Cut Your Knitting: Strand & Steek With Confidence

Class Preview

Knit beautiful stranded colorwork in the round and cut your steeks successfully! Learn how as you create two quick, fun projects.

Getting Started

Meet knitting expert Beth Whiteside and learn about the beauty of stranded knitting and the joy of steeking. Begin your stranding adventure by casting on with two colors and knitting herringbone braid that will form the opening of a cute tablet case.

Mechanics of Stranded Colorwork

Beth shares the skills you’ll need to to knit with two colors, keeping your yarns untangled, your stitches even and the floats on the back of your work tidy. You’ll even learn how to weave in ends as you knit, a real timesaver when you’re finishing your project!

Options for Holding Yarn

When knitting with two colors, you can hold one color in each hand or both colors in your left or right hand. Whichever way is most comfortable for you! Beth encourages you to experiment with different methods or try a knitting thimble to keep your strands in order and your tension consistent.

Knitting With Colorwork Charts

Your patterns include written instructions, but colorwork charts are easier to follow. Beth explains charts for working flat and in the round, then demonstrates the three-needle bind-off for closing the bottom of the tablet case. You’ll also see how to pick up stitches for the case flap and crochet a strap to close it.

Colorwork Variations

Expand your understanding of colorwork as Beth explains different chart types, their pros and cons, and the characteristics of Fair Isle versus other kinds of stranded knitting. Explore a variety of color patterns and play with color choices, then dive into steek stitches and corrugated ribbing for the next project.

Securing Steek Stitches

A charming cozy can keep a coffee press-pot or thermos warm, or secure a yoga mat. It’s a perfect Fair Isle project without the commitment a sweater entails. Beth shows how to change colors and secure long floats, then shares three ways to secure your steek stitches for confident cutting.

Cutting Steeks & Finishing Options

It’s the moment you’ve been working toward: steek-cutting time! See how to snip the stitches safely, then pick up stitches along the edges for button bands. Finally, Beth shows you how to tack down and secure those cut edges for a polished look and a fun accessory to show off!