knitting

American  

[nit-ing] / ˈnɪt ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that knits.

2. the act of forming a fabric by looping a continuous yarn.

3. knitted work.

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idioms

1. stick / tend to one's knitting,

   1. to mind one's own business.

      Don't worry about my work—just tend to your knitting.

   2. to devote oneself to one's assignments or responsibilities.

      Years of sticking to his knitting finally paid off.

knitting British  

/ ˈnɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. knitted work or the process of producing it

   2. ( as modifier )

      a knitting machine

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Etymology

Origin of knitting

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at knit, -ing ¹

Explanation

The craft of using long needles to interweave yarn is called knitting. If you work on your knitting skills, you might be able to make your sister a sweater for her birthday. Commercial knitting is done on machines — that's how they make most mass-produced sweaters you see in stores. The knitting you might do at home happens more slowly, using knitting needles and skeins of yarn. You can use the word for your project, too: "Where did I put my knitting? I was almost finished with that infinity scarf!" The noun knitting comes from the verb knit and its Old English root meaning "a knot."

Example Sentences

After college, he strung together odd jobs, including data input for the famed music venue the Knitting Factory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Other yarn stores, like Starlight Knitting Society, in Portland, Oregon, posted assurances for worried customers: Yes, we have red yarn.

From Slate • Jan. 29, 2026

After a years-long dispute in court, the chief executive of concert promoter Knitting Factory has prevailed to take control of the beloved Pioneertown music venue Pappy & Harriet’s.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2024

Knitting transforms one-dimensional yarn into two-dimensional fabrics that are flexible, durable, and highly customizable in shape and elasticity.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2024

Knitting looked like an interesting thing to do with fingers.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry