CA2233890A1 - A knitting needle with measuring indicia - Google Patents
A knitting needle with measuring indicia Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2233890A1 CA2233890A1 CA 2233890 CA2233890A CA2233890A1 CA 2233890 A1 CA2233890 A1 CA 2233890A1 CA 2233890 CA2233890 CA 2233890 CA 2233890 A CA2233890 A CA 2233890A CA 2233890 A1 CA2233890 A1 CA 2233890A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- knitting needle
- indicia
- knitting
- needle
- measuring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04B—KNITTING
- D04B3/00—Hand tools or implements
- D04B3/02—Needles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Knitting Of Fabric (AREA)
- Knitting Machines (AREA)
Abstract
A knitting needle with measuring indicia arranged on its surface. The indicia are made to conform to either, or, a combination of, U.S., Canada, U.K. and metric knitting patterns. The invention helps to solve the problem of non-uniform knitting by those skilled or unskilled in the art of knitting and it eliminates the need for these skilled or unskilled knitters to resort to the use of rulers or measuring tape, especially when following knitting patterns.
Description
Docket 97-3391 A KNITTING NEEDLE WITH MEASURING INDICIA
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention pertains generally to a measuring means for use on knitting needles and more specifically, is directed to the marking of indicia on knitting needles for use by knitters to assist in determining the amount of yarn to be used to obtain a desired effect of tension for width and length in a knitted work piece.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The art of knitting has long been known. However, the production of quality, one-of-a-kind, garments has been limited to those possessing natural talent or learned skill in the art. Those with or without superior skills in the art can encounter problems such as non-uniformly knitted patterns and inconsistent sizes if gauge instructions are not followed accurately.
Gauge is the number of stitches to fill a particular area and is measured from the number of stitches per unit width and the number of rows per unit length. Adjusting to obtain the proper gauge can be accomplished by changing either the needle diameter, the weight of yarn, and the tension in the yarn, or all of the aforesaid. Stated differently, the tension at which the working strand of yarn is held, the yarn's weight and the diameter (sometimes referred to as the size) of the needles, control and determine the gauge and the finished size of the knitting. Since every knitter holds the yarn with a slightly different tension, it is highly desirable that the gauge be checked and followed for proper fit of a knitted garment. Usually, a set of instructions for a knitting pattern contemplates this, and states the gauge requirements.
Gauge is the number of stitches to fill a particular area and is measured from the number of stitches per unit width and the number of rows per unit length. In most English speaking countries the length and width measures are on a per inch basis, although more recently they are measured on a per centimetre basis. Beehive (trade mark) pattern instructions published by Patons & Baldwins suggest that gauge should be checked with stocking stitch. If the knitter works to the correct gauge in stocking stitch, it is asserted that the knitter will naturally work to the correct gauge in a pattern stitch.
As all knitters do not knit exactly alike, instruction books advise knitters to take the yarn and needles quoted in the pattern and work a small sample piece, i.e. a swatch, about 4 inches (10 cm) square in stocking stitch, before starting to knit a garment. In this method, the knitter is able to then check the gauge by placing a tape measure or ruler along the stitches and rows and count how many stitches and rows there are to the inch (2.5 cm). If there are more stitches than required, a larger diameter needle is sometimes advised.
If there are fewer stitches than required, a smaller diameter needle is sometimes advised. The needles specified in the pattern instructions are only suggested sizes (diameters) and it may be necessary for the knitter to change the needle size so that they can knit in their usual way and still produce the correct gauge.
It will be understood that when a needle size needs to be changed in order to adjust the gauge, all needle sizes quoted in the pattern instructions must be reduced or increased proportionally.
