Technology and

Livelihood Education 9
Handicraft – Knitting

Self- Learning Home Task

( Third Quarter - Week 3 - 4 )
MELC: LO 2. Produce knitted articles with packaging
2.1 Perform basic stitches in knitting
2.2 Demonstrate proper use of materials,tools and
equipment in knitting
Competency Code:TLE_HEHC9-12PK-IIIc-j-5

Name:___________________________Section:____________________

School:__________________________ District:____________________

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 A. READINGS/DISCUSSION:

Basic Steps in Knitting

A. SLIP KNOT
The slip knot for knitting is the same as the slip knot for
crocheting.

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 B. CASTING ON

How best to cast on--long tail method

click any illustration to enlarge

Hand knitting involves drawing new loops through old. So first,

you have to HAVE some loops. Putting the first row of loops on
your needle is called "cast on" or "casting on," abbreviated "CO."

There are several main kinds of casting on in this world

including knitting on, and looping on (the subject of the next two
posts). THIS post is about--
LONG TAIL CASTING ON
In many kinds of casting on, you first make a floppy sort of
foundation row, often a row of simple loops which happily share
yarn with their neighbors: growing or shrinking with the merest
tug. To start your knitting, you must chase these skittering loops
around the needle. It isn't until the third or fourth row that you get
a rhythm going, and the foundation row often looks lumpy and
distorted.

With long tail cast on, you don't have these problems because
you make the foundation row AND knit the first row at the same
time--that's why it's my favorite. In other words, long tail casting-
on produces a uniform row of loops already pre-knit into the
underlying foundation row. These loops and the foundation row
stabilize one another.

Another advantage: for circular projects, other kinds of

foundations are a bit skimpy; they're hard to hold right-side up so
as to avoid making the dreaded moebius strip. In long tail cast on,
you've actually created a looped foundation row AND a first row of
knitting at the same time. Because more fabric lies on your
needles, it's easier to keep the whole works sunny-side-up when
you join for a circular project.

A note to the unconvinced: if you've tried long tail casting on and

gotten a tight, unyielding edge, you're not alone. But it's such a
great method, I urge you to try again.

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In most knitting directions, the first stitch is shown as a slip knot. I
think they're second-rate, and at the very end of this post I show a
better way. But because most knitting instructions call for a slip
knot, you might as well know how to make one.

SLIP KNOT

1) make a loop with the tail end of the yarn laying OVER the ball
end of the yarn,
2) catch the tail end through the original loop and pull on the top
of the new loop you just made.
3) insert two needles into the new loop, tugging the ball end,
4) snug the new loop around the two needles by further tugging
on the tail end.

BTW: Here is a short cut to making a slip knot: Make a pretzel

shape as shown below. Insert the needle as shown: over, under,
over. Once the needle is through, hold onto both ends of the yarn
and pull up with the needle. Then, tighten by pulling on the tail
end. Voila: instant slip knot.

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 WHERE TO PUT THE SLIP KNOT
or: why is my tail always too short?

A lot of knitters DESPISE long tail casting on because the tail

always winds up a few stitches too short. And there truly is no
cure if your tail is too short the first time you try to cast on-- you'll
just have to pull it out and do it again. But there IS a cure for
moving the knot again and again, having the tail come out too
short a couple of more times, and then suddenly, infuriatingly,
having the tail coming out WAY too long.

See, with long tail casting on, you're making a looped foundation
row at the bottom, and putting a first row of knitting on your
needles, both at the same time. The top loops are a lot bigger
than the bottom loops and take up a lot more yarn. So, what
makes sense is to use the ball end of the yarn to create the bigger
top loops, and the more limited tail end to make the smaller
bottom loops. My casting on instructions are very specific about
which is the ball end of the yarn, and which is the tail end.

If you consistently arrange the yarn this way, then at least when
you move your first slip knot to a new spot and try again, you've
got a far greater chance of getting it right. And, if you always
arrange your yarn the same way, experience will shortly teach
you how much to pull out in the first place.

