Instead of seaming, try join-as-you-go. Not only is there no sewing, this method gives you a mock cable effect! When working garment pieces, add this easy, decorative bit and infuse some glorious color. This is one of those “why didn’t I think of this” type of techniques. It looks way more complicated than it really is. Bang for your buck is when something looks complex but is simple to do. Join a new piece to the left of an existing piece and to the right of an existing piece. Join shaped pieces and see how easy shaping can be incorporated in the cabled join.

Technique Requirements: be able to work simple eyelet (yo, k2tog), work increases and decreases with ease

With worsted- or chunky-weight yarn and appropriate needles, cast on 11 sts.
Row 1 and all ODD numbered or WS rows: p across.
Row 2: k2, yo, k2tog, k4, yo, k2tog, k1.
Row 4: k across.
Rep rows 1–4 until there are 19 rows total and there are 5 pairs of eyelets upwards.
Bind off next RS row in k.

With worsted or chunky wt yarn and appropriate needles, cast on 7 sts.
Row 1 and all ODD numbered or WS rows- p across.
Row 2: k2, yo, k3, yo, k2—9 sts.
Row 4: k across. Row 6: k2, yo, k5, yo, k2—11 sts.
Rows 7–9: rep row 1, 4 & 1.
Row 10: k2, yo, k7, yo, k2—13 sts.
Rows 11–13: rep row 1, 4 & 1.
Row 14: k2, yo, k9, yo, k2—15 sts.
Rows 15–17: rep row 1, 4 & 1.
Row 18: k2, yo, k11, yo, k2—17 sts.
Row 19: rep row 1.
There are 5 pairs of eyelets upwards. Bind off next RS row in k.

Bring yarns used in homework as well as yarns of 2 different colors of same weight, appropriate needles. Must get hook/needle beforehand: Susan Bates/Silvalume handy tool, item # 14128, $1.60 (comes in size 3) & available at Michael’s or Joann’s or online here OR Clover Bamboo Knitting Repair Hooks, item # 3009, $8.50 (comes in pair of sizes or set of 2) & available at yarn shops or online here.