If the swatch has too many stitches or rows per inch than the specified gauge, then the work is too tight. Making up another swatch using the next size larger needles until the proper gauge is obtained, is advised. If the swatch has too few stitches or rows per inch, then the work is too loose. The use of a smaller needle to obtain the proper gauge is advised. The size of the needle used does not matter as long as the gauge matches the gauge indicated in the directions in the pattern instructions.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention pertains generally to a measuring means for use on knitting needles and more specifically, is directed to the marking of indicia on knitting needles for use by knitters to assist in determining the amount of yarn to be used to obtain a desired effect of tension for width and length in a knitted work piece.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The art of knitting has long been known. However, the production of quality, one-of-a-kind, garments has been limited to those possessing natural talent or learned skill in the art. Those with or without superior skills in the art can encounter problems such as non-uniformly knitted patterns and inconsistent sizes if gauge instructions are not followed accurately.
Gauge is the number of stitches to fill a particular area and is measured from the number of stitches per unit width and the number of rows per unit length. Adjusting to obtain the proper gauge can be accomplished by changing either the needle diameter, the weight of yarn, and the tension in the yarn, or all of the aforesaid. Stated differently, the tension at which the working strand of yarn is held, the yarn's weight and the diameter (sometimes referred to as the size) of the needles, control and determine the gauge and the finished size of the knitting. Since every knitter holds the yarn with a slightly different tension, it is highly desirable that the gauge be checked and followed for proper fit of a knitted garment. Usually, a set of instructions for a knitting pattern contemplates this, and states the gauge requirements.
Gauge is the number of stitches to fill a particular area and is measured from the number of stitches per unit width and the number of rows per unit length. In most English speaking countries the length and width measures are on a per inch basis, although more recently they are measured on a per centimetre basis. Beehive (trade mark) pattern instructions published by Patons & Baldwins suggest that gauge should be checked with stocking stitch. If the knitter works to the correct gauge in stocking stitch, it is asserted that the knitter will naturally work to the correct gauge in a pattern stitch.
As all knitters do not knit exactly alike, instruction books advise knitters to take the yarn and needles quoted in the pattern and work a small sample piece, i.e. a swatch, about 4 inches (10 cm) square in stocking stitch, before starting to knit a garment. In this method, the knitter is able to then check the gauge by placing a tape measure or ruler along the stitches and rows and count how many stitches and rows there are to the inch (2.5 cm). If there are more stitches than required, a larger diameter needle is sometimes advised.
If there are fewer stitches than required, a smaller diameter needle is sometimes advised. The needles specified in the pattern instructions are only suggested sizes (diameters) and it may be necessary for the knitter to change the needle size so that they can knit in their usual way and still produce the correct gauge.
It will be understood that when a needle size needs to be changed in order to adjust the gauge, all needle sizes quoted in the pattern instructions must be reduced or increased proportionally.
If the swatch has too many stitches or rows per inch than the specified gauge, then the work is too tight. Making up another swatch using the next size larger needles until the proper gauge is obtained, is advised. If the swatch has too few stitches or rows per inch, then the work is too loose. The use of a smaller needle to obtain the proper gauge is advised. The size of the needle used does not matter as long as the gauge matches the gauge indicated in the directions in the pattern instructions.
Many knitters are not inclined to make swatches.
Instead, they just start pattern stitching and adjust accordingly. Currently, unskilled and skilled knitters employ the use of rulers and measuring tapes when pattern stitching. However, it can be frustrating working with three items with two hands. At times, it is common for the measuring tape to get tangled with the yarn.
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which overcomes disadvantages of the prior art. It is a related object to provide a knitter with a measuring scale with which to use to measure their gauge while knitting, and thus eliminate the need for a separate measuring instrument, such as a ruler or measuring tape.
SZJMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a knitting needle is provided with measuring indicia along a length of the knitting needle.
In one embodiment, the knitting needle has equally distributed measuring indicia along the length.
Preferably the measuring indicia are given to denote either one of, or a combination, of millimetres, inches, half-inches and quarter inches.
In one embodiment, the plurality of measuring indicia are marked on a surface of the knitting needle.
