French Knitting Techniques
Are you familiar with the popular children’s activity of French knitting? Sometimes known by several different names including spool knitting and even tomboy knitting, it is a simple process which uses a spool or tube with four nails or pegs attached at the top on the rim. Instead of using knitting needles which can be more difficult for little hands to master you simply wrap lengths of yarn or wool around the pegs or nails at the top to create the familiar interlocking knitting effect. It is great fun to do and will occupy youngsters for hours.
French knitting for kids is the perfect way to introduce children to this enjoyable creative activity. It also has the added benefit of helping with manual dexterity and co-ordination skills. Older children often take up crochet or traditional knitting once they have mastered this simple technique as it sets off that interest in textiles and making things that can be used or worn.
A traditional French knitting doll
Why is it called French Knitting?
This term was adopted due to the fact that French Revolutionists used a similar method to create the basic knitted hats they wore. Although their looms tended to be larger and of course had more pegs the style was similar to that which we know today.
What do you use for French knitting?
Grown-ups may remember the little plastic French knitting dolls used in their younger days but wouldn’t it be fun to make your own cardboard Tube French Knitter. It's much simpler than you may think. Check out our video below to see how easy it is:
How to do French knitting
To get started you will need a French Knitting Tube. If you love crafting you will probably have most of these in your craft box already:
• Washi tape or card
• Glue
To start knitting you will need:
• Coloured wool or yarn
You’ll find lots of great craft accessories to make and enhance your French knitting here.
Top Tip
Make sure that all of the wool you use is the same thickness. If you don’t you may find that the pattern has a wonky or uneven appearance.
What can you make with French knitting?
There are so many fun things to do and make with the tubes of knitted wool. Create French knit items such a bracelets, brooches and headbands or even a bookmark or sign. For more creative inspiration why not check out the fabulous ideas on our Creative Station page. There are lots of photos and step by step French Knitting instructions to make it extra easy.
There are FREE templates to download and videos to explain everything. Our team love to see what you create so don’t forget to send share a photo of your creation on one of our social media platforms. Bonne chance et amusez -vous!
Our easy-to-follow instructions make this is a fun and simple activity that the whole family can enjoy. So why not let your creativity flow and start making something amazing today with Baker Ross!
