Double Knit on the Knitting Board-Why Double Knit?
by Pat Novak

What are the advantages and disadvantages compared to single knit? We all know we can knit with knitting needles, and single rake, and round looms. Knitting needles can create double knit with a lot of patience.
After 19 years of knitting with 2 needles, I discovered the simplicity of knitting on a knitting board and easily creating double knit. But some will ask, “Why bother doing double knit?” “What’s the advantage to double knit?”
So, I thought it would be fun to explore the differences and invite others to comment and add their thoughts. For those who love fibre crafts and knitting, we want to be able to do it all, but everyone will probably soon find their favorite technique, and want to stick with it.

Double knit is creating a layer of knitting with a front and backside. Sometimes, you can have one stitch showing on the front that is different from the back. This is the result when doing the open rib. The back side has the basic rib stitch.

Double knit makes it possible to have a colorful design that carries thru from the front to the back, and all the knots of joining the colors of yarn are hidden between the layers. This is probably the biggest advantage of double knit when it comes to garments and items where both sides show, like with shawls, bags, afghans, and scarves.

Creating a circle pattern in the knit –

The circle design will be same on both sides and the connecting yarn will not show.

Double knit pieces do not curl on the edges requiring blocking before they can be sewn together. The two connecting layers are face to face and prevent the curling.

With the thickness of the edges created by the double knit, it is very easy to sew the different pieces together without seeing a seam yarn, so you have a nice hidden seam. We call this sewing method, ‘invisible sewing’.

And then, you can make the really thick mats, rugs, and wall hangings with thick, tough yarns that will really stand the test of time.

So, the next questions are usually:
“Doesn’t it take more yarn to do a piece of double knit compared to a single knit piece?” And the answer to that is, “you bet!” It will take approximately 150% of the yarn to do an item in double knit as compared to single knit. So, that means, you want to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each style before beginning a project.

“Doesn’t the double knit make sweaters and wraps just a bit ‘too’ warm?”
Well, that depends on several factors. If you are making a wrap for the winter months, I say, the warmer the better. If it’s going to be worn in the southern states in the Spring and Fall, you may want to use a lighter yarn, less wool, and a more open stitch. So, like knitting with needles, there are many variables that you want to consider. Below are 2 ponchos: the orange one is knit with DK weight yarn in Stockinette stitch that is open and lightweight. The multi color poncho was knit with a bulky wool yarn in rib stitch. This cape is much heavier and warmer.

How many knitting boards do I need to have to be able to make everything that I currently knit with knitting needles?” Well, that really depends on the knitter. If you knit with needles, I’m sure you own every size and type created. This is how you get the different gauges and effects with your knitting. With a knitting board, however, you may only need to purchase one. There are many really nice boards available and the more adjustable and flexible that board is, the more items you can create. The only limitation is the length of the board and the amount of stitches that can be placed on the board at one time. So, again, it becomes a decision time to ask yourself, “what do I most want to knit?” If you decide that it’s one piece afghans and sweaters, I would say the longer, the better. If your favorite thing to knit is baby booties and dishcloths, you may be happy with a shorter board that will fit neatly in your handbag.

With this said, most of us will find that we like to have several different projects going at the same time and want to be able to do all the neat ideas that we see, so we will want to have a nice collection of several knitting boards, round looms, and specialty looms.

One last question that many new knitting board knitters ask is, “I see so many more patterns available for knitting needles than for double knitting on a knitting board, so where can I find a good assortment of double knitting patterns. And we all say, “Be patient”. There are several sites that are working hard to get lots of great patterns
out there for all of us. Many new knitting board knitters are also designers of patterns and they are sharing many of their ideas now. Check with Barnes and Noble book store and you will see several great books available. When you find a pattern that you just love and you want to make it in Double Knit on your knitting board, you should be ready
to ask for help to convert the pattern. It’s not hard to do, especially, if it’s a simple item. Learn to do all the great stitches for your knitting board so you will be able to get the look and results that you want to achieve.

Remember the beauty of double-knitting is to create a unique two sided garment with no back side with a very simple process.

About Author:

Pat is the owner of the KnittingBoard.com company. Her knitwear designs can be found at www.knittingboard.com and at LionBrand.com

Contact Pat.

© Copyright 2008, Pat Novak