Knitting Daily : Grafting

The Knit-a-Long Post (Plus the Kitchener Stitch and a Free Pattern!)

Kathleen Cubley — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Monkey Socks: Wrap-Up

Our first knit-a-long was a great success! When I started this knit-a-long back on July 1, I wasn't sure how it would go. I'm thrilled that Monkey Socks by Cookie A. were knit by about 20 people and to date there are 241 thoughts shared on the forum.

I'm so happy that so many of you knit the sock with me and took the time to share your tips and tricks along the way. We really created a nice community, didn't we? I'm especially glad this knit-a-long filled a knitting group need many of you have--sometimes it's hard to find knitting groups for a variety of reasons, and I'm glad you all found us! We learned about Judy and her RVing lifestyle, and we admired Terry's beautiful Jitterbug blue colorway, and we shared tips about knitting different heels and some lace tricks, too. I had a fabulous time with you all, and since I've only knit one sock so far, the fun will continue.

Here are a few photos of finished socks:

Free Slipper Pattern and a How-to Video about the Kitchener Stitch

For those of you still working on your socks, I thought you'd like a video tutorial on the Kitchener Stitch (also known as grafting). This is one of those things that I have to look up every time I do it, so here's a reference for you, too! (If you're more of a picture person than a video person, get yourself a copy of The Knitter's Companion by Vicki Square. This little book has lots of technique help, including the Kitchener stitch.)

(Please visit the site to view this media)

This segment is from Knitting Daily TV episode #208. If you missed any of season 2, order the DVD here!

And Now . . . the New Knit-a-Long!

Yep, it's a landslide victory for the Central Park Hoodie (1838 votes, 49.2% of total votes). YAHOO!!

I hope I didn't unduly influence you, but if I did, THANKS FOR VOTING FOR THE HOODIE! My beautiful pink Tahki Donegal Tweed thanks you, too. The Every Way Wrap came in second, followed by the Falling Leaves Scarf, the Diagonal Rib Socks, and the Feminine Mittens.

The original Hoodie is in the fall 2006 issue with sizing up to 48" bust. For those who need the plus-size version, purchase the pattern with the complete size range exclusively at the Interweave Store. Here's a quick summary of the project:

Finished Size: Sizes 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)" bust.
Yarn: Tahki Donegal Tweed (100% wool; 183 yd (167 m)/110 g): #803 yellow-green OR #869 dark-taupe (brown): 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 18, 20) skeins.
Yarn weight: #4 - Medium
Gauge: 17 sts and 24 rows = 4" in St st on larger needles.
Needles: Sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) needles, or size to achieve gauge, Size 6 (4 mm): 32-40" circular needle
Notions: Cable needle (cn), Stitch markers, Stitch holders, Yarn needle, Buttons (optional), Crochet hook (optional)
Originally Published: Knitscene, Fall 2006

Since this is a big sweater, the KAL will last until the end of October, so check in to the new Knit-a-Long forum and let's start swatching together (yes, swatching, not knitting the actual pieces until we all get gauge!).

Get Your Free Ribby Slipper Pattern!

To celebrate the end (for some of us) of the Monkey Sock KAL, here's a free sock pattern: Ribby Slipper Socks by Cathy Carron. These are on my list for Christmas for my nephew, and I might add a doggie face or something like that because nephew Henry loves animal slippers! (You'll also find five other patterns when you download the Ribby Slipper Socks because it's part of our free ebook Easy Knits: 6 Free Easy Knitting Patterns from Knitting Daily.) Download your free eBook today and don't forget to forward this email on to friends who could also use some free easy knitting patterns!

Cheers!

Kathleen

By the way, I had the honor of meeting Cookie A. at the Sock Summit. See how thrilled I am to see her? She was gracious and so glad to hear about our KAL with the Monkey Sock. Hers was one of the longest lines in the book signing area, and I was happy to stand and knit my way to the end of it.

Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Need a new sock knitting pattern? Want a great free sock pattern? Here are five of our top sock knitting downloads together in one FREE ebook for you.

So what kind of sock patterns are in this eBook? Let's see. There's a knitted lace sock pattern, a cabled sock pattern, a colorwork sock pattern, a men's sock pattern, and an easy beginner sock pattern. Something for everyone!!

Download Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Free Pattern: Lovely Lace Shawl (Plus More Lace Tips!)

KD Sandi — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:36:00 GMT

Tips for Joining A Shawl Worked in Two Halves

Some long rectangular shawls or scarves are worked in two pieces and then joined at the center. Why? Because certain lace patterns produce a lovely scalloped or patterned edge at the cast-on end, but do not produce a matching pretty scallop at the bind-off end. If you were to work the shawl or scarf in a single piece, the two ends would look very different--and most knitters prefer the swoopy fancy cast-on edge to the comparatively plain bind-off edge!

Designers resolve this by knitting one half of the shawl which is then set aside while casting on and knitting another matching half. The two halves are then joined, usually by...no, no, don't run away, not yet anyway...grafting them together using the Kitchener stitch.

There's that dratted Kitchener stitch again. Just when we all were having so much fun, knitting a gorgeous lace shawl, that silly grafting thing had to go and sneak up on us at the very end. The existence of that sentence, "Now graft the two halves together using the Kitchener stitch" has stopped many a knitter from knitting certain perfectly lovely shawl patterns.

Methods for Joining the Two Halves and (bonus!) Saving Your Sanity

You can substitute a three-needle bind-off for the Kitchener stitch. This is easy and quick, but it can produce a pronounced ridge right down the middle of your shawl.

Another method, suggested by Alice Halbeisen, the designer of the Lace Shawl pictured above (and this week's free pattern!), is to bind off each half very loosely, and then stitch the halves together. This second solution works quite well, with only a minimal ridge if you do it carefully.

Here are some tips for seaming success:

1. If there is a "plain knitting" row, bind off on that row instead of a "lace knitting" row.
2. Bind off in pattern, meaning: If there are a mixture of knits and purls, knit the knits and purl the purls as you work the bind-off row.
3. Use the mattress stitch to sew the seam.
4. Carefully match column for column as you sew.
5. Use pins or locking stitch markers to "baste" the halves together to help keep the stitches and columns matched up.
6. Be sure to catch the legs of the very last stitch in each column, and alternate columns as shown in this tutorial.

Ultimately, however, every knitter sooner or later should become proficient at the Kitchener stitch. It seems to be some sort of scary monster that intimidates a lot of us; but really...it's just another knitting technique, just like entrelac or turning a heel or short rows. We're all knitters, and that means we're smart enough to Kitchener! I admit: I can graft when I need to, but I still have to look at the diagrams and in the process there's a lot of words coming out of my mouth that my momma wouldn't approve of. And so this summer, I'm making it one of my personal goals to conquer that silly grafting thing, once and for all. After all, who's the boss of my knitting? Me, that's who. So stay tuned! And don't forget to download the free Lovely Lace Shawl pattern.

-- Sandi

Sandi Wiseheart is the founding editor of Knitting Daily. She is now the author of the popular Knitting Daily blog: What's on Sandi's Needles.

Knitting Lace: Knitting Daily Presents 7 Free Knitted Lace Patterns

Are you addicted to lace knitting? Or maybe you've admired some of the gorgeous knitted lace patterns out there and want to give lace knitting a try? Here are seven of Interweave's top knitted lace patterns, gathered together in one FREE ebook for you.

Whether you are a first time lace knitter, or a seasoned expert, you'll enjoy the timeless beauty of knitting lace. Get these stunning projects that will continue to inspire, and be loved for generations to come. You'll want to make every one of these lace patterns, so download your free eBook now and get started (and don't forget to tell a friend so they can enjoy their own copy!)

