Podcast Episode 314: Finishing Touches

In the spirit of a new year full of crafting goals and bursting project queues, we’re taking a moment to think about the act of FINISHING knits. More than just weaving in ends, using the right finishing techniques for each project means you’ll have garments and accessories that will be treasured and look good for years to come.

First up, Erica and Hannah talk about the importance of taking your time. Each finishing step, from picking the perfect buttons to using the right techniques along the way, add up to a subtle but important difference in the finished project.

Next, Lee and Stacey cover the mysteries and intricacies of blocking. Truly one the last steps in the process, blocking can be much more than a simple wash and dry. It’s also one of the steps patterns usually tell us the least about.

Lastly, as you listen to this week’s episode, you might hear some background noise! Our offices are getting a top to bottom renovation and, while we’re all thrilled that we’ll be moving into bright shiny new spaces, these changes mean that we’re all serenaded the soft sound of construction, including during this episode. 

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts

Mentioned in episode:

Simple Silhouette example Cassidy
Knit Picks Buttons
Josephine’s Dry Goods
Dottie Angel
Cast On, Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods
by Leslie Ann Bestor

Finishing School: A Master Class for Knitters by Deborah Newton
Pom Pom Maker
Tassel Maker
Blocking Mats
Blocking Mat Starter Kit
Soak
Eucalan Woolwash
Soak Flatter
T Pins
Lace Blocking Wires
Sock Blocker
Garment labels

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction with Hannah
1:13 – Hannah and Erica talk about finishing projects
7:13 – Hannah and Erica talk about buttons
22:33 – Stacy and Lee talk about blocking
43:33 – Credits

Favorite Episode quotes:
I think it’s important to think about finishing right from the start [of a project]” – Erica


“Finishing touches is also things that you don’t see that happen midway through a garment or even the beginning but give it a polished look.” – Hannah


4 comments

  1. Autumn / February 6, 2020

    I believe the picture is of the Brigid Cardigan from the Woodsmoke Collection on knitpicks if anyone is still looking!

  2. Suzanne Filbey / February 4, 2020

    I,also, am intrigued by the beautiful sweater pictured.

  3. Meredith MC / January 12, 2020

    What is the name of the pictured cardigan? Its sinuous cable have me enchanted.

  4. Jessica / January 11, 2020

    I can’t remember where I came across this, on a Ravelry project page or a pattern or what, but an excellent tip for a cardigan with a built-in button band (not one you knit separately and sew on, or pick up and knit afterwards) is to make buttonholes on both sides of the cardigan. So if the pattern states to make a buttonhole at the beginning of the row, go ahead and make a buttonhole at the end of the same row as well. Then when you sew on the buttons, you already know exactly where to place them and you can sew up the extra holes at the same time as you sew on the buttons themselves.