Podcasting for Machine Knitters

The directions for the New Zealand sweater call for the shoulders to be grafted together in garter stitch.   Handily, Meg provided fairly clear instructions in the book.  But that still doesn’t mean that it can’t be screwed up.

The first thing you have to do is finish each side at opposite ends. Think of it this way.  Garter stitch is knit every row.  So both sides are virtually identical.  But the reality is that it is composed of alternating rows of the “v” of knit stitches and the interlocking “n” and “u” of purl bumps. You have to finish one piece with purl bumps facing you and the other with knit stitches.  And when you graft them together you are going to form both as you join them together.

Now if your usual exposure to grafting is closing the toes of socks, this is a bit different.  Sock grafting generally give you stockinette.    The instructions/illustration shows you to place the two pieces flat with the stitches across from each other.  The piece closest to you should have the purl bumps.  Graft the stitches on this needle just like normal.

Put the yarn needle through as if to purl, aka right to left.  On the back needle, put the needle through as if to purl. Go back to the front needle.  *Take the yarn needle from left to right as if to knit, then go to the second stitch and go through as if to purl.  Drop the first stitch off the needle.*  Go back to the back needle and repeat from* to * alternating between needles.  This creates knit stitches on the front needle and purl bumps on the back.  And when you’re done you shouldn’t be able to find the seam.   If you’re used to grafting stockinette you really have to concentrate to repeat the same motions on both needles, or you get to pick it all out to correct your mistakes.   And in dark red violet yarn, in the evening that’s so much fun.

And tip two, if the yarn is a bit kinked from being previously knit.  Pull it under a steaming iron, that takes the kinks right out.  Goal for the evening is to get the shoulders together.

How’s your fiber fun going?

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