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Sticking Your Steeks: How To Cut Your Knitting Without Fear

Steeking is a technique used primarily in colorwork knitting where you knit in the round, adding extra columns of stitches that you can later reinforce and cut open. "Steek" is a Scottish word that is used for the columns of stitches that will later be cut. This technique enables you to knit colorwork patterns in the round without interruption, rather than having to work back and forth on sections to accommodate armholes, necklines and openings for cardigans. 
For instance, if you are interested in knitting a colorwork cardigan, you may choose to knit the garment as a pullover seamlessly in the round, adding a small panel of extra stitches at the front that you will later cut open to create your cardigan fronts.  
Steeking is best accomplished using non-superwash animal fibers that are slightly sticky or fuzzy because they tend to hold together better when you cut them open. While you can steek with superwash yarns, we recommend using something a bit stickier for your first attempt, as superwash yarns are normally fairly smooth. Traditionally, steeked sweaters are knit with Shetland wool (as in Fair Isle sweaters) or in Icelandic wools (as in Nordic sweaters).
If you are contemplating steeking a colorwork project, the best thing you can do to prepare is to create a swatch. Let’s try it!
Supplies:
  • A pattern, specifically a colorwork chart.
  • Appropriate yarn and needles as your pattern requires.
  • A crochet hook that is approximately the same size as your knitting needles.
  • 5-10 yards of sturdy waste yarn.
  • Stitch Markers.
  • A pair of sharp scissors.
Optional:
  • Sewing machine, threaded and ready to go.

Start with creating a swatch of your colorwork design in the round, adding a short vertical panel of 5 stitches where you will be making the cut to your knitting later on. For this swatch to be useful both in terms of testing your gauge and as a steeked swatch (it's always good to make your swatches do double duty!), be sure that you knit a sufficiently-sized swatch to check gauge (click here to read our previous blog post about swatching). For whatever gauge you knit at, we recommend knitting your swatch as a 5” or 6” square. Additionally, a design which has frequent color changes is ideal for your first steek, as denser colorwork holds together the best when cut.   
Step 1: Cast on your chosen number of stitches for your swatch (remember to add 5 extra stitches for your steek panel!). Knit the first row of your swatch in your main color. At the end of Row 1, join your work, being careful not to twist it, and place a stitch marker to mark your beginning of round. When you knit Round 2, place a second stitch marker 5 stitches from the end of your round. Now knit 2-3 more rounds in your main color.
Step 2: Begin knitting from your colorwork chart. You will be working Row 1 of the chart over all of the stitches of your swatch, except for the last 5 stitches of the round (which is now located between your stitch markers). Most often, patterns will have you work 2 colors per row; you should alternate these colors in 1x1 colorwork when you reach the final 5 stitches of the round (which we'll refer to as the steek panel). 
For instance, if you are working with colors A and B, you can knit the 5-stitch panel in A-B-A-B-A. On the next round, if you are using the same colors, you should reverse the colors, so you knit B-A-B-A-B.  If you are using different colors in the next round, just alternate those colors in the 5-stitch panel. When you finish using any color, you can cut that color, leaving a 5-6” tail.  
At the end of your swatch, knit 2-4 rounds in your main color and then bind off loosely.
Step 3: Once you have created your swatch, the next step in steeking is to reinforce the edges where you wish to cut. There are two primary methods you can use for this: sewn reinforcement and crochet reinforcement. If you are comfortable machine sewing your knitting, run a single or double line of stitching vertically along the outer edges of where you will be cutting. We recommend running these lines through the 2nd and 4th column of stitches of your 5-stitch steek.  
If you are not comfortable with the sewing machine method, you can use a crochet hook and crochet around the 2nd and 4th column of stitches holding your knit stitches into place, as shown below. For additional photos and a tutorial on how to do a crochet reinforcement, you may wish to consult Kate Davies’ excellent tutorial on her website, Reinforcing and Cutting.
Step 4: Once you have reinforced the edges, it is time to cut your knitting!  For this you will want to use a pair of sharp scissors. You will also want to pick a vertical line in the center of your steeking panel, the 3rd stitch, and cut through your knitting at the same point in each row.
At this point you made your first steek! What follows are additional suggestions for finishing a steeked edge garments or other finished knits.  You may wish to practice these techniques on your swatch, but if not, you can now wash and block your swatch to check for gauge and get ready to start your project.
Additional Steps: After you have cut open your knitting, you will need to begin your finishing work.  From the outer edges of your reinforcement line, pick up for your button bands and knit them as written in the pattern. Or, in the case of sleeves, you may pick up the stitches and knit your sleeve down to the cuff; alternatively, you could knit the sleeves separately and sew them in.  
There are many methods for finishing the inside of your garment where the steeked edges are. You may wish to knit a folded button band. If you do this you can tack down the inside portion of the folded button band over the steeked edge, trapping it inside the buttonband, out of sight. 
If your button band is not folded, you may wish to purchase some ribbon to line the inside of your button bands. This will both stabilize your button bands, as well as cover the steeked edge. Again, if you are comfortable using a sewing machine on your knits, you can attach the ribbon to the button band using your machine. If you are not, you can tack the ribbon down and hand sew the edges to the button band, covering up the steeked edge. 
Whether or not you hide the steeked edge, after a few washes the edges should felt a bit and become even more secure.
If you are interested in more information on steeking, you may wish to read:


