Results tagged “Techniques” from Fabric.com Blog

There are many connective stitches in knitting but the Kitchener stitch is one of the most popular because it gives a seamless appearance and a quality joining. You can use the Kitchener stitch to connect two pieces of knitted fabric end to end not side to side. The Kitchener stitch would not be used to join 2 sides of a sweater (try the mattress stitch) but 2 ends together (like a toe of a sock or the bottom of a bag). You can use the Kitchener stitch with live stitches on your needles or with bound off edges (like demonstrated below). It can be tricky at first but practice, practice, practice will make you a pro in no time. You will be amazed once you get the hang of it how many applications you will discover for this handy stitch. I wished many times that I had known of it sooner.

To seam 2 bound off Stockingette edges first I recommend you steam as much of the curl out as possible. This will make it easier to line up your edges, see your stitches and make sure you keep them even as you go along. Next starting at the right side, look for the stitch closest to edge that forms a point at the edge, with the V upside down (knit stitches are in a V shape so either the point faces up, with the V upside down or the point faces down with the V right side up), with a threaded tapestry needle, slide your needle under the point and out.

Do the same on the other piece of fabric, finding the upside down V closest to the right side edge and go under the point with your needle. Repeat with the other side, going all the way down your fabric. It is not necessary to pull your stitches tight as you go but you may. You can always pull both tails to tighten them up and watch your fabric zip together. You will notice that you have seamless joined your fabric by sewing knit stitches to join your fabrics. This gives a nice sturdy seam and flawless appearance. You can use this seam to join 2 identical ends of a scarf, the back of a shawl collar or the finger ends of mittens. It is not only immensely satisfying to watch your stitches disappear but also quite relaxing in itself. 

Whether you are new to socks or not- you must know one thing: socks are addictive!

I have my own theories on why socks are so mesmerizing. Let me regal you.

1)      Socks are quick

2)      There are a gazillion patterns so there is something for everyone

3)      Everyone wears/loves socks so you  have a go-to knitted present

4)      You can be secretly wild with socks and no one will know but you.

There as many ways to knit socks as there are sock patterns. You can be traditional and use DPNs (Double Pointed Needles), Magic Loop (that's me), 2 circulars, 2 socks at a time, Toe Up (Also my preferred) and Cuff Down, etc. The easiest way to figure out your prefect combo of techniques it to try them all. I only recently (this year) knit my first, second and third pair of socks. This is because I was trying out all the different methods. I found what works for me and now I enjoy socks and have found the addiction. Also once you figure out which sock knitter you are you can purchase your needles. Since I am a magic looper, I bought all my sock needle sizes (00, 0, 1, 2, & 3, and every size in between) in 40-60 in. length cables.

There are some key techniques that every sock knitters needs in his or her bag. The first is a good cast-on (even if you prefer toe-up you might find a pattern you MUST make that is cuff down) that is stretchy and easy. The second if a good stretchy bind-off (Super stretchy bind-off). Three is practice with short rows (toe box and heel). Another good piece of info to know: needle size 00 through 4 have sizes in between in millimeters. Get familiar with them; they can help you obtain the correct gauge. Lastly, I know that store bought socks are cheap and easy but a handmade sock is a luxury few but knitters know. You can give that luxury to those you love and customize it to them. A hand knit sock fits perfectly and feels so lovely (better than a really great cup of coffee or big glass of wine).  

P.s: The red sock is knit in Regia Kaffe Fassett in Mirage Fire,a toe-up pattern is coming up in October! The other sock is knit in a sock yarn purchased years ago with a lost ball band (Don't ya hate that), the pattern is cuff-down,  Jaywalker.

Check out our great selection of Sock Yarn- Super Yummy!