stickningar

Stickningar is the term used in textile crafts to refer to the basic units that form fabric or join materials. A stitch is created when yarn or thread is passed through itself or through another layer of fabric, producing a loop or a line of thread. Stitches can be used for construction, decoration, or both, and they vary widely across techniques and cultures.

In knitting, stickningar are formed on needles by interlocking loops of yarn. The sequence and type of stitches determine the texture, elasticity, and pattern of the fabric. Common distinctions in knitting relate to how stitches are created and worked in rows or rounds, and how different stitch combinations produce fabrics such as smooth stockinette, ridges, or textured surfaces. The overall tightness or looseness of the stitches, known as gauge, influences the size and fit of finished items.

In sewing, embroidery, and other textile crafts, stickningar encompass stitches used to join fabrics, decorate surfaces, or secure materials in place. Sewing stitches can be straight, zigzag, or specialized patterns, while embroidery stitches are applied with thread to create images and textures on fabric. The choice of stitch affects durability, appearance, and the intended use of the textile work.

Historically, stickningar have played a central role in practical craft and cultural expression worldwide. Today they remain a foundational concept in both traditional handwork and modern textile design, where technical considerations such as fiber content, tension, and stitch density are balanced with creative goals.

See also: knitting, sewing, embroidery, textile crafts.