Hålsticka

Hålsticka is a Swedish term that can refer to a specific type of knitting needle or a knitting technique. As a tool, a hålsticka is typically a knitting needle with a hole drilled through its tip. This hole is designed to allow a second strand of yarn to be passed through, which is particularly useful for creating decorative effects or for techniques like intarsia knitting where multiple colors are used simultaneously. The hole also helps to maintain even tension on the yarn.

Alternatively, hålsticka can describe a knitting technique where a hole is intentionally created within the knitted fabric. This is often achieved by intentionally dropping a stitch or by using a specific stitch combination that forms an openwork pattern. These holes can be decorative, creating lace-like effects, or functional, such as in the creation of mesh fabrics. The term emphasizes the resulting perforated or holey nature of the fabric.