In another embodiment, each measuring indicia is continuous around a circumference of the needle.
In a further embodiment, each measuring indicia is discontinuous around the circumference of the needle.
In a preferred embodiment, the measuring indicia extend continuously along the whole length of the knitting needle surface.
In an embodiment, the measuring indicia are arranged in a discontinuous manner along the length of the knitting needle surface, to provide space between adjacent lengths of measuring indicia.
Instead, they just start pattern stitching and adjust accordingly. Currently, unskilled and skilled knitters employ the use of rulers and measuring tapes when pattern stitching. However, it can be frustrating working with three items with two hands. At times, it is common for the measuring tape to get tangled with the yarn.
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which overcomes disadvantages of the prior art. It is a related object to provide a knitter with a measuring scale with which to use to measure their gauge while knitting, and thus eliminate the need for a separate measuring instrument, such as a ruler or measuring tape.
SZJMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a knitting needle is provided with measuring indicia along a length of the knitting needle.
In one embodiment, the knitting needle has equally distributed measuring indicia along the length.
Preferably the measuring indicia are given to denote either one of, or a combination, of millimetres, inches, half-inches and quarter inches.
In one embodiment, the plurality of measuring indicia are marked on a surface of the knitting needle.
In another embodiment, each measuring indicia is continuous around a circumference of the needle.
In a further embodiment, each measuring indicia is discontinuous around the circumference of the needle.
In a preferred embodiment, the measuring indicia extend continuously along the whole length of the knitting needle surface.
In an embodiment, the measuring indicia are arranged in a discontinuous manner along the length of the knitting needle surface, to provide space between adjacent lengths of measuring indicia.
In a further embodiment, indicia are substantially spirally provided on the knitting needle in contiguous relationship along the length of the knitting needle.
In a another embodiment, the knitting needle is a circular knitting needle.
Preferably, the indicia which is provided on the needle's surface extends and runs at least a portion of the length of the needle for measuring a consistent length of yarn to knit uniformly or to follow a pattern.
The present invention is advantageous in that skilled and unskilled knitters are provided with a means to facilitate uniform knitting and to facilitate the following of patterns.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The invention will be more fully understood in view of the drawing, in which:
Figure 1 is a top view of a swatch laid flat on a surface, with two rulers being used to measure gauges, by counting the number of rows and stitches there are to an inch.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention of an elongated knitting needle, with one pointed end.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the invention, in yet another embodiment, where the knitting needle is circular, with two pointed ends.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention of an elongated knitting needle, with two pointed ends and where measuring indicia are substantially spirally provided along the length of the knitting needle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
The present invention relates to a knitting needle to aid in uniform knitting or to aid knitters to follow knitting patterns uniformly. Figure 1 shows a swatch 10 _ 5 _ of knitted material which has been used heretofore for calculating gauge and thus indicating whether the knitter needs to alter tension or knitting needle size.
The knitted swatch 10 comprises stitches 11 which are in rows 12. The swatch 10 is typically about 4 inches square. A knitter then places a ruler 13 against the swatch and counts the number of stitches or rows per inch, thus obtaining the gauge.
The present invention provides a knitting needle upon which measuring indicia are provided along at least a portion of the length of the knitting needle. Figure 2 shows an example with a straight knitting needle 15.
Starting about 1 inch from the needle tip 16 and for an additional 8 inches, every quarter inch there is a narrow mark 17 disposed about the circumference of the needle. The narrow marks are the measuring indicia used in the present invention.
In use, the knitter counts the number of stitches per inch of work piece in progress, using the measuring indicia 17, and the count is the gauge of the stitch.
To calculate gauge for rows, the knitting needle 15 is placed flat against the work piece and the number of rows along one inch of the marked indicia of the needle is determined.
Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 except that the knitting needle 20, instead of being straight, is in a substantially circular configuration. Knitting needle 20 has measuring indicia 21 thereon.
