To some keen observer the little orb-weaving spider may have suggested
this form of occupation. Be this as it may, the child who is a lover of
nature will be quick to perceive the strong resemblance he bears to this
little insect while at work with his toy knitter, going from post to
post just as the insect worked its net in spiral form on his framework
of radiating lines.
The possibilities of an empty spool and a few pins are almost without
limitations. The illustrations here given are merely suggestive of many
more that can be worked out along these lines. They are not simply to
momentarily attract the child, but to permit of individual growth, and
to have him participate in the joy of its ultimate use.
[Illustration]
Toy Knitters
Toy knitters are made of a cylindrical piece of wood two and one-half or
three inches long and at least one inch in diameter. This size enables
the child to grasp it easily and work without cramping the fingers. A
hole one-fourth or one-half inch in diameter is bored lengthwise through
the center to admit the work. Spools are used to advantage where
knitters cannot be obtained.
Pins, staples, or wire nails are used as posts. These are driven into
the wood and then curved outward a little at the top with pliers, to
prevent the work from slipping off. One, two, three or four posts may be
used.
A number of forms of web can be made, but the simplest and quickest are
those made on the knitters having but two posts. The four-post knitters
are also simple and are used where a thick cord is needed.
Except otherwise specified two-post knitters are used for these models.
[Illustration]
Round Web
Drop worsted through the hole in the center of the knitter and draw it
out at the other end, three inches. This end is used to draw the work
through the knitter. Carry the worsted leading from the ball, around the
post to the right, across the center of the hole in the knitter and
around the post to the left; then back across the center to the post at
the right, thus making two stitches on this post. Lift the lower or
first stitch with a large pin or knitting needle, carry it over the
second stitch and drop it over the post; then across the center to the
post at the left and repeat. So continue until the desired length is
obtained.
It will require seven yards of yarn to make one yard of web on the
two-post knitter.
[Illustration]
Flat Web
Begin in the same way as for round web, but after carrying the first or
lower stitch over the second stitch on each post, bring the worsted back
around the same post, and over to the post on the opposite side and
repeat. This will leave two stitches on each post. In knitting flat
webs, two stitches must always be left on the end posts, and these two
are carried over the third stitch and dropped over the post in working
back and forth.
It requires eleven yards of yarn to make one yard of flat web on the
two-post knitter.
[Illustration]
Circular Mat
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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