Image via WikipediaLast evening was the twitter #knitchat, and the topic was regarding Finishing - (You can see the topic questions here) Soon the list of tips will be posted by @cloudynatknits so watch for them :)Being a 140 character chat in only one hour with a dozen or so knitters - we could venture off into any number of side topics, following thorugh on all the issues like weaving in ends, button holes, blocking, sewing, etc...but we did do a fair job of sharing tips with one another.
So to that end, I give you a couple of selected tips I've learned over the years that I teach in my beginners classes
1) Seams
There are various techniques for seaming, depending upon the location of the seam – invisible seams are best for hats. Shoulder seams need more ‘stability’ so are seamed differently (if not done as a three-needle bind-off – something for a different class!) The most recommended option I hear is Mattress Stitch, however, I do like the Bickford Seam if you want a less bulky seam.
2) Weaving in Ends
Weaving – on the wrong side of the item, put the thread through the backs of stitches – (generally purl bumps), you can go diagonally up and back or across a row
Duplicate stitch method - (my personal favourite) basically follow the path of the yarn with the needle so it’s almost ‘knitted’ into the item.
Knitting in – some people will knit the loose piece(s) when they are knitting through the back of the stitches to avoid weaving later – this sometimes shows ‘through’ the knitting but does save time later.
3) Joins
To avoid having to weave ends in later each time you add a ball of yarn, try an invisible join - my personal favourites are Spit Splicing (if using feltable wool), or the Russian Join.
4) Blocking
For Hats - use a dinner plate for berets; balloon or upside down planter (of correct size) for touques.
For larger items - I use my bed :) BUT, I find the children's foam floor puzzles are great for blocking boards, plus being puzzle pieces - you can create any size board you want without taking up valuable storage space.
Lots more tips to come in future - but these were the 'starter tips' I gave my budding new knitters :)
If you're on twitter - join us on Thursdays for #knitchat!
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