Download Your Free Lace Patterns Today

Finishing Tip: For Those Who Hate the Kitchener Stitch

KD Sandi — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:43:00 GMT

I don't have any magic words to help you get all your holiday knitting done on time. (Sorry about that.) However, I do have a nifty little grafting tip for those of you who love knitting socks but, like me, utterly despise the Kitchener Stitch. I ran this tip last year at Christmas time to help everyone finish up your holiday sock knitting projects, and so many folks have written in asking about it that I decided it was time to run it again, in the spirit of saving our collective gift-knitting sanity. This tip has helped me continue to love to knit socks (and to actually FINISH the socks!), so maybe it will save a few lonely hand-knit socks from the unfinished objects pile this year...

Grafting On The Needles

1. Knit until the point in the sock pattern the instructions tell you to graft together the final stitches.
2. Divide the remaining stitches evenly between two double-pointed needles.
3. Hold both needles parallel in your left hand, so that the working yarn is on your right, and is coming off the rightmost stitch on the back needle.
4. Cut the working yarn to a reasonable length, say, 12".
5. Using a third dpn, PURL the first stitch on the FRONT needle.
6. DROP the stitch off the left front needle, and pull the yarn all the way through the dropped stitch so that there is no longer a stitch on the right (working) needle.
7. KNIT the next stitch on the FRONT needle, but this time LEAVE the stitch on the left front needle; pull the yarn all the way through as before.
8. KNIT the first stitch on the BACK needle.
9. DROP the stitch off the left back needle and pull the yarn all the way through.
10. PURL the next stitch on the BACK needle.
11. LEAVE that stitch on the left back needle and pull the yarn all the way through.

Repeat Steps 5 through 11 until you get to the last two stitches; work these two stitches together as established and drop both stitches off the needles. Pull the yarn all the way through. Thread yarn onto a tapestry needle, bring yarn to inside of sock, and weave in ends, tacking down the last "ear" loops as needed. (You can pull any excess loopage to the inside to make tacking it down a bit prettier.)

I made up a little shortcut chant for my sock-knitting husband Nicholas to help him remember what to do when:

PURL FRONT OFF — purl first st on front needle, drop st off
KNIT FRONT ON — knit next st on front needle, leave st on
KNIT BACK OFF — knit first st on back needle, drop st off
PURL BACK ON — purl next st on back needle, leave st on

Hopefully Helpful Hints:

1. Keep your tension a bit on the loose side when you are pulling the yarn through each stitch. Then, when you get to the end, before you weave in the end, use your tapestry needle to adjust the tension of the grafting stitches so that they match the rest of your work.

2. When you are working your knits and purls, pass the working yarn under and between the two left needles, not over them.

This method has been such a sanity saver for me. I know everyone has their little grafting tricks, so if you have another good tip to share, leave a comment! (The more sanity this time of year, the better, right?)

-- Sandi

New Free Sock Pattern eBook: Introducing Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

I know, I know, it really is not fair to tempt you with one more pretty knitted sock pattern--let alone FIVE more pretty patterns!--when it is eight days before the Big Jolly Dude comes down the chimney, but the free pattern elves just couldn't contain themselves. I chose five of our top sock knitting downloads and put them all together in one FREE ebook for you.

So what kind of sock patterns are in this eBook? Let's see. There's a knitted lace sock pattern, a cabled sock pattern, a colorwork sock pattern, a men's sock pattern, and an easy beginner sock pattern. Something for everyone!

Download Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily: 5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? I have 15 more rows before I start the border on my Leaf and Nupp Shawl from Knitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush. (I love this pattern. Have I mentioned that I LOVE this pattern?)

A Last-Minute Finishing Trick For You

KD Sandi — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Ann Budd's Broken Cable Rib Socks

I don't have any magic words to help you get all your holiday knitting done on time. (Sorry about that.) However, I do have a nifty little grafting tip for those of you, who like me, completely and utterly despise the Kitchener Stitch.