Giveaway
It's been a while since we hosted a giveaway here on our blog! We're giving 1 lucky reader a chance to win this Pattern Chart Keeper and Blush Needle and Crochet Gauge with Yarn Cutter from our 2017-18 Collection! To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post telling us if you've ever given seeking a try (and how it went if you did!). Be sure to also mention your Ravelry ID or email address so that we can contact you if you win. We'll randomly select a winner to announce on our next blog post in March. Good luck!

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333 comments:

  1. Eeeeek Steeeeks!!! I'm so nervous to try. I do not have a sewing machine so the crochet method will have to be the one I try.
    Michelle
    mitchyluv9@msn.com
    mitchyluv9
    @ ravelry :)

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  2. OMG - no steeking!!! Haven't tried this technique yet, but I do know people who have... does that count? This tutorial might give me enough courage to give it a go, so will bookmark for a later project. Thanks for the info.

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  3. I've never tried steeking, haven't got the confidence for it yet! My ravelry ID is lalaithan

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  4. I have never steeked before but hope to do so. Thanks for the great tutorial and chance to enter the contest. Masshag on Ravelry.

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  5. I have never tried steeking. When I gather some courage, I think I will try with a swatch! (Cinkoe on Ravelry or at aol.com.)

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  6. Steeking, for me, is like jumping into deep water. Oh no! I keep reading postings about doing this but haven't tried it...yet.

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  7. Am a new knitter (2 years) and this pushes me off the edge! ;-) Ravelry: hattieg

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  8. I'm a novice knitter and I would need A LOT of courage to try it! It looks fascinating, but I feel I'm still too new at knitting! Ravelry: rrbinns

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  9. I have never tried steeking, but I have a will too. It is a big step!!
    macdona121
    annefmac53@gmail.com

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  10. I have not tried it, way too nervous!
    moolene@verizon.net

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  11. Steeking is the awesome. At first I was terrified, but I took a workshop from Alice Starmore. (Quite a few years ago.) Steeking is the BOMB!
    joynickerson
    happyhapjoyjoy@gmail.com

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  12. I have not tried it yet, but I am totally going to try it sometime soon! rav: dinasmiles2

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  13. I havent steeked yet, but I want to someday, I actually am not scared to, its just I dont get a lot of time to knit big garments (or anything much lately, unfortunately)

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  14. I've been knitting since I'm 5 or 6 and have knit hundreds of cardigans, many stranded, and never once steeked, even when following a pattern that calls for it. I just adapt the pattern to knitting back and forth and I've always been happy with that choice. On the other hand, my mother always steeked without blinking an eye!

    I'm purple on Ravelry

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  15. I have not had the pleasure of steeking yet, although it is on my wish list of things to try in knitting.

    Suemccord on Ravelry

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  16. I have not tried steeking (yet). Soon, very soon.
    Cmjanz on Ravelry

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  17. Steeks are very friendly. First tried on an older pullover I made into a cardi. Took away the fear of destroying a handknit.

