Math in Art
Inverses with Knitting
Ms. Curran
Introduction
Inverses are used in math all of the time.
Encarta Dictionary within Microsoft Word
(2003) defines an inverse to be the
“opposite to or reversing something”
 In math, the inverse of addition is
subtraction, the inverse of multiplication is
division, the inverse of a positive number
is a negative integer, etc.

Knitting


Knitting is the process of joining loops with the use of two needles
or a machine.
There are two types of main stitches in knitting; a knit and purl
stitch. For every knit stitch that is created, in the back a purl stitch
is created.
Knitting History
A type of knitting called crossed knitting was the
earliest form of knitting. (Crowe)
 A Egyptian pair of crossed knitted socks that
date back to between the 3rd and 6th century AD
are the oldest ever found knitted wear. (Crowe)
 What makes crossed knitting different from
today’s knitting, is that crossed knitting only
used one knitting needle. (Crowe)
 The oldest discovery of regular knitting dates
back to 1100 AD in Egypt. It was a pair of
patterned socks. (Crowe)

Knitting History Continued


“The Complete Encyclopedia of
Stitchery by Mildred Graves
Ryan says that most historians
agree that knitting was
probably spread by (probably
male) Arabian sailors and
merchants who traveled
throughout the
Mediterranean.” Crowe
During the 16-18th century,
families were responsible for
helping out with the knitting
for the family. Things like
socks, stockings, sweaters and
such were made by both
children and adults alike.

The Knitting Girl by WilliamAdolphe Bouguereau, 1869

Madonna Knitting, by Bertram of Minden
1400-1410

1855 sketch of a shepherd knitting, while
watching his flock.
Knitting Now

Knitting is a hobby that is becoming
popular again. People of all ages are
taking up the hobby and making
themselves and friends things like scarves,
hats, socks, sweaters, etc.
Just a few of my Art Projects
Resources
Crowe, Tracy “An Early History of Knitting”
http://ezinearticles.com/?An-Early-Historyof-Knitting&id=804092 Retrieved July 27,
2010
 The History of Knitting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_kni
tting
