I love to use seed stitch to frame all sorts of knitting stitches. Seed stitch lies flat and makes for easy seaming which is why I chose it to border my Building Blocks squares. Simply work your way up a side seam by picking up the bumps going from side to side and your seam will be nearly invisible.
Who said finishing had to be difficult? Watch the vertical seam video and see if you agree!
Blocking is the process of using steam or water on a knitted fabric and then pinning into shape. It gives knitting a smooth, professional finish. Blocking also presents the opportunity to adjust the fabric to the desired dimensions.
I like to think of blocking in these terms: Would you want to wear a carefully pressed shirt or one that was rumpled in the dryer? Answer: There is nothing wrong with an unpressed shirt or unblocked knitted garment. However, an ironed shirt and a blocked knitted garment are infinitely more impressive. You spent countless hours knitting your work of art so take the extra time to give it the professional finish it deserves! As a bonus, blocking can smooth seams, adjust the size and erase irregularities.
Like mom always said, “A job worth doing is worth doing well.”
Watch this blocking demonstration and take your knitting to the next level.
The kitchener stitch is really a bit of knitting magic. Using a tapestry needle, the tail is woven through live stitches to join them in an action that duplicates the knit or purl stitch. The result is a smooth and seamless join. The kitchener stitch may also be used for repairs or alterations in garments. I believe that the kitchener stitch is an essential skill for every knitter. Apart from its usefulness, it also provides an opportunity to understand stitch construction.