Up until a few years ago, I literally whimpered every time I had to face those cursed Kitcheners. Since grafting has been voted the most comfy sock seam by all ten of my sensitive little toes, poor Nicholas, when finishing the Broken Cable Rib Socks for me, gamely attempted the K-stitch several times, until finally I showed him a trick some kind knitter had once shown me: how to graft on the needles.

This holiday season, in the spirit of saving our collective gift-kintting sanity, I now pass on this wonderful tip to all of you.

Grafting On The Needles

Step 1: Knit your socks to the point where the instructions tell you to graft together the final stitches.
Step 2: Divide the remaining stitches evenly between two double-pointed needles.
Step 3: Hold both needles parallel in your left hand, so that the working yarn is on your right, and is coming off the rightmost stitch on the back needle.
Step 4: Cut the working yarn to a reasonable length, say, 12".
Step 5: Using a third dpn, PURL the first stitch on the FRONT needle.
Step 6: DROP the stitch off the left front needle, and pull the yarn all the way through the dropped stitch so that there is no longer a stitch on the right (working) needle.
Step 7: KNIT the next stitch on the FRONT needle, but this time LEAVE the stitch on the left front needle; pull the yarn all the way through as before.
Step 8: KNIT the first stitch on the BACK needle.
Step 9: DROP the stitch off the left back needle and pull the yarn all the way through.
Step 10: PURL the next stitch on the BACK needle.
Step 11: LEAVE that stitch on the left back needle and pull the yarn all the way through.

I made up a little shortcut chant for Nicholas to help him remember what to do when:

Hopefully Helpful Hints:
Keep your tension a bit on the loose side when you are pulling the yarn through each stitch. Then, when you get to the end, before you weave in the end, use your tapestry needle to adjust the tension of the grafting stitches so that they match the rest of your work. When you are working your knits and purls, pass the working yarn under and between the two left needles, not over them.

This method has been such a sanity saver for me. I know everyone has their little grafting tricks, so if you have another good tip to share, leave a comment! We could all use a little knitting sanity right about now...

New in the Store: Annetrelac Socks

New to the Store: Annetrelac Socks!

We're still pulling patterns out of the sold-out Holiday Knits 2007 issue to put into the KD Pattern Store, and today, in honor of the flood of requests for them, we have loaded up the Annetrelac Socks for you! I know, I know, it really is not fair to tempt you with one more pretty pair of socks when it is six days before the Big Jolly Dude comes down the chimney, but lots and lots of folks have been asking for this one. More to come as soon as the KD Store elves can convert the patterns and load 'em up!

Great Free Sock Pattern eBook:
Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily:
5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Need a new sock knitting pattern? Want a great free sock pattern? I've chosen five of our top sock knitting downloads and put them all together in one FREE ebook for you.

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? Ten (!) inches of the Gathered Pullover; a pair of socks on two circulars with partial heel flaps, and ten inches of the hood of my husband's cabled hoodie. Whoo! Progress!

Ann Budd's Special Brand of Sock Magic

KD Sandi — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 06:00:00 GMT

Ah, technology. As Mary Chapin Carpenter sang, "Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug." Our server-hosting company had some technical difficulties this week, which meant that we were unable to do our regular Monday post. Sorry about that. The technogeeks have been working very hard to resolve things, and so now: Weeeee're baaaaaack! Thanks for your patience and for all the nice emails you sent to check to make sure that we were OK!

But Sandi--WHAT DID WE MISS? Monday's post was going to be a mini-buffet of goodies for you. Don't worry, you won't miss out! I'm re-arranging things so that I can include at least one of Monday's goodies in each post over the week or two.

This Week: Socks And More Socks!

Socks. These humble articles of knitwear seem to inspire a full range of emotions in your comments, from fear ("I'm scared of all those needles and of that HEEL!"), to love ("I'm a sockaholic!") and for a select few, on into dislike ("Please NO MORE SOCK PATTERNS. Enough already! Some of us don't like knitting them, so please stop going on and on about them so much.").

