'knit' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'cnyttan', where 'cnyttan' meant 'to tie or bind'.

'cnyttan' transformed into the Middle English word 'knitten', and eventually became the modern English word 'knit'.

Initially, it meant 'to tie or bind', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make fabric by interlocking loops of yarn'.