Each of the measuring indicia may be continuous around the circumference of the knitting needle, i.e. in a ring around the needle. This is a preferred arrangement, to allow the user to count the number of rows without having to adjust the knitting needle either longitudinally or rotationally. Alternatively, the indicia may be discontinuous around the circumference of the knitting needle, In another embodiment, the indicia may be discontinuous around the circumference of the - '6 -needle, but staggered such that when viewing any one profile view of the needle, indicia may be seen only every half-inch. The invention is useful for all sizes of knitting needle, e.g. from 1.75 mm to 10 mm in diameter.
Figure 4 is similar to Figure 2 except that the measuring indicia 22 comprises a line or lines in a spiral on the surface of knitting needle 15.
It will be understood that although the measuring indicia may extend over the entire length of the needle, it is more cost effective to have the indicia extend along only a part of the needle, For example, if the needle is 10 inches long, the indicia may extend only 6 or 7 inches, and may not be present immediately adjacent the tip 16 of the needle.
The indicia may be arranged in a discontinuous manner along the length the knitting needle, i.e. the indicia is interrupted at some portions of the length of the needle, for example at the point where one would normally be holding the needles when knitting.
Alternatively, parts of the needle may have indicia other than the measuring indicia for decorative effect.
In addition to being useful, the invention may yield aesthetic visual effects. The indicia are preferably narrow lines, but some or all of the lines may be coloured. For example, every inch mark may be in red and intervening marks may be black. Alternatively the indicia may comprise images of pets, flowers, babies or other designs. The indicia may be applied to the knitting needle by known means, e.g. by hot stamping, printing.
The indicia provided in the present invention provides a tool for knitters to enhance the uniformity of their knitted work pieces by allowing users to calculate their gauge on the fly while knitting, with ease.
The specific embodiments and examples set forth ,7 above are provided to illustrate the invention and are not intended as limiting. Additional embodiments within the scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
In a another embodiment, the knitting needle is a circular knitting needle.
Preferably, the indicia which is provided on the needle's surface extends and runs at least a portion of the length of the needle for measuring a consistent length of yarn to knit uniformly or to follow a pattern.
The present invention is advantageous in that skilled and unskilled knitters are provided with a means to facilitate uniform knitting and to facilitate the following of patterns.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The invention will be more fully understood in view of the drawing, in which:
Figure 1 is a top view of a swatch laid flat on a surface, with two rulers being used to measure gauges, by counting the number of rows and stitches there are to an inch.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention of an elongated knitting needle, with one pointed end.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the invention, in yet another embodiment, where the knitting needle is circular, with two pointed ends.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention of an elongated knitting needle, with two pointed ends and where measuring indicia are substantially spirally provided along the length of the knitting needle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
The present invention relates to a knitting needle to aid in uniform knitting or to aid knitters to follow knitting patterns uniformly. Figure 1 shows a swatch 10 _ 5 _ of knitted material which has been used heretofore for calculating gauge and thus indicating whether the knitter needs to alter tension or knitting needle size.
The knitted swatch 10 comprises stitches 11 which are in rows 12. The swatch 10 is typically about 4 inches square. A knitter then places a ruler 13 against the swatch and counts the number of stitches or rows per inch, thus obtaining the gauge.
The present invention provides a knitting needle upon which measuring indicia are provided along at least a portion of the length of the knitting needle. Figure 2 shows an example with a straight knitting needle 15.
Starting about 1 inch from the needle tip 16 and for an additional 8 inches, every quarter inch there is a narrow mark 17 disposed about the circumference of the needle. The narrow marks are the measuring indicia used in the present invention.
In use, the knitter counts the number of stitches per inch of work piece in progress, using the measuring indicia 17, and the count is the gauge of the stitch.
To calculate gauge for rows, the knitting needle 15 is placed flat against the work piece and the number of rows along one inch of the marked indicia of the needle is determined.
Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 except that the knitting needle 20, instead of being straight, is in a substantially circular configuration. Knitting needle 20 has measuring indicia 21 thereon.
Each of the measuring indicia may be continuous around the circumference of the knitting needle, i.e. in a ring around the needle. This is a preferred arrangement, to allow the user to count the number of rows without having to adjust the knitting needle either longitudinally or rotationally. Alternatively, the indicia may be discontinuous around the circumference of the knitting needle, In another embodiment, the indicia may be discontinuous around the circumference of the - '6 -needle, but staggered such that when viewing any one profile view of the needle, indicia may be seen only every half-inch. The invention is useful for all sizes of knitting needle, e.g. from 1.75 mm to 10 mm in diameter.
Figure 4 is similar to Figure 2 except that the measuring indicia 22 comprises a line or lines in a spiral on the surface of knitting needle 15.
It will be understood that although the measuring indicia may extend over the entire length of the needle, it is more cost effective to have the indicia extend along only a part of the needle, For example, if the needle is 10 inches long, the indicia may extend only 6 or 7 inches, and may not be present immediately adjacent the tip 16 of the needle.
The indicia may be arranged in a discontinuous manner along the length the knitting needle, i.e. the indicia is interrupted at some portions of the length of the needle, for example at the point where one would normally be holding the needles when knitting.
Alternatively, parts of the needle may have indicia other than the measuring indicia for decorative effect.
In addition to being useful, the invention may yield aesthetic visual effects. The indicia are preferably narrow lines, but some or all of the lines may be coloured. For example, every inch mark may be in red and intervening marks may be black. Alternatively the indicia may comprise images of pets, flowers, babies or other designs. The indicia may be applied to the knitting needle by known means, e.g. by hot stamping, printing.
The indicia provided in the present invention provides a tool for knitters to enhance the uniformity of their knitted work pieces by allowing users to calculate their gauge on the fly while knitting, with ease.
The specific embodiments and examples set forth ,7 above are provided to illustrate the invention and are not intended as limiting. Additional embodiments within the scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (10)
1. A knitting needle, having measuring indicia along a length of the knitting needle.
2. A knitting needle according to Claim 1 wherein indicia are equally distributed along said length.
3. A knitting needle according to Claim 1 wherein the measuring indicia denote measures in at least one of millimetres, inches, half-inches and quarter inches.
4. A knitting needle according to Claim 2 wherein the measuring indicia are marked on a surface of the knitting needle.
5. A knitting needle according to Claim 1 wherein each measuring indicia is continuous around a circumference of the needle.
6. A knitting needle according to Claim 1 wherein each measuring indicia is discontinuous around the circumference of the needle.
7. A knitting needle according to Claim 1 wherein there are at least two lengths of measuring indicia, with a space between adjacent lengths of measuring indicia.
8. A knitting needle according to Claim 1 wherein indicia are substantially spirally provided on the knitting needle in contiguous relationship along the length of the knitting needle.
9. A knitting needle according to Claim 1 wherein the knitting needle is a circular knitting needle.
10. A knitting needle according to Claim 1 wherein the knitting needle has a diameter ranging from at least 1.75 mm to 10 mm.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2233890 CA2233890A1 (en) | 1998-04-02 | 1998-04-02 | A knitting needle with measuring indicia |
| CA 2268584 CA2268584A1 (en) | 1998-04-02 | 1999-04-06 | A knitting needle with measuring indicia |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2233890 CA2233890A1 (en) | 1998-04-02 | 1998-04-02 | A knitting needle with measuring indicia |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2233890A1 true CA2233890A1 (en) | 1999-10-02 |
Family
ID=29275489
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2233890 Abandoned CA2233890A1 (en) | 1998-04-02 | 1998-04-02 | A knitting needle with measuring indicia |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2233890A1 (en) |
-
1998
- 1998-04-02 CA CA 2233890 patent/CA2233890A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |