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- Steeks, or How to Cut Your Knitting - A Virtual Workshop
Steeks, or How to Cut Your Knitting - A Virtual Workshop
2-hour virtual workshop with Christina Mursa, KnitChats Coach
*Supporting video tutorials are included with the purchase of this class.
Eek! Conquer your fear of steeks! The verb “steek” means to “shut, close, fasten or lock.” Steeking is perfect for stranded colorwork cardigans. Rather than knitting a cardigan back and forth, it can be knitted in the round and then transformed with a few scissor snips. We’ll start small, working on a cup cozy that is knit in the round and prepared before the class. I’ll show you how to secure your knitting with a basic crochet stitch, then cut through your knitting. We will finish the steeks, pick up and knit stitches for button bands and sew on buttons. After this class, you’ll have the confidence to start that Fair Isle or Lopi sweater that’s caught your eye.
Yarn suggestions: Steeking works best with “sticky” fibers, such as 100% non-superwash wool. Yarns used in the photo sample for Steek this Coffee Cozy are Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, but any similar yarn will work. You’ll need 5 colors in mostly remnant quantities of worsted weight. Please refer to the pattern for specifics.
Skills required: Knowledge of knit and purl stitch, knitting in the round.
Skills recommended: Experience with stranded colorwork
Skills you’ll learn:
Creating a crochet steek to secure stitches before cutting
Cutting the steek
Picking up stitches for button bands
Creating a buttonhole band
Hand sewing a facing to hide the loose ends from the steek
Sewing on a shanked button
Supplies:
Steek this Coffee Cozy pattern by Rachel Henry of Remily Knits (Free on Ravelry. If you are unable to use the Ravelry website, we can provide you with the pattern)
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/steek-this-coffee-cozy
Contrasting color yarn for the steek, to make it easy to see
Size F crochet hook, (E will work too) for creating a chain stitch for the steek
Sharp scissors for cutting the steek
Piece of cardboard, think paper, or notecard 2 ½ to 3 inches wide to put inside the cozy when cutting
Cellophane or masking tape
Yarn Color A (or any color you wish) for picking up the button bands
Knitting needles two sizes smaller than those used to knit the cozy ( these are for picking up button bands)
Three buttons, ½ inch (make sure a needle can fit through the holes)
Fine tapestry needle or embroidery needle (one with a large eye) for sewing on buttons
Sewing thread/craft thread for finishing steeks inside the cozy, and sewing on buttons.
A small amount of plied yarn to pair with the thread for sewing on buttons (optional)
Toothpick, tapestry needle, small knitting needle (size 0 or smaller) for creating a shank when sewing on buttons
Thicker Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Pre-work:
Knit the cup cozy using the “Steek This Coffee Cozy” pattern, and end with “Top Ribbing”. Stop at the instructions that say “Steek” Block as desired.