maille à l'endroit
The English phrase "knit stitch" is maille à l'endroit in French.
In knitting, this phrase refers to the basic stitch where the loop is pushed through to the back.
What does it mean word for word?
The part à l'endroit literally means "to the right side" or "to the front", which describes how the loop is worked in this stitch.
Which one should you use?
While maille à l'endroit is the standard term, you may encounter its counterpart, maille à l'envers, which is used to describe the purl stitch.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, the term point de jersey is used to refer to the knit stitch.
Did you know?
- In French, the word maille is also used to describe the rings of chainmail armor. This reflects the historical connection between knitting and the interlocking loops of metal.
- The term à l'endroit is used in other French contexts to mean 'the right way up'. If a piece of clothing is worn à l'endroit, it is not inside out.
- In French, the term maille is a linguistic doublet of the word médaille, meaning 'medal'.
Examples in context
- Je fais un point endroit pour tricoter ce pull.I am doing a knit stitch to knit this sweater.
- Apprenez à réaliser des points endroit impeccables.Learn how to make perfect knit stitches.
- J'ai tricoté toutes ces mailles à l'endroit.I knitted all these knit stitches.
- Tu sais faire la maille à l'endroit ?Do you know how to do the knit stitch?
- J'utilise le point de jersey pour ce projet.I am using the knit stitch for this project.
- Je te montre comment faire le point de jersey.I'll show you how to do the knit stitch.
- Je fais une maille à l'endroit.I am doing a knit stitch.
- Cette maille à l'endroit est très serrée.This knit stitch is very tight.
Example conversation
Manon is teaching Nathan how to knit a scarf.
- ManonNathan, regarde comment je fais la maille à l'endroit.Nathan, look how I do the knit stitch.
- NathanC'est difficile, je n'y arrive pas.It's difficult, I can't do it.
- ManonNe t'inquiète pas, il faut juste de la patience.Don't worry, you just need patience.
- NathanMerci, je vais essayer encore une fois.Thanks, I will try one more time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maille, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
