Steeks, Here We Go

I’m a little shaky as I write this because I just did it. I have sleeve openings!!

Yahoo. My steek is cut. I’m so happy to be able to put this sweater on.

It looked like this before I started this morning.

Here are the 5 steek stitches for my sleeve opening. Now it’s time to open that steek.

I was going to machine stitch the steek before cutting but the thought of getting my machine out, finding a place to set it up and getting it ready was daunting. I decided to try the crochet method. There are lots of videos available.

I grabbed a small crochet hook and some lace weight yarn and got started. I worked a slip stitch through both legs of stitch #2 and stitch #4 of the 5 steek stitches.

I found that folding the fabric to make a ridge of stitches made it easier to crochet into.

There they are. Two rows of slip stitches with a nice clear path in the centre to cut.

A big breath in and snip.

Ta, da, a sleeve opening. Isn’t that amazing?

Both sides of the steek roll to the inside of the sweater. Steeks really are wonderful. I’m just going to sneak over and admire mine again.

Cheers, Deb

Any Gauge and Gauge-Free patterns by Deb

On instagram: Deb.Gemmell

Author: debgemmellmods

I'm a Knitter. The capital K means every day, everywhere. I'm co-owner of Cabin Fever with my sister Lyn. We have published over 100 patterns and 11 books. I'm also working on a new set of patterns for Any Gauge knitting. Dive into your stash and cast on for a Top Down sweater that fits, or an accessory to use up those odd balls of yarn.

13 thoughts on “Steeks, Here We Go”

  2. Hi Deb,

    I’ve never seen a steek on a one-color sweater, only on stranded ones. Is there some design feature you’re trying to incorporate?

    Karen

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. The first time you do a steek is terrifying but after that you know it works. I do a class where we knit a small project and cut it open. It’s awesome to watch students get that “wow” moment.

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  5. Wow, good for you, cutting steeks! : ) The first one is pretty darned scary, isn’t it? Then when it works, it’s almost like a miracle! My first, and so far only, one was done in a Lite Lopi cardigan, and because the yarn is “sticky”, I decided to try a running stitch (with a tapestry needle) on the sides of the steek to be cut. I was rather pleased with how it turned out. : )

    Best – Jeanne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It’s surprisingly easy but as Elizabeth Zimmermann says you might want to lie down in a dark room afterwards.

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