    Went well and currently have another handknit waiting to be steeked.

    falcz on Ravelry

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  18. I have done it on swatches but never on a real garment but am confident it would be ok. I am AmySheri on ravelry.

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  19. I've never done steeking but I would like to.
    I am scorcoran on Ravelry

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  20. Haven't tried steeking yet; have a couple of thrifted sweaters I'm looking at for a first try.
    --oonaghfibersmyth on Ravelry

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  21. Never tried to steel but it's definitely on my knitting bucket list. cmlyttle on Ravelry

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  22. Silly autocorrect...of course I meant "steek"!!

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  23. Knitted Dogwood Blossoms cardigan last winter. Will always do steeks in future.

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  24. I have done steeking in a class. It was so great.

    Sokyknitter @ ravelry

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  25. Steeks are one of the few knitting techniques I haven't tried, and they do intimidate me a little bit. I'm planning to knit more stranded colorwork this year, though, so I expect to give it a try at some point.

    ktsmurf on ravelry.

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  26. I too felt faint at the thought of cutting my knitting but knitted a Kate Davies cardigan, Epistrophy, which required the dreaded steeking.
    Well, after preparing it all I nervously started to cut and it was so EASY !! The feeling of relief and wonder that it just happened as it should was fantastic,.... steeking holds no fear now :)

    Roxyrana on Ravelry

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  27. I have done steeks many times. When you take scissors to your knitting for the first time it’s traumatic but you do survive. If I am doing it in fair isle I do the steeks in checkerboard pattern.

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  28. Hello, I have tried to knit fair isle a few times already. I am still practicing. I still do not dare to knit a sweater or jacket in this technique. But as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. And I get better every now and then.
    My E-Mail: reginahapka@googlemail.com

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  29. I understand the process, but the thought of actually doing a steek is scary!

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  30. GIVE ME A STRONG DRINK!! hahaha Then I MIGHT be brave enough to try it. My girlfriend suggested I try it on an existing sweater than is too big, which I might do after reading this article.

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  31. I've been terrified to try steeking, even though I've been knitting for over 60 years. My daughter-in-law has shown me twice now how to do, and she follows the above directions very closely. I'm going to be brave and try it sometime soon.

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  32. I would try steeking. Have never needed to do so before but would like to turn a pullover into a cardigan.

    dominohs on Ravelry

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  33. Haven't had the courage to try steeking yet. Have to be brave and give it a go. What's the worst that can happen? It doesn't work or in case of a miracle IT DOES...

    sherryglover1 on RAV

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  34. I truly want to steel. I have a cardigan kit which I have not even started because I'm afraid to steel. ingrambead@yahoo.com. frecklefelter on ravelry

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  35. I have never tried steeking before (What, cut my knitting?!?!?) But thanks to this blog post, I don't have the same trepidation. Very helpful post. I look forward to adding this technique to my expanding repertoire of knitting know-how!
    TThands on Ravelry

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  36. I haven't yet. I need to tackle garment knitting first! Ravely id is gibbles83

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  37. I have heard of steeking, but have not tried it yet. Thanks for demystifing it. :)

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  38. I have never tried steeking. It also has been a yikes!! not for me crisis situation. After reading this article I just might give it a try. Very helpful post - I just need to get the courage to cut my knitting. bwputko on Ravelry.

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  39. The idea of cutting my knitting horrifies me. All that work and one snip could ruin it all!
    Ravelry ID us Marthalj

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  40. I have never tried seeking. The idea of cutting my knitting makes my stomach hurt. My ravelry I'd is psychowholockian.

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  41. Haven't ever done it, more from lack of need than fear. Thinking about using a colorwork sweater from the Goodwill to make a jacket for my new puppy...she'll be styling for sure.
    And I'm still a "committee" on Ravelry and off. And also bobseldest@gmail.com

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  42. Damn autospell...I'm a FunkyKnitter...NOT a committee.

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  43. I've never tried steeking before, but it looks interesting.

    Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

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    Replies
    1. Never steeked
      My Ravelry name is Lovesadeal

      Delete
  44. I've only steeked samples I need to do it for real! LaurenS

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  45. I have never steeked before, haven't tried a pattern that calls for it. Quite frankly it scares me and I tend to steer clear,...

