Mastering the Art of Steeking: A Guide to Perfect Knitting Techniques

Knitting is a timeless craft that has been passed down through generations. From cozy sweaters to intricate scarves, knitting allows for endless possibilities and creative expression. However, have you ever heard of “steeking” in knitting? This technique is not as widely known as other knitting methods, but it can open up a whole new world of possibilities in your projects. In this article, we will dive into the art of steeking and discover how it can elevate your knitting game. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter looking to expand your skills, this guide on “how to steek knitting” will provide you with all the information you need to get started. So let’s unravel the mystery of steeking and see how it can take your knitting projects to the next level!

Understanding the Concept of Steeking in Knitting

Knitting is a popular craft that involves creating fabrics by interlocking loops of yarn using two or more needles. While many knitters are familiar with techniques such as knitting, purling, and casting on, there is another technique that is often less talked about but equally important – steeking.

Steeking is a method used to add openings or cut garments in knitting, typically for creating a garment with a circular shape. This technique may sound intimidating at first, but once you understand the concept and practice it a few times, you’ll find that it’s not as complicated as it seems.

The History of Steeking

The practice of steeking dates back to Shetland Island in the 19th century when Fair Isle knitters were looking for ways to create jumpers without having to purl. They created garments with circular shapes and then cut openings for armholes and necks using steeking.

This method became increasingly popular over time, especially when working with colorwork designs where cutting open the fabric can save time from having to constantly switch between colors while working in the round.

Today, steeking has become an essential technique for many knitters and is commonly used in traditional Scandinavian knitting styles such as Norwegian and Icelandic sweaters.

When Should You Consider Steeking?

Steeking can be used in various knitting projects, but it’s most commonly seen in garments such as cardigans, pullovers, vests, or even shawls. If you’re working on a pattern that requires circular knitting or colorwork designs with multiple colors in one row, then you should consider using steeking.

Using steeks allows for easier knitting and cleaner finishes compared to trying to knit back and forth or weaving in ends when working with multiple colors. It also provides more opportunities to customize your design by adding openings where you want them.

Materials Needed for Steeking

Before you start steeking, it’s important to have the right materials on hand. You will need a sharp pair of scissors, such as embroidery scissors or sewing shears, that can cut through your knitting without snagging. Make sure to use new scissors as dull blades can cause your yarn to fray or break.

Apart from scissors, you will also need some strong thread, preferably a contrasting color to your yarn so that it’s easier to see when cutting. This thread will be used to reinforce the edges of your steek before cutting and keep it from unraveling.

How to Prepare for Steeking

Once you have all the necessary materials, it’s important to prepare your knitting for steeking. Before starting your project, make sure to knit an extra stitch on each side of the designated steek area. These stitches will act as selvage stitches and help secure the edges of your steek.

Next, work a few rows with a contrast or scrap yarn in between the selvage stitches. This helps mark the exact location of where you will be cutting and makes it easier to identify which row is the correct one when working with multiple colors.

Lastly, once you have completed all required rows for the steek section, secure both ends by weaving in the tails and tying them together. This reinforces the edge of your knitting and prevents any accidental unraveling while handling your piece during cutting.

Steeking Techniques

There are three common methods used for steeking – crochet reinforcement, sewing reinforcement, and no reinforcement.

The crochet reinforcement method involves using a crochet hook to pick up stitches along the edges of your designated steek area and creating a chain stitch over these picked up stitches. This creates a sturdy edge that can easily be cut open without any chance of unraveling.

The sewing reinforcement method requires the use of a sewing machine or hand-sewing to reinforce the edges of your steek by stitching close to the edge in a straight line. This method is commonly used for larger steeks that require more reinforcement.

Finally, for those who prefer a simpler approach, steeking without any reinforcement is also an option. However, this method poses a higher risk of unraveling and may not be suitable for more delicate yarns or complicated patterns.

The Cutting Process

Once you have completed the steps above and are ready to cut your knitting, take a deep breath and make sure you’re using sharp scissors. It’s also helpful to have someone else hold your project while you cut if possible.

Starting at one end, carefully cut through all layers of your knitting, making sure not to snip any stitches in the process. Repeat on the other side until you have completely opened up your steek.

After cutting, carefully remove any scraps or excess yarn, and gently tug on your piece to check that it holds together properly. If needed, reinforce any loose stitches with a crochet hook or needle and thread.

Finishing Touches

Once your steek has been successfully cut and reinforced if needed, it’s time

What is Steeking in Knitting?

Steeking in knitting is a technique used to create openings or openings in a knitted garment. It involves cutting the knitted fabric and securing the cut edges to prevent unraveling. This technique is often used for creating sleeves, armholes, and neck openings in sweaters, cardigans, and other garments. Steeking allows for more flexibility and ease of knitting for complicated designs that would be difficult to knit-in-the-round continuously. It also creates a clean and seamless finish without any visible seams.

Why Use Steeking?

