Knitting is a historic craft that has been in use for many centuries, providing people with a way to weave cords together to make clothing, bedding, and lots of other items. Whether you use chunky yarn or fine wool, there is no limit to the number of things that can be made using knitting; what’s more, rather than simply being a creative hobby, the way yarns are interlaced could hold vital information for the development of future technologies.
Flexible weave
Anyone who has used wool will know that it rarely has any kind of stretch, yet knitted stitches transform yarn into a two-dimensional fabric with both stretch and flexibility. This can be done both on a small scale by using thin wool or on a large scale using chunky yarn. The movement that knitting allows means the same properties could be applied to forms of technology that need to move in the same way, such as wearable items.
Different stitch qualities
There are many different types of stitches that knitters can use when creating their designs, with each stitch having its own qualities when it comes to controlling the amount of stretch in the finished item. This can also be applied to technology, as it allows designers to use certain hooks and loops to create the desired amount of movement.
The future of knitting study
According to Physics World, the mechanics of knitting were first studied in the 1960s; today, experts are exploring deeper into the geometry of stitches to determine how and why they provide such flexibility. They are also looking at what brings differences to this flexibility, such as the effect of using large stitches versus small and the type of material used, such as chunky yarn or thinner wools.
By applying the knowledge of hooks, loops and stretchability to a number of areas, scientists and designers can influence the development of technology in the future. From wearable technology and soft robotics to transport and architecture, there are myriad ways in which the mechanical understanding of knitting can benefit future generations.