluation. Encourage students to practice the techniques at home to build proficiency.