Steeking offers many benefits for knitters of all levels. It allows for more freedom in designing complex garments with multiple colors or patterns. Steeking also avoids the need for purling, making it easier to knit with multiple colors at once. The finishing result is also tidier and more professional-looking than if seaming were used instead.

How To Prepare for Steeking?

Before embarking on steeking, it is crucial to ensure that your knitted fabric has enough thickness to be cut without creating holes or unraveling further than you intend. A minimum of four rows of extra-stitch alternating colors added into the pattern before the intended cut point should provide ample thickness for easy cutting. These extra stitches are also known as “steek stitches” or “bridge stitches.”

Tools Needed for Steeking

To execute steeking successfully, specialized tools are required:

1) Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter: It’s important to use sharp scissors specifically meant for cutting fabric rather than paper scissors as they may not give clean cuts.
2) Reinforcement thread: This thread will be used to secure the edges of the cut.
3) Tapestry needle: Used to weave in ends.
4) Stitch markers: Used to mark the exact point where the steek will be cut.
5) A sturdy surface: A cutting mat or a flat wooden board works best.

Step-by-Step Guide for Steeking

Step 1: Mark the Steek Point

Use stitch markers to indicate where you would like to cut. These markers should be centered in the middle of the steek stitches. Use a different color for your steek stitches if it helps you visualize better.

Step 2: Secure the Steek Stitches

Next, on either side of your marked steek, use a reinforcement thread to secure the outermost stitches, perpendicular to the knitting. This reinforcement line should be on either side of the center stitch marker.

Step 3: Cut Your Steek

Once you have secured your outermost stitches, carefully cut through both layers of your fabric between these securing threads with your sharp scissors.

Step 4: Secure the Cut Edges

To avoid any unraveling, use a tapestry needle and weave in the ends of your reinforcing thread through the knitted stitches on either side of the cut edges. This will secure them in place.

Fear Not!

Steeking can seem daunting at first, but with proper preparation and tools, it is a straightforward process that can open up new possibilities for complex knitting designs. Remember to reinforce your edges well and take caution when cutting through your fabric for beautiful and clean results.

Cleaning Up After Steeking

To create a more polished look after steeking, consider adding crochet reinforcement around where you have cut. This adds an extra layer of protection against unraveling and gives a more finished appearance. If necessary, block your garment to help it settle after cutting and reinforce any crocheted areas. Finally, weave in any leftover ends to complete your steeked piece.

Steeking is an essential technique to have in your knitting arsenal, allowing for more diverse and complex designs. With the right preparation, tools, and careful execution, you can achieve clean and seamless results. Experiment with this technique and elevate your knitting projects to the next level. Happy steeking!

1. What is steeking in knitting?
Steeking is a technique used in knitting to create openings or openings in the fabric by cutting through the knitted fabric.

2. How do I know if my project requires steeking?
If your knitting project has pattern elements that would be difficult to create using stranded colorwork, such as intricate designs or horizontal stripes, it may require steeking.

3. Can I use this technique for any type of yarn?
Steeking can be used for most types of yarn, but it is not recommended for very lightweight or delicate yarns as they may not hold up well to the cutting process.

4. What tools do I need to steek my knitting?
To successfully steek your knitting, you will need sharp scissors, a sewing machine (or needle and thread), and optionally reinforcement for the cut edges such as ribbon or crochet stitches.

5. How do I avoid unraveling when cutting my knitted fabric?
To prevent unraveling, make sure your stitches are secure by using a sewing machine or hand-sewing around the edge of the cut before unraveling. You can also reinforce the edges with a crochet stitch or insert a ribbon along the cut edge.

6. Is there any specific technique for reinforcing knitted fabric before cutting it?
One popular method is to use a slip stitch with sewing thread around the edge before cutting. Another way is to insert a crocheted chain along the edge of each side of your project using fingering weight yarn for lighter projects and worsted weight yarn for thicker ones.

In conclusion, steeking is a technique used in knitting to create openings in previously closed pieces of fabric. It is a valuable skill to have as it opens up various possibilities for projects and designs. To safely and successfully steek knitting, one must carefully plan the project, choose the right type of yarn, secure the stitches before cutting, and finish the edges. Through practice and careful attention to detail, anyone can master the art of steeking and bring new life to their knitting projects.

We have discussed the history of steeking and how it has evolved over time, along with its advantages and disadvantages. We have also seen that while traditionally done for practical reasons, steeking now serves as an artistic element in modern knitting. It allows for intricate colorwork designs and eliminates the need for seaming pieces together.

Moreover, we have explored different methods for securing stitches before cutting such as crocheting or using sewing machines. These options provide added stability to the fabric when cutting through it. We have also highlighted the importance of choosing the appropriate type of yarn for steeking, depending on its fiber content and construction.

Furthermore, we have learned about various techniques used to finish steeked edges such as slip stitching or binding off with a contrasting yarn. These techniques not only provide a clean