Sometimes when a project looks plain, it helps to add a little “something” to it to make our knitted creation more interesting. That’s when it’s great to use nupps (rhymes with “soup”).
What is a nupp? It’s a little one stitch bud (the word “nupp” means “bud” in Estonian) that is smaller and more delicate than a bobble. It does not disrupt the stitch pattern because it is worked over just one stitch. That means that we can add it to our knitting anywhere we like without adjusting the pattern. Nupps are often used in Estonian lace, but they look lovely on any stitch pattern, lace or non-lace.
Here’s a fun fact I found in the “Knitting Around the World” book – apparently Estonian knitters invented nupps not just to decorate the knits, but also to make the finished project heavier because they were paid according to the weight of the knits they made. We, knitters, are a smart lot, aren’t we? 🙂
Even though most of us do not get paid for knitting, nupps are still very useful for adding a special touch to a project. There are several ways to make nupps. Let’s take a look at three most popular ones.
The wraps of the nupps created by ways 2 and 3 slant to the left, while the nupps made using the classic way slant to the right. You can use this difference to create interesting patterns by making nupps using different ways. That will definitely make your project a one of a kind creation!
Read the full step-by-step version of this tutorial:
If you are a club member,
read here
(no ads)
Not a club member?
Read here
(with ads)
FREE mini-course
about three pro knitting methods
that will instantly
elevate the look of your projects
and make you a more skilled knitter
“Matching Cast Ons and Bind Offs, Part 1” Book
Discover six pairs of cast on and bind off methods that form identical edges on projects worked flat and in the round.
“Matching Cast Ons and Bind Offs, Part 2” Book
Discover six more pairs of cast on and bind off methods that form identical edges on projects worked flat and in the round.
“Neat Side Edges” Book
Learn twelve ways to make side edges of a knitted project nice and tidy. Plus, ways to fix side edges, and a way to improve edges of finished projects.
Happy knitting!
