Knitting creates flexible fabric by looping thread or yarn together using two or more knitting needles or a knitting machine . In very simple cases , knitting can be done without tools , using only the fingers to do these tasks ; however , knitting is usually carried out using tools such as knitting needles , knitting machines or rigid frames . Depending on their size and shape , the rigid frames are called knitting boards , knitting rings ( also called knitting looms ) or knitting spools ( also known as knitting knobbies , knitting nancies , or corkers ) .