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 CASTING ON IN 6 STEPS
First step: putting the yarn on your hand
Thread the yarn on your left hand as shown. The ball end (the
end going to the ball of yarn) is to the left, trailing from your little
finger, and the tail end trails from your thumb. The slip knot you
just made is partway along the tail end.

The yarn passes twice through your fingers. You tension the yarn
by pressing together the little finger and the ring finger, as well as
the pointer finger and the middle finger.
***
Second Step: Preparation
The strand marked "a" is the ball end of the yarn; "b,"the tail end
of the yarn. Holding the needles with the slip knot in your right
hand, arrange the yarn on your left hand as shown: the ball end
remains between your ring and little fingers. Catch the tail end
between your middle and fourth finger. Insert your thumb into part
"b" --that is, the loop of yarn which stretches between the needles
and your middle/fourth fingers. To get to the third step, swing your
thumb towards you and up, as shown by the gray arrow.

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 ***
Third Step

Once you've swung your thumb towards you and up as instructed

in the second step, your hand should look like the picture below.
To get to the fourth step, swing your right hand down, as shown
by the arrow.

Your ring finger has a lot to do. The base of your ring finger is
pressing against the base of your little finger to hold the ball end
of the yarn in tension. The top of your ring finger is pressing
against your middle finger to hold the tail end of the yarn in
tension.
***
Fourth Step

Once you've swung your right hand down, as instructed in the

third step, your hand should be positioned as in the picture below.
To get to the next step, follow the gray arrow: insert the tip of the
needles through loop "b" on your thumb, and hook them around
the front part of loop "a."

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 ***
Fifth step

After hooking the front part of loop "a" with your needle as
instructed in the fourth step, your set-up should look like the
picture below. To get to the sixth (and last) step, swing the
needles down and towards you, bringing loop "a" through loop
"b." At the same time, swing your thumb down and out of loop "b."

***
Sixth step

After you've removed the needles and your thumb from loop "b,"
loop "b" is left wrapped around loop "a." In other words, what
you've done is draw loop "a" through loop "b." Loop "a" is a stitch
in the first row of knitting, and loop "b" is the foundation row
through which that loop passes.

Long tail casting on is the same thing as making a foundation row

of backwards loops and then knitting your first row into those
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loops. But making the foundation row and the first row at the
same time is far easier than making the foundation row first, then
trying to knit the first row into loops which skitter maddeningly
around your needle.

If you follow the gray arrow and pass your thumb around the yarn
below the newly cast-on stitch, you'll see that your hand is in the
same position as step 3, above. From here out, repeat steps 3
through 7 over and over again until you have the correct number
of stitches on your needles.

One last, but VERY IMPORTANT thing: When you complete the
cycle of stitch creation and swing your thumb into loop "b" to
make all look as it does in step 3, you are tightening up the
bottom loop of the previous stitch. It is NOT necessary to yank
that loop as tight as possible as you swing your thumb up. Rather,
it is best to be mild in this adjustment. A tight and constrained
long-tail cast on is directly traceable to an over-tightening of the
bottom loop in this last step.
***
When you've cast on the correct number of stitches, remove one
needle from the loops. There are all your stitches, ready to be
knitted. They'll look loose, but after a few rows of knitting, you'll
see that they magically adjust to the correct tension. (You COULD
have cast on over one needle, very, very loosely, but it's hard to
adjust your tension freehand like that.)
***
MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Here are some notes to the wise, so you don't make the same
stupid mistakes I do, over and over again.

1) Count your stitches. I often count the stitches as I cast on, only
to find (five rows later) that I've got one stitch too many because I
forgot to count the first stitch, which was made differently.
2) If you're making a pattern which requires you to count rows
religiously, try to figure out whether pattern author cast on long-
tail or some other way. Long tail casting on creates a first row as
you cast on. Your first pattern repeat might have one too many
rows if you don't count long-tail casting on as the first row. For
further information about how to count rows in knitting, click here.
3) If you've pulled your second needle out, and then discover that
you have too few stitches cast on, no worries. If you still have
enough tail yarn left, simply hold the second needle next to the

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first and cast on some more stitches, then pull the second needle
out of the newly added stitches: no need to unravel all the way to
the beginning.

