(A few weeks ago, I was asked to host a post for the 30 Day Sweater folks. As I support people taking on crazy knitting challenges, I said "sure." What follows is a brief run-down of finishing techniques, written by them. Use as you see fit - but it's some pretty good advice.)
Knit Like a Pro: Finishing Touches
One of the most important things about making a great looking sweater is how you finish it! Take the time to learn how to finish your knits properly so you end up with professional looking knits that you’ll be proud to call your own. Here are a couple things to pay special attention as you’re finishing your next sweater. For this article I thought it was important to add videos for how to do each technique, so a special thanks goes out to New Stitch A Day for providing all of the videos.
1. Weaving in ends
Take care to weave in all of your ends so that they will stay put even when your sweater is stretched and worn. If you’re not sure how, check out this video. Even just taking this one step will improve the final look of your sweater drastically!
2. Seaming
Be sure that you’re using the proper seaming method for the type of seam you are sewing (there are different techniques based on what you’re trying to accomplish). Usually the pattern will specify which type of seam to use on your garment. Here are links to a few videos for different seams to use in different situations:
How to seam two bound off edges together
How to seam two vertical pieces of stockinette
How to seam two vertical pieces of garter stitch
There are many more seaming methods but these should get you started toward creating beautiful, professional looking seams!
3. Bind Off
A too tight or too loose bind off can throw off the look and fit of your entire sweater. Before you bind off take some time to find a bind off that will be suitable for your edge. If you are binding off ribbing in particular, make sure that your bind off is stretchy enough for your sweater to fit easily. Sometimes using a new bind off that is more suitable for your fabric will take a bit longer, but it’s totally worth it! Invest the time to get a great looking edge! Here are a couple of my favorite bind offs for sweaters;
The Tubular Bind Off
Bind Off In Pattern
The Eyelet I-Cord Bind Off
4. Blocking
The last thing that you should do for every sweater is to block it. Blocking is a way of evening out and setting the stitches for a nice smooth looking fabric. It is a very simple process but it will take some extra time for your sweater to dry. To wet block your sweater, fill your sink with water and about a teaspoon of rinseless wool wash, let your sweater soak in it for about 15 minutes. Drain your sink and press your sweater against the side to squeeze out any extra water, don’t wring out your sweater. Lay your sweater on a clean, dry towel. Roll it up burrito style and lay it on the ground. Stomp on the towel to get all the extra water out of the sweater. Unroll the towel and lay your sweater out on a flat surface. Use T-pins to pin your sweater to your desired dimensions then let dry completely.
So there you have it, four steps to finishing your knits like a pro!
If you’d like to learn more about preparing to knit a great, professional looking sweater, download our free Sweater Planning Guide. In this guide we talk about choosing a suitable yarn, how much yarn to buy and how to plan a sweater that you’ll love!
Click here to download
This guest post is a part of the 30 Day Sweater Challenge promo tour. Join us this month as we help 5,000 knitters around the world knit a sweater they’ll love, in 30 days. To sign up just visit 30daysweater.com/martini and download your free Sweater Planning Guide. It will help you get started on the right foot! See you in October!