Advanced Beginner

Anna Maltz

Tips & Techniques

The knotted steek is an unusual approach to steeking that is ideal for maintaining the stretchiness of your knitted fabric in a way that many steeks do not (because they rely on the use of crochet, sewing, or ribbon to secure the stitches, all of which have much less stretch than most knitted fabric). Though it takes some time, the knotted steek results in a very smooth and not at all bulky finish that does not need to be used along the entire edge. This allows for greater flexibility and options in where you use a steek, which creates interesting design possibilities. It can also be used to build an attractive fringed edge to shawls and scarves knit in the round. It is the steek Anna uses in many of her patterns, including the Shantay Cardigan, Ess Shawl, and Ruperto Scarf from Marlisle: A New Direction in Knitting, as well as the Kermis Cardigan. Suitable for stranded colorwork knitters of all levels who wish to expand their knowledge of steeks or those who wish to try steeking for the first time. Skills covered: - understanding the function and application of steeks - casting on and off for a knotted steek - establishing a steek zone - using steek edge stitches - securing stitches for safety - cutting knits Technique requirements: Must have experience of colorwork and be confident knitting in the round. No prior steeking experience required.

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