    Kellie klinn3@me.com

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  46. I've never steeked before, but it is on my list of things to learn for 2018. Great post, and thank you for the giveaway!

    vic.anis@telus.net
    pinkdinosaur on Ravelry

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  47. Granwitch on ravelry and KP22 February 2018 at 18:48

    I'm planning to give it a try after I get a few (OK, a bunch) of WIPs finished.

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  48. I’ve read about steeking and watched videos, but I haven’t had the courage to try it yet. I will someday!

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  49. I’ve read about steeking and watched videos, but I haven’t had the courage to try it yet. I will someday!

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  50. Like many others, I have not tried it but would like to. We have a lady in our community that does it all the time and she has demoed it in our knitting group. I will try it.
    linda@anestofneedles.ca or lads on Ravelry.

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  51. I haven't done steeks yet but I eventually would like to try , thank you for the wonderful tutorial. My ravelry ID is ZippyZ

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  52. I have never tried steeks, but I know that one day I will work up the courage to cut my knitting!
    joannethreadhead on Ravelry

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  53. I have not steeked, but it is on my list of to learn/do for this year.
    Ravelry: pilarandmike
    Email: pilarandmike@hotmail.com

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  54. I've never steeked. It's on my list of techniques to learn. Thanks for the great giveaway.
    Ravelry: Blondie3104
    Email: graczy3104@gmail.com

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  55. Awesome tutorial! My very first sweater was a top-down Icelandic sweater done with steeking using a Craftsy class by Ragga Eiriksdottir. After all that work of knitting the whole thing, I was so nervous to cut it! But, I trusted Ragga, and it came out great!

    Your tutorial, with all the photos, made me think that this could possibly serve two-fold... practicing your steeking, of course, and then when needing to produce a swatch knit in the round (not necessarily fair isle), you wouldn't have to waste all of that yarn running through the back of your work. ???

    Anyway, thank you for the opportunity to win this awesome prize! I've recently been wanting a pattern chart keeper and left hints all over the place for my birthday, but... maybe next year! LOL!

    My Ravelry ID is knitziwhitzi

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  56. I've been reading about steeking, but have not tried it yet. SKWestDesigns on raverly.

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  57. I would definitely want to give this a try. Csanche23 on ravelry

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  58. I have tried steeking it was quite some time ago so I need to try it again. My memory of it is a happy one so it must have gone well. I'm Janesdesigns on Ravelry.

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  59. Haven’t done it yet, but when I do, I’ll know where to go for help! Jamf on Ravelry.

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  60. I haven't tried steeking and would definitely like to try but would feel more comfortable with a knitter experienced in the technique showing me hands on. My email is mimibabydoll2002@yahoo.com

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  61. Yep,years ago, early in my knitting life, I made a couple of sweaters in the round from hand painted yarn, then steeked to add the sleeves. The upper front and back color sequences weren’t interrupted. I did not use a sewing machine but remember it being pretty easy.
    mlbs on rav

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  62. I have steeked a couple of things. I did a lopapeysa cardigan, and the yarn was very "sticky", so I wasn't worried. I have also steeked some armholes on a sweater. They both went well! I used the crochet reinforcement method on both. I am MarileeRD on Ravelry. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  63. I made socks practicing stitch patterns with cables and other fancy twisted stitches but they came out so tight nobody could wear them. Tried steeking but ended up throwing the disaster away. oops! Rav ID Spin2Knit1

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  64. I have never steeked and am a bit afraid of it, but I'll prob. try it some day!

    Rav name is InJuneau

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  65. Haven't tried steeking yet, but am considering trying it. I have a sweater that I knit too big in underarm width and this might be a good way to fix it.

    Sue (SeniorSue17 on Ravelry)
    swegert17@gmail.com

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  66. Never tried steeking. I knit mostly socks and smaller projects

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  67. I’ve never steeked, but it’s on my list to try!
    Alicia
    Mrsalyons @ yahoo.ca

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  68. No steeking here...maybe someday! Maybe never!

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  69. I’ve had my eye on many fair isle sweater patterns but haven’t steeked yet

    Rav: lightingchick
    Lightingchick @ Gmail.com

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  70. Not a good experience steeling. Maybe next time. Rav: as3v. As3v@juno.com

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  71. I haven’t tried steeking.... yet. Thank for the very informational article!

    debsdestiny

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  72. Steeking is on my must try list.

