In these days of technology and computers, even knitting which is a handicraft filled with tradition, which has a long history and is as far away from computers as you can imagine, actually has more to do with these modern phenomena connected to technology than anyone would think. One would maybe think that the different kinds of beaded knitting, which is a little more recent than traditional knitting, would have more to to with technology of today than regular knitting, but fact is that they occur just as much on the Internet and in software for knitting. There are many programs with knitting patterns software, knitting charts and knitting design software. Some of these programs you have to pay for but these are also some free knitting software programs.
In this article I present some of the most popular and widespread software for knitting, if they are free or if you have to buy them and some other information about software for knitting. Some of the software goes best with either PC or Mac, some works just as well on both and some works with only one of these operating systems. This is good to know before you download or buy a software for knitting, but the instructions and descriptions are often very informative so that you don’t take any risks of getting a software for knitting that doesn’t work on your computer! Here is a short list on the most popular software for knitting:
Sock Wizard (for Mac)
Sweater Wizard V3
Knitting Math Wizard
Mitten Glove Wizard
Stitch & Motif Maker V3
Print-A-Grid
Sock Wizard Version 2 (for PC)
Swatch Wizard
DesignaKnit
Mac knitting software and PC knitting software doesn’t differ more than on a level that is invisible to us, that is, how the software programs are technologically constructed so that they work the right way with the right computer. Sometimes the layout differs slightly but that doesn’t change the allover impression. If you have a knitting machine, you can use software for knitting on your computer and then connect or transfer this to the knitting machine. Look for instructions for each program to see how you can make this work; it’s very practical! With all these technology tools, what really happens to the traditional image of knitting or beaded knitting; the one with a person sitting in a cozy armchair and just meditating over life? Or the more recent image; with a group of people gathering to drink coffee, sit and chat and continue with their different knitting projects?
Well, in my opinion, these aspects of knitting will always remain because we need the social and relaxing effects it gives. But if one look at things in a more industrial or design related perspective, all these new tools can help knitting to get a higher position in society because knitting and bead knitted items can spread much faster and more effective over the world. This can lead to more people getting interested in the art of bead knitting, and the good circle will continue. Of course we pay tribute to the pioneers of knitting, but as the world changes, we must also find new ways to make our voices heard and the bead knitted stitch works to reach a bigger audience!