Steeking ↓
It’s cutting up your knitting! Why the heck would anyone want to do that?
Besides the fact it is kind of a daring, rock’n roll maneuver, there are also practical reasons to steek. It allows the knitter to knit a cardigan in the round, not bothering about sleeves, simultaneously keeping their colour work patterns strong and steady (colour patterns are much, much easier to do in rounds), and for an added bonus – you never need purl.
Steeking is a classic way to make a fairisle cardigan, and I for one want to know how it’s done. That is why I plan to sit in on the Steeking Workshop at the Knit Cafe. We have had a lot of interest in this class, but there are still some spots left if you too want to learn how.
If you are going to join the Steeking Workshop, you will have to knit one of these↓ before the class. This is the swatch you will practice your cutting on. Instructions are at the end of this post.
I could of chosen any old colour-work pattern to sit between my steek stitch lines, but I chose this triangle pattern which is the same pattern I knit my New Order Mittens with. I was curious to see how the triangles would stack up in a two colour repeat. Verdict=I like it!
It is also an easy pattern to knit. One tends to memorize it quickly and can knit it, for the most part, without looking at the instructions.
If you are coming to the workshop, it is time to do your homework. This is how it’s done.
Instructions for Steeking Swatch
Steeking section is made up of 9sts, it is broken up with at least 5″ of colour work pattern (in this case the triangle pattern) followed by 9 more steeking stitches, and then 5 more inches of colour work pattern, joined into a round.
The triangle pattern is made up of multiple of 6 sts. For my swatch I repeated the pattern 6 times and got exactly 5″. If your gauge is tighter you might need more repeats to get the 5″ you need.
Materials: Worsted weight yarn (not superwash) Cascade 220 was used here, and that is highly recommended. You just need 2 colours. I was using up scraps so there are several colours in mine, but 2 is all that is required.
16″ circular or double pointed needles to match yarn, I used a 4mm (4-5mm are most common with worsted weight wool, you will want a sturdy gauge, ie not too loose)
Cast on 90sts
Join in a round, and mark beginning with stitch marker
RND 1:*(MC1, CC1) x 4, MC1, work triangle pattern as follows MC5 (CC1, MC5)x 5 CC1, repeat from * one more time
RND 2: *(MC1, CC1) x 4, MC1, work triangle pattern as follows CC1, MC3 (CC3, MC3) x 5, CC2, repeat from * one more time
RND 3: *(MC1, CC1) x 4, MC1, work triangle pattern as follows CC2, MC1 (CC5, MC1) x 5, CC3, repeat from * one more time
Repeat these 3 rounds till swatch is desired length, the longer you knit the more you will have to practice on in class. We recommend 10″
Cast off
Abbreviations
sts – stitches
RND – round
MC – main colour (followed by the number of stitches to be knit in that colour, ie MC1 = knit 1 stitches with main colour)
CC – contrast colour (followed by the number of stitches to be knit in that colour, ie CC1 = knit 1 stitches with contrast colour)
Steeking Class
In this one-evening workshop you will build nerves of steel, and cut without apprehension. There are several roads to a perfect steek and they will be explained, demonstrated, and practiced in class. After you make the cut, selvedges will be reinforced to make beautiful edges, ready and waiting for buttons or zippers to finish them off. This is “next level” knitting – don’t miss it!
Bring to Class:
– your swatch
– your needles you made the swatch with
-crochet hook 1/2 size smaller then the needle size you knit your swatch with
– scrap yarn of a contrast colour (at least 30 grams, not superwash)
– sharp scissors if you have some.
1 session, $30, materials not included
Thurs May 2, 6:30-9
To register call 416 533 5648
or come into 1050 Queen St. West
See ya there
Craftily yours
Kristin
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