***
A LAST (opinionated) THOUGHT:
Getting rid of slip-knots

I've give the directions for the slip knot only because so many
other knitting instructions call for it. But it's actually not a great
technique for the first stitch of your hand-made project. No matter
how you slice it, slip knot is a KNOT which is going to leave a
hard nub in one corner of your knitting. That may not matter much
in a heavy sweater, but in a lace shawl, it's a mess. In my opinion,
the far better way to make the first stitch in knitting is by making a-
-SIMPLE LOOP

The point of this blog is to infest your mind with all the little
improving viruses which currently infest mine. So here's the best
way, in my mind, to make the first stitch in your knitting. (FYI: this
also works for the first stitch in crocheting.) If you make a simple
loop, there's no knot. To start your knitting with a simple loop, just
insert your needles and twist, and there's the first stitch, waiting on
your needles. If the loop unwinds when you make the second stitch,
that only means that you made the loop with the wrong end up.
Twist it the other way and try again.

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 Final tangential thought: Although slip knots are not a
great way to start your knitting, they have many other uses (such
as making provisional stitches intended to be unraveled.) But, slip
knot's highest and best use is tying balloons onto children and
vice versa. If you practice this skill you'll be the hit of the next
birthday party as the "balloon mommy."
https://techknitting.blogspot.com/2006/11/how-best-to-cast-on-long-tail-
method.html

C. KNIT STITCH
1. Place your right needle behind the left needle.
2. Wrap the yarn counter clockwise around the right needle, and
behind the left needle.
3. Pull the yarn through the loop so it is on the right needle (like
step number 2).
4. Push the first stitch on the left needle off of the needle
completely.
5. Now you’ll have less stitches on the left needle, and one on the
right.
6. Continue this same method down the row.
7. Once all of the stitches are off of the left needle and on the right
needle, that row is done.
8. For the next row, move what was your right needle to your left
hand now, and your left needle to your right hand (flip them). The
needle with the stitches on it will always start off in your left hand.
9. Continue stitching the next row as you did the first.
10. When you have the next row done, you will begin to see the
pattern forming.

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D. PURL STITCH
1. The main difference between a purl stitch and a knit stitch is
that the right needle is put in front of the left needle instead of
behind. So to start, hook the right needle into the first loop on the
left needle, but in front of the left needle this time.
2. Wrap the yarn around the right needle counter clockwise (like
in step number 1), but this time in front of the back needle and
around the front one. Just remember that you will always be
wrapping the yarn counter clockwise around the needle in your
right hand.
3. Pull the yarn through the first loop in the left needle, creating a
new loop on the right needle.
4. Continue this same technique down the row.
5. When all of the stitches are off of the left needle, that row is
done.
6. Continue stitching, rotating between the knit and purl stitch as
you’d like so you can see the patterns it will form.
DISCLAIMER: The pictures are used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper understanding of the lesson.
Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented pictures. The images are taken from
www.google.com.

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E. CASTING OFF
1. To start casting off, stitch two knit stitches (or you can also
stitch two purl stitches if that works better for your pattern – either
one).
2. Now you should have two loops on the right needle.
3. Take your left needle and push it through the second loop on
your right needle (the first loop you made).
4. Pull the loop up and over the first loop and off of the right
needle.
5. Now you will have one loop on the right needle.
6. Knit another stitch so you have two on the right needle again.
7. Pull the loop up and over the first loop and off of the right
needle again (like in step number 6).
DISCLAIMER: The pictures are used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper understanding of the lesson.
Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented pictures. The images are taken from
www.google.com.

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8. Continue repeating this down the row.
9. Now you should have all of the stitches off of both needles,
except for one left on the right needle.
10. Pull the loop off the needle and cut the yarn, leaving several
inches to work with.
11. Push the excess yarn through the last loop.
12. Pull it tight to tie off the end of the row.
13. That is a small knitted block! Now you should know how to do
all the basics of knitting to get going on some fun projects!

DISCLAIMER: The pictures are used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper understanding of the lesson.
Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented pictures. The images are taken from
www.google.com.

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Additional Information

DISCLAIMER: The pictures are used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper understanding of the lesson.
Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented pictures. The images are taken from
www.google.com.