For those of you in the Sock Dislike camp: No worries--we'll make sure there's something for everyone on Knitting Daily over time. As long as you're here, though: While we Sock Fans are chatting, maybe you could go have a look at the Browse By Topics section, find something you do like, and then leave a comment to tell me what it was so you can have your turn, too!

Blocking Socks

The subject of socks came up during our blocking tutorial, when dozens of you asked how to block your socks. I started typing out answers for you, and then realized that it would be much more fun to hear from Interweave's very own sock lover, and author of Getting Started Knitting Socks, Ann Budd.

Here's what Ann Budd has to say on blocking socks:

Sandi: Do you have to block socks?

Ann: Not unless you plan to give them as a gift or have them photographed for publication. Any misshapen stitches will even themselves out after you've worn the sock for about an hour. Besides, they're socks. They go on your feet. In your shoes. No one should be looking that closely at your feet.

Sandi: Do you have to re-block socks every time you wash them?

Ann: The act of washing them actually blocks them. Just squeeze out as much water as possible, then pat them flat on a clean towel to air-dry.

Sandi: Do you have to use sock blockers if you block socks--can you pat them flat, or pin them out, instead?

Ann: You don't have to use sock blockers, but if you've knitted a pair of heavily textured (i.e., cabled or lace) socks, blockers are a nice way to give them a uniform look. Like I said before, I usually just pat them flat. I wouldn't use pins because pins can leave tell-tail scallops that might show even when the sock is stretched on your leg or foot.

On Friday we'll have more "sock talk" from Ann!

Not Just For Beginners: Getting Started Knitting Socks

As you can tell from the above interview, Ann's "a trip," as my Southern mother-in-law Marilyn would say. She appears quiet and reserved, but she can have an entire conference room in giggles in a nanosecond. She's one of the world's truly delightful people.

Free Pattern: Ambrosia Socks

She's also a wicked talented sock knitter, and this fall, she's sharing her Sock Smarts with all of us in a new book, Getting Started Knitting Socks. Personally, I think this book needs a subtitle: "The Book For All Those Who Love Knitting Socks." It's got so much good stuff in it, that it would be a shame if folks thought it was just for beginners! In addition to the step-by-step instructions (with photos! pretty photos!), there are loads of useful charts, tips, and of course, patterns. There are basic sock "recipes" for the five most common gauges of yarn used. There are expanded recipes for adding texture, color, and lace to the basic recipes. And then there are tips on heels, toes, and everything in-between.

I'm buying a personal copy of this book, and I've been knitting socks for decades. But let's say that you're a sock-knitting newbie, and you're terrified of things like turning the heel and grafting. If that's you, then this book is like having Ann sitting next to you, patiently going over every question you could possibly come up with.

At this point, there are those amongst you who might be thinking, "Sure, Sandi. You're saying those nice things because you work for Interweave and they pay you to say that sort of thing."

I do work for Interweave. But the REASON I came to work for Interweave in the first place is that I was an Interweave customer for more than ten years, and a subscriber to four of their magazines long before I ever sent in my resume. I came here because I love what Interweave does, and I wanted to be part of it. However: I don't have to convince you. Thanks to the wonders of technology, we can give you a sneak peek inside Getting Started Knitting Socks so you can decide for yourself.

But: I bet you're going to LOVE it.

This Week's Featured Pattern: Ambrosia Socks

To give you a little taste of Ann's lovely sort of sock magic, our featured pattern this week is Ambrosia Socks. These were Ann's brainchild for the staff project for the almost-here (almost!!) Fall 2007 issue of Interweave Knits magazine. Cast on for these socks, and before you know it, Fall Knits will be here!

Great Free Sock Pattern eBook:
Knitting Socks with Knitting Daily:
5 Free Sock Knitting Patterns

Need a new sock knitting pattern? Want a great free sock pattern? I've chosen five of our top sock knitting downloads and put them all together in one FREE ebook for you.

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles today? The front of the Bonsai Tunic by Norah Gaughan. Yes. Still knitting this. It's been a busy week....!