rajut

Rajut refers to the craft of creating fabric by interlocking yarn loops, typically with needles or a knitting machine. In Indonesian and Malay, rajut designates both the activity and the knitted fabric or garments produced, and the term is widely used to describe knitted textiles in those languages. The practice is global, with regional styles and terminology varying across cultures.

Techniques and tools: Hand knitting uses two or more knitting needles. The basic stitches are knit and purl, which are combined to form fabric such as stockinette or rib. Materials can be worked flat (back-and-forth) or in the round for seamless pieces, depending on the pattern. Circular or double-pointed needles and a range of needle sizes accommodate different yarn weights. Domestic knitting machines perform the same task at greater speed, while hand knitting remains popular for customization and craft work.

Materials: A broad range of yarns is used, including wool, cotton, silk, alpaca, and synthetic fibers such as acrylic or nylon. Yarns vary in weight, fiber content, and care requirements, influencing gauge, warmth, drape, and durability. The choice of fiber and texture determines the character of the final fabric.

Applications: Rajut yields garments like sweaters, scarves, hats, socks, and baby clothes, as well as home textiles such as blankets and throws. Techniques like ribbing, cables, and lace knitting create texture and patterns, enabling a variety of styles from simple basics to intricate designs.

History and context: Knitting is a long-standing craft with evidence in many cultures. While origins are debated, knitted textiles date from the medieval period in several regions. Today, knitting is practiced as a hobby, an art form, and an industry, supported by patterns, tutorials, and online communities.