In knitting, “STS” is an abbreviation for “stitches.” It’s commonly used in knitting patterns and instructions as a way to indicate the number of stitches that should be on your needle at a particular point in the pattern.
What is STS in Knitting?
“STS” is just a shorthand way of referring to the number of stitches you should have at any given point in a knitting project. For example, a pattern might instruct you to “cast on 50 sts,” which means you should create a foundation of 50 stitches on your knitting needle using your preferred cast-on method. Or, a pattern might say something like “knit 10 sts,” which means you should knit 10 stitches before moving on to the next instruction. Overall, “STS” is just a shorthand way of referring to the number of stitches you should have at any given point in a knitting project.
Types of STS in Knitting
There are several types of STS in knitting that you may encounter when working on a pattern. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Knit stitch (K): The knit stitch is the most basic and commonly used stitch in knitting. It’s created by inserting the right-hand needle from front to back through the first stitch on the left-hand needle, wrapping the yarn around the right-hand needle, and pulling it through the stitch to create a new stitch on the right-hand needle.
- Purl stitch (P): The purl stitch is the second most common stitch in knitting and is often used in combination with the knit stitch to create various patterns. It’s created by inserting the right-hand needle from back to front through the first stitch on the left-hand needle, wrapping the yarn around the right-hand needle, and pulling it through the stitch to create a new stitch on the right-hand needle.
- Slip stitch (Sl): The slip stitch is created by moving a stitch from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle without knitting or purling it. Slip stitches are often used to create texture in knitting or to create spaces between stitches.
- Yarn over (YO): The yarn over is a technique used to create an extra stitch by wrapping the yarn around the needle before or after a knit or purl stitch. Yarnovers are often used in lace knitting or to create decorative patterns.
- Knit two together (K2tog): The knit two-together stitch is a decrease that involves knitting two stitches together as if they were one. This stitch is often used to shape the fabric or create a slanted edge.
- Purl two-together (P2tog): The purl two-together stitch is similar to the knit two-together stitch, but it’s used to create a decrease in a purl stitch pattern.
Why STS Is Important In Knitting?
The abbreviation “STS” is important in knitting because it is used to communicate the number of stitches required at a specific point in a knitting pattern. Knitting patterns are essentially sets of instructions that guide the knitter in creating a particular design or item, and the number of stitches needed is a critical part of these instructions.
Knowing the correct number of stitches is important because it determines the size, shape, and overall appearance of the finished product. If too many or too few stitches are used, the finished item may not turn out as intended, and the knitter may need to unravel their work and start over.
Additionally, keeping track of the number of stitches is important for ensuring that the pattern is followed correctly and that the knitter doesn’t accidentally skip or add stitches, which can also impact the final outcome.
How To Count STS In Knitting
Counting STS in knitting is a simple process that involves physically counting the number of stitches on your knitting needle. Here’s how to do it:
- Hold your knitting needle with the stitches on it in your left hand.
- Take your right hand and gently pull the fabric down so that you can see the individual stitches.
- Starting at one end of the needle, count each stitch one by one. You can do this by pointing to each stitch with your finger or a knitting needle as you count.
- Continue counting until you have counted all of the stitches on the needle.
It’s important to note that when counting STS in knitting, you should count each loop on the needle as one stitch, even if the stitch pattern involves multiple loops or twists. Additionally, if your pattern calls for a specific number of stitches, be sure to count carefully to ensure that you have the correct number before moving on to the next step.
Tips For Counting STS Accurately
Counting STS accurately is an important skill for any knitter to master. Here are some tips to help you count your stitches with greater accuracy:
- Use stitch markers: Placing a stitch marker at regular intervals along your knitting needle can help you keep track of where you are in the pattern and avoid losing your place. This is particularly useful if you’re working with a large number of stitches or a complicated stitch pattern.
- Count in sections: If you’re counting a large number of stitches, it can be helpful to count in smaller sections rather than trying to count all of the stitches at once. For example, you might count 10 stitches at a time and then multiply that number by the total number of sections to get your final count.
- Use a row counter: A row counter is a small device that attaches to your knitting needle and helps you keep track of the number of rows and stitches you’ve completed. This can be particularly helpful for keeping track of more complicated patterns that involve frequent changes in stitch count.
- Double-check your count: Once you’ve counted all of your stitches, it’s a good idea to double-check your count to make sure you haven’t missed any stitches or counted any twice. You can do this by counting your stitches again or by comparing your count to the number of stitches specified in the pattern.
By using these tips and practicing your counting skills, you’ll be able to count STS accurately and with greater ease, which will help you create beautiful knitting projects with confidence.
Increasing and Decreasing STS
Increasing and decreasing STS is an important technique in knitting that allows you to shape your fabric and create a wide variety of patterns and designs. Here are some common methods for increasing and decreasing STS:
Increasing STS:
- Knit front and back (KFB): This method involves knitting into the front of a stitch, then into the back of the same stitch to create two new stitches.
- Make one (M1): This method involves creating a new stitch by picking up the bar between two stitches and knitting it into the back of it.
- Yarn over (YO): This method involves wrapping the yarn around the needle to create a new stitch.
Decreasing STS:
- Knit two together (K2tog): This method involves knitting two stitches together as if they were one, which decreases the number of stitches by one.
- Slip, slip, knit (SSK): This method involves slipping two stitches knitwise, then knitting them together through the back loop.
- Purl two together (P2tog): This method is similar to the knit two together, but it’s used in purl stitch patterns.
By mastering these basic techniques for increasing and decreasing STS, you’ll be able to create a wide variety of patterns and shapes in your knitting projects. It’s important to follow the instructions in your pattern carefully and to practice each technique until you feel confident with it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, STS (stitches) are an essential element of knitting, and counting them accurately is crucial to creating successful knitting projects. By mastering the techniques for increasing and decreasing stitches, you can shape your fabric and create beautiful patterns and designs. Remember to take your time and follow the instructions in your pattern carefully to achieve the desired results.
References:
https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/how-to-read-knitting-pattern
