Stützenstichen

Stützenstichen is a German term that translates to "support stitches" in English. It refers to a group of techniques used in knitting to reinforce areas of a fabric, prevent stretching, or create decorative textures. These stitches are not typically part of the main pattern but are added strategically to enhance the garment's structure and appearance.

One common application of stützenstichen is in areas that experience a lot of stress, such as the underarms of a sweater or the corners of a bag. By incorporating extra stitches or using specific looping methods, the fabric becomes more durable and less prone to tearing or stretching out of shape. This can be achieved by knitting into the stitch below, knitting into the front and back of a stitch multiple times, or by picking up and knitting extra stitches.

Stützenstichen can also be used to create raised patterns or borders. For instance, a simple stützenstichen technique might involve knitting a stitch and then, without dropping it from the needle, knitting into the back loop of the same stitch. This creates a slightly thicker, more prominent stitch that can form a decorative element. The specific method employed will depend on the desired effect and the overall knitting pattern. Understanding stützenstichen allows knitters to create more robust and aesthetically pleasing knitted items.