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by Jenny K on May 14, 2013
A hemmed edge is one of the more subtle finishing details that can really add a polished look to your sweater or cardigan. Whether you add a hemmed edge to your cuffs, collar, or along the lower edges of your pullover – there are several advantages to using this simple, yet effective technique that leaves a very neat and clean edge. If you don’t want your fabric to pull in as a ribbed hem would and you want to avoid the bulk of a rolled edge – a hemmed edge just might be the perfect solution! Not only does a hem prevent your edges from curling, it also adds stability and keeps edges like cuffs and colors from stretching out over time. It is also a simple and classic design detail that won’t distract or compete with any other patterning that you might have worked into your pullover, making this a versatile skill to have in your mental library of knitting techniques. |
Category Archives: Technique of the Week
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by Jenny K on April 12, 2013
Last week was the start of our sweater finishing video series where Kerin showed you how to set in the sleeves of a sweater. This week's segment entails a comprehensive look into the elusive collar! The first step to the collar will usually be picking up your stitches, which can be a bit tricky since you'll be working along straight and curved edges of the collar. Unsure of how to work a hemmed collar? Kerin covers that too! Check out Part 2 of our sweater finishing tutorial to learn how to pick up and knit a collar as well as how to sew down a hemmed collar. |
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by Jenny K on January 22, 2013
It doesn't matter if you've completed over 200 pairs of socks (like the inspiring Frances Fisher, from last week's podcast) or if you have just finished your first pair - every knitter knows the magic that lies within a pair of handknit socks. These special handknits stand up to a lot of wear and tear, which means that more than likely you will eventually see some thin spots showing up and maybe even a few holes here and there. But just because one or two of your toes have started poking through small holes, that doesn't mean it's time to say "goodbye" to your favorite pair of socks - it just means it's time for a wee bit of darning! And to help you whip your next pair of socks back into working order, we have a handy video tutorial where Kerin shows you how to repair holes at the toe. |
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by Jenny K on January 15, 2013
Moving from a drop spindle to a spinning wheel can be a fun and exciting change - but if you are completely new to spinning wheels, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Not only are you changing from a small, portable tool to one that is larger and more stationary - but there is also a whole new world of terminology to learn. Although there are different styles and variations, the main parts and mechanics of a spinning wheel remain fairly consistent. So if you're new to scotch tension, break bands, and mother-of-alls; we've made a video tutorial that shows just how easy it is to assemble the Kromski Sonata spinning wheel. |
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by Jenny K on January 8, 2013
It was just about this time last year when I created a little list of crafting resolutions for myself. Looking back over my list just a year later, I have to admit that it felt pretty good to see my goals in relation to all of the things that I've been able to try over the past year. I've explored the world of crochet more and have a few projects under my belt (including an in-progress blanket!), I learned a lot about fiber and silk hankies, but my number one goal was to move from a drop spindle to a spinning wheel. And I'm pleased to report that I've utterly and completely gone head over heels for spinning! I'm collecting fiber just as fast as yarn, and having so much fun pairing my handspun yarns for special projects and gifts. If you're like me and are ready to (or have just made) the transition from spindle to wheel, but need a bit of extra guidance - be sure to check out Kelley's Wheel Spinning class! This 6-part video class covers everything from the basics to fiber choices and the mechanics of your wheel to spinning and plying. |
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by Jenny K on December 11, 2012
To say that this week's technique of the week was a treat to work on is an understatement - I am just pleased as punch at how this turned out! All of us loved the satchels that Pendleton designed for Knit Picks, so it was only natural that we adorned these chic bags with a wee bit of fiber love! Not only was this a super fun project, but it's also a speedy (and easy!) way to add a personalized touch to your Pendleton bag - especially if the bag is a gift for a friend or family member. In honor of our rather wet winters here in the Pacific Northwest, I needle felted a lil' cloud with multi-color raindrops onto the grey Pendleton satchel. And if the bag is a gift, I can totally see monogramming or spelling out the recipient's name onto the bag as a cute personalized touch. We even have a video tutorial that shows you just how easy it is to personalize your Pendleton! |
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by Jenny K on October 25, 2012
To round out our embroidery tutorial series, this week's technique is all about duplicate stitch! This particular stitch lets you embroider on top of your existing stitches of stockinette fabric in a contrasting color. It also mimics the structure of your stitches, making it a fairly seamless way to add colorful motifs or other designs onto your knitting. And I must say - this is the perfect technique for smaller projects when I don't feel up to using stranded knitting or intarsia to create the motif or pattern. So to help you get started with the duplicate stitch, check out Kerin's video tutorial on this technique. |
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by Jenny K on October 17, 2012
Keeping in the theme of embroidery, this week's technique highlights the crochet chain stitch! This embroidery technique allows you to easily create outlines for shapes and motifs with a stitch that actually resembles the shape of a knit stitch. Whether you outline an intarsia pattern or you create freeform shapes across a pillow or blanket, the possibility for using this stitch to introduce fun pops of color into your next project are endless. The beauty of this particular stitch is that you can really create curves and shapes, making it up as you go right on top of the surface of your knitted fabric. And to help you embellish your knits, watch Kerin's video tutorial on the crochet chain to get started! |
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by Jenny K on September 25, 2012
For last week's technique of the week, we started our embroidery series with an introduction to the back stitch. This week, we are going to keep with our embroidery obsession and show off the satin stitch! This embroidery technique uses a series of flat stitches (short or long depending on your motif) to completely cover a section of your fabric or knitting. This makes the satin stitch a great technique for when you need to fill in an area of a motif that is already outlined with the back stitch or crochet chain stitch. Here is Kerin's finished motif that shows off the satin stitch to fill in the petals. To help you get started, check out our new video tutorial that shows you how to do the satin stitch! |
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by Jenny K on September 19, 2012
Every couple of months, I get the urge to break out of my little knitting bubble to try my hand at some other crafty craft. My latest adventure has been with crochet. I've dabbled in crochet here and there but I've never undertaken more than a small toy (yet at the moment, I am completely obsessed with working on my first-ever crochet blanket!). However, a few months back when I got the itch to try something new with my yarn collection - I fell in love with the world of embroidery! This was a whole new way to explore color and texture, it was almost like drawing (slowly) with yarn. I even bought a shadow box to frame my little embroidery sampler that I was working on as a fun way of meshing my crafty explorations with pretty home decor. So it was no surprise that my interest in embroidery was revived when I saw Kerin's latest design - the Suzani Jacket! This pattern incorporates four different types of embroidery to embelish and beautify this colorful cardigan. If you've had your eye on this pattern but haven't had much experience with these techniques (or maybe you just want more fun and unique ways to use up those odds and ends!), we've created a series of video tutorials that focus on different embroidery techniques. For this week's technique of the week, we're highlighting the versatile back stitch! |