    Ravelry: Rufio1225

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  73. I can't wait to try this method!

    Ravelry - themomster

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  74. Steeking scares me silly, your instructions make it seem simple. Maybe I'll add this skill to my bag of tricks.

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  75. I have never done steeking yet, I am just learning fairisle and intarsia this year, my year to learn to work with multiple colors and detailed patterns, going good so far , just trying to learn how to hold the yarns and switch colors, it is laughable when your hands and brain wont work to do this diff way of holding yarn and wrapping it around the needle. I find it quit funny, having lots of fun learning. my email is kep@nbnet.nb.ca I have chatted with other knitters who have steeked and they say their heart races as they go to cut... I have watched knitters do it, and think it is quite a smart technique though

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  76. I have done steeking. It was not scary to me, because I read everything I could find on the net first, so I was feeling confident. I had a pullover that I wanted to turn into a cardigan, because when I would have a hot flash, I couldn't get that pullover off of myself fast enough. Well it came out great and it is my favorite sweater now! I am rjgosnell on RAV

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  77. Steeking never!! I'm intrigued by it but have never had the courage to try it. Yet :-)
    Rav= trishnewton

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  78. No I haven’t tried steeking...someday though.
    aka 1to1

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  79. Never tried steeking and I doubt I ever will. I find it fascinating but it scares me silly!

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  80. I have never steeked and am not sure I ever will as I have no problem with seaming. Cutting your knitting would be very scary! Rav ID is knitinsr

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  81. I plan to try steeking using the pattern you shared!

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  82. I haven't tried steeking yet, but it's on my list of new techniques to try when I find the right pattern. I love learning new techniques even if I find out that they aren't my thing afterwards :) How else would I know?
    Rav ID - beeanimated

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  83. I have a project that will require me to do some steeking but I'll have to finish it first! Ive been thinking about it, does that count?

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  84. I have never tried steeling before... It looks awesome cool to try! I love learning new techniques!!! :) Ravelry ID: YARNSELOT

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  85. I’m a big fan of steeking. Much faster than purling back in stranded colour work. Rav ID is yarnoverKD

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  86. Haven't tried it yet but it's on my bucket list.
    Ravelry id: kaskew

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  87. I have not tried steeking. I afraid to cut my knitting.
    Rav id: knittingdancer

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  88. This year! Really!
    tktl on Ravelry

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  89. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  90. I've never tried it but I've watched several videos on it.
    sparky136 on Ravelry

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  91. I have not yet tried steeking but it is on my list of things to try in 2018. Just think of all those sweaters that could be knit in the round with NO purling!
    marliemade on Ravelry.

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  92. I've never steeked and doubt I will. I know it's supposed to be easy but YIKES.

    I'm Rachel-o on Ravelry

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  93. Nope, I've never steeked but I've watched a whole lot of tutorials trying to muster up the courage! Thanks for a chance at the great giveaway.

    amalya on Ravelry

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  94. I haven't tried seeking but I will have to give it a try! Mafq53 on ravelry

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  95. I haven't yet but that doesn't mean I won't. This technique has been on my bucket list.
    Deerspringkn on Ravelry

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  96. I've never tried, but I think every year for at least 10 years I've said "this is the year I try steeking!" I'm MEKnits on Ravelry.

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  97. I think I will try this
    Ravelry ID scrub4pup

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  98. I've never tried steeking, never been brave enough!

    My ravelry is AwesomeOsaurus :3

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  99. steeking. I cannot imagine cutting your work .....
    I am chata756 on raverly

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  100. No, I have never been brave enough to steek! Maybe this post will give me the courage to give it a try! Thanks for the chance to win! StitcherKat on Ravelry

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  101. Never tried it. Too scared to cut something. It is unique though.

    Nancy Brasells
    Propiniquity1965@yahoo.com

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  102. I have never done steeking, but I want to give it a try. I love color work and this looks like another great tool to add to my knitting tool box.

    Ravelry - cyezak

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  103. I’ve steeked, I love doing it. Dayanaknits on Rav

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  104. I have never steeked, but am willing to give it a try one day.

