knitted

knitted — adjective

1. describes fabric or clothing created by looping yarn with two long needles inste

1.adjectiveA2
Definition

describes fabric or clothing created by looping yarn with two long needles instead of weaving threads

Example

Bao wore a thick knitted scarf to keep warm in the winter.

collocation: knitted scarf

The shop near the station sells soft knitted blankets in many colours.

collocation: knitted blankets

Common collocations
  • knitted scarf
  • knitted jumper
  • knitted sweater
  • knitted blanket
  • knitted hat
  • knitted gloves
  • knitted socks
Synonyms
  • hand-knitted

    specifies that the item was made by hand rather than by machine

  • crocheted

    made with a single hooked needle, producing a different texture from knitting

Antonyms
  • woven

    made by crossing threads over and under each other on a loom

Common Mistakes

She bought a knitted cotton shirt that was made on a loom.
She bought a woven cotton shirt that was made on a loom.
'Woven' describes fabric made by crossing threads over and under; 'knitted' describes fabric made by looping yarn with needles.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All three words describe how fabric is made. Knitted fabric is made by looping yarn with two long needles, creating a stretchy material — ideal for jumpers, hats, and socks. Woven fabric is made by crossing threads over and under each other on a loom, producing a firmer material used for shirts, trousers, and bedsheets. Crocheted fabric is made with a single hooked needle, creating a thicker, more textured fabric often used for decorative items. Choose knitted for cosy stretchy garments, woven for structured clothing, and crocheted for lacy or decorative pieces.

knitted ↗woven ↗crocheted

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • hand-knitted
  • machine-knitted

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Derived from the Old English verb 'cnyttan', meaning to tie or knot. The sense of making fabric by looping yarn with needles emerged in the 14th century. The adjective form 'knitted' has been used since the 15th century to describe items made in this way.