SAEDNEWS: The art of weaving has long held a special place among Iran’s traditional crafts. In Saed News, we explore this timeless art form.
Textile and weaving arts are among the oldest forms of human artistic expression. In traditional weaving, while tools are used to interlace threads, these tools do not rely on modern technology. Instead, they are operated manually, with human effort driving the process rather than electric motors.
If we take a broad view, weaving can be described as the art of creating fabric from warp and weft threads, sometimes using machines. However, in this context, we focus on hand weaving—the kind of weaving that is performed manually. The term knitting can be a more precise and evocative way to describe this craft.
The final product of traditional weaving is an interconnected object whose form, production method, and materials vary depending on its intended purpose. Examples of weaving products include various fabrics (velvet, zari, termeh, calico, jajeem, etc.), different types of carpets (kilims, Persian rugs, gabbehs, zilu, felt), and woven mats.
Traditional weaving involves twisting and interlacing natural (wool, silk, cotton, cellulose-based) or synthetic fibers, either single-colored or multicolored, to create a unified product for a wide range of uses—carpets, clothing, utensils, and more.
Knitting, a subset of this craft, involves continuously looping yarn with two knitting needles to produce a piece of fabric or a garment. Knitting is not limited to clothing such as shirts, sweaters, vests, gloves, hats, or socks. It can also be used to create a wide variety of decorative and functional items.
Examples include: tablecloths, bedspreads, dolls, pot holders, decorative accessories, and many other items.
Before starting, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the tools and materials required for knitting.
Yarn
Yarn is the most essential material for knitting, and the type should match the thickness of your needles or hooks. There are many kinds of yarn, and the choice depends on what you plan to create. Beginners are advised to start with simple cotton or soft acrylic yarn in a single color, which makes it easier to see the stitches. Patterned yarns can make the process more difficult.
Soft Acrylic Yarn: Affordable and beginner-friendly, though very cheap options may shed fibers.
100% Cotton Yarn: Ideal for items that require frequent washing, such as dish towels, as cotton absorbs water well and is easy to clean.
New Yarn Varieties: These are usually more expensive, soft, and suitable for sweaters and scarves. Unlike cotton yarn, they cannot be washed repeatedly.
Knitting needles are cylindrical rods made of metal or aluminum. They can come as pairs connected by a flexible cable (circular needles) or as straight single needles. Needle sizes range from 1.5 to 10, with smaller numbers representing thinner needles and larger numbers thicker needles.
Bobbin
A bobbin allows you to switch colors while knitting, adding variety and complexity to your work.
Row Counter
This tool, though not commonly used by everyone, helps keep track of stitches and rows accurately.
Scissors
Knitting scissors should be small and sharp. Never tear yarn with your hands, as this can stretch the fibers and damage the work.
Needle Holder
Used to keep two needles securely together, especially useful when casting on stitches.
Sewing Needle
A large, blunt needle (like a quilting needle) is used to sew pieces together and finish ends.
Measuring Tape
A fiberglass tape measure is ideal for knitting because it does not stretch.
Stitch Marker
Used to mark specific stitches within your work.
Stitch Holder
Holds stitches you don’t want to knit immediately. For smaller numbers of stitches, a safety pin can be used as a substitute.
Knitting Terms
Casting On: Every craft has a beginning, and in knitting, it starts with casting on stitches. Loops are created on the needles in a specific pattern to set the foundation for the project.
Stitch: The small loops formed on the needles. The number of stitches depends on the chosen pattern.
Knit Stitch: Yarn is placed behind the needle, inserted through the loop from underneath, and pulled through to form a stitch.
Purl Stitch: Yarn is placed in front of the needle, inserted from above, and pulled through to form a stitch.
Yarn Over / Increasing: Additional yarn is added between stitches when more stitches are needed, often used in lacework or shaping garments.
Decreasing / Binding Off: Stitches are combined or reduced to shape the fabric, such as for armholes or necklines.
Knitting in Iranian Handicrafts
Knitting is one of Iran’s oldest and most famous handicrafts, with a history spanning thousands of years. This overview is just a small introduction to a vast and diverse art form.
