Steeks are extra stitches that you knit in a circular garment so that you have a place to cut your circular knitting open! Doesn’t that sound scary (spoiler alert - it’s not). We do this for cardigans, but also for armholes and neck openings. It allows you to keep knitting in the round when you are knitting a piece that you want to be a different shape later. There are several methods available to secure your steek before you cut, and we’ll compare and contrast them all, and even try one or two. With just a few tricks and a wee bit of practice, you can be knitting, securing, and cutting steeks with confidence. We’ll knit a useless swatch and then cut it apart; you’ll never be afraid of cutting again!

Technique Requirements: Must know the basics of stranded (Fair Isle) knitting

Using either color, cast on 120 sts. Work ribbing back and forth (either 1x1 or 2x2) for an inch or so. At the end of the last row, cast on 9 stitches; join for circular knitting. Those 9 stitches will become your steek. Knit 2 or 3 rows in Stockinette stitch (all knit). Bring this to class.

Two balls of fingering or sport yarn (one light and one dark with noticeable contrast) and circular needles (1-16 inch or 2-24 inch) in size appropriate for your yarn, 1 stitch marker, crochet hook in size similar to your needles, sharp scissors.