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 B. EXERCISES:
MATCHING TYPE
Directions: Match Colum A (pictures of the different stitches)
with Column B (Basic Steps in Knitting ). Choose the letter that
describes the statement. Write the answer on the space
provided.

COLUMN A COLUMN B
_________1. A. SLIP KNOT
B. KNIT STITCH
C.PURL STITCH
D.CASTING OFF
E.CASTING ON
_________2.

_______3.

________4.

DISCLAIMER: The pictures are used to put emphasis and to show concrete examples for deeper understanding of the lesson.
Department of Education – Cebu Province does not claim or own the presented pictures. The images are taken from
www.google.com.

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C. Assessment/ Application/ Outputs
Directions: Make the basic steps in knitting mentioned below
and stick it on a short bond paper with label. Be creative.
1. CASTING ON
2. KNIT STITCH
3. PURL STITCH
5. CASTING OFF
D.Suggested Enrichment/ Reinforcement Activity/ies
Directions: Cut out the following shapes then paste it on a short
bond paper forming a human structure. Each shape has
corresponding question and you have to write your answer
inside the shape. Do it creatively.
1. Heart shape: What attitude should you posses to craft
knitted projects successfully? Give at least one. Explain briefly.
2. Rectangle shapes: What is the importance or advantage of
acquiring skills on knitting? Give at least 4 (one per rectangle)
3. Circle shape: How would you encourage others to
appreciate knitting products?

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References:
1. Learner’s Material TLE Handicraft for Grade 9, pp. 110-116
2. Online sources: www.google.com
https://techknitting.blogspot.com/2006/11/how-best-to-cast-on-long-tail-
method.html

knit stitch

https://www.google.com/search?q=knit+stitch+step+by+step&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjskPjt-
ObuAhUKgJQKHTMsDy8Q2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=knit+stitch+step+by+step&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQARgAMgIIADIGCAAQBRAeMgYIABAIEB4
yBggAEAgQHjIGCAAQCBAeMgYIABAIEB4yBggAEAgQHjoHCAAQsQMQQzoECAAQQzoGCAAQBxAeOggIAB
AHEAUQHjoICAAQCBAHEB5QhKsUWJvyFGDahBVoAHAAeACAAbEEiAHtHJIBDDAuMTguMS4xLjAuMZgBA
KABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=D9EnYKzNC4qA0gSz2Lz4Ag&bih=662&biw=1366#i
mgrc=NdXsAkbhffPjxM

purl stitch

https://www.google.com/search?q=purl+stitch+step+by+step&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwix16OT-
ubuAhXkJaYKHR_SB38Q2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=purl+stitch+step+by+step&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQARgAMgQIABBDMgYIABAIEB4yBggAEAg
QHjoCCAA6BggAEAcQHjoICAAQBxAFEB46CAgAEAgQBxAeUOuxDFiI1gxgteQMaABwAHgAgAHlAogBxA2S
AQcwLjcuMS4xmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=adInYPH-
OOTLmAWfpJ_4Bw&bih=662&biw=1366#imgrc=dNH65yuQr3UL0M

casting off

https://www.google.com/search?q=casting+off+stitch+step+by+step&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiJz7D4-
ubuAhUB9pQKHV9NAXUQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=casting+off+stitch+step+by+step&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1DfwwhYrfMIYO33CGgAcAB4A
YABvwiIAcoakgEPMC4yLjEuMS4wLjEuMS4xmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=Pd
MnYMm8OoHs0wTfmoWoBw&bih=662&biw=1366#imgrc=22HmZPCXZ6SrNM

Prepared by: Approved by:

JOAN P. NORO HENRY D. ESPINA JR.

Teacher Principal I

For the Teacher: Advise the students to read the reading and discussion portion before they
attempt to answer the practice exercises. Going through the parts sequentially will help them
understand easily the topic.

For the Learner: Read through the self-learning home task from the first part to the last part.
Doing so, will help you understand better the topic.

For the Parent/Home Tutor: Assist your child and make sure that he/she reads the self-
learning home task from beginning to end to ensure proper understanding of the
concepts.References:

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