    Rav id is Annfran25

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  105. I have a tendency to unravel sweaters a few years down the road and rework the yarn into a new sweater so I haven't been interested in steeking in the past since it would not allow the unraveling and reuse.

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  106. Never tried steeking.
    But after this , l may have too.
    Avidreadrr on Ravelry

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  107. Steeking scares me at this point. I have seen some ladies do it in our LYS but oh my goodness what if all my hard work is ruined. I need more confidence first lol

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  108. I'm finishing up a pullover that required steeks for the sleeves and a small one for the front neck. Essentially, I followed the same instructions you posted with one small difference; I knit the steek stitches in the back loop. This creates an extra twist creating a bit more stability. Your tutorial is excellent!
    Ravelry: Iamsomewhere

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  109. I have not, but that a feature of not liking cardigans as much as pullovers more than anything. I have no fear of scissors!

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  110. I’ve never tried steering, but have been wanting to give it a try. A Fair Isle sweater in on my to-knit list.

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  111. I want to learn how to steek after I get better at stranded colorwork.

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  112. Never have but hoping to following your instructions.
    Ravelry: dgajee

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  113. I have steeked using the sewing machine method. It was fine. Have a Kate Davies project on deck where I will try the crochet method for the first time.. I'm a little anxious but super exited too. On Ravelry as Wooleweknit

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  114. I never tried steeking but it is something I'm interested in.
    Lmecoll on Rav

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  115. I haven't given myself an opportunity to try steeking, as I gravitate towards sweaters that don't need it. It does look a bit scary, but the results are lovely!

    My Ravelry ID is KinneyM.

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  116. I have not been brave enough to try steeking but now that I am retired it is on my bucket list to accomplish.
    My email is kmpear2136@yahoo.ca and my ravelry name is scarflady54

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  117. No steeking for me! It scares me to think of cutting a piece of knitting I've worked hard on and potentially ruining it. I think I might try this tutorial to see if it gives me confidence.
    My Ravelry ID is klsimm

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  118. I have steeked once- I love learning new knitting techniques!

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  119. ah steeks - very intimidating to cut into a beautiful knit object - I've got a sweater I'm knitting in the round that requires this technique & am approaching the steeking part - wish me luck!
    Debby (knitterspride.ddo@debby.tomolin.net)

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  120. I’ve never tried steeling. Looks so scary.

    Ravelry Name. pattudor

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  121. Great tutorial. That is how I was taught to do it. I would love to win the giveaway! awgiuliano@gmail.com

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  122. Never steeked. Nothing I've made has ever required or needed it.

    Rav id: MistPanther

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  123. This is something I have wanted to try but been to scared as its not in ny comfort zone. Still not sure but considering!

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  124. I have been thinking about trying steeks lately. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  125. I have the yarn, the pattern, the class, the scissors, but haven't gotten up the nerve. I will do this one day. spikesmommy on ravelry

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  126. I've never done steeks, since I can't afford wool, in quantities to make sweaters, but if I could, I would like to try it, sometime. I think it looks interesting. Rav ID bikrgran

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  127. I have been knitting since the 1980's and finally just did my first steeked Lopi sweater. It was so much fun. I used the crochet method. It was the Icelandic top down sweater which is a class on Craftsy. Having the step by step video instruction gave me the courage.
    janl on Ravelry

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  128. Although I've been encouraged by my knitting guru at the local shop, I am always afraid my Steeking would end up Stinking :o)

    Maybe someday...

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  129. I'm not brave enough yet. Going to watch the tutorial and hopefully gain some confidence. craftyNanny6 on Ravelry

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  130. oopss.. and I'm cheerwine4me on Ravelry :-)

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  131. I have never tried it but I would hate to ruin what I have already knitted. I mostly knit socks my dog’s cowls and afghans.

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  132. I've never tried steeking, but I'm wanting to give it a try.
    I'm thinking about doing the cardigan version of the Nelchina by Boyland Knitworks and this tutorial will definitely help!
    My ravelry is ChristinaNMuller and my email is christina_muller@outlook.com

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  133. Haven't steeked in a long time, I'll have to give it a go again.

    Ravelry: Mousepotato

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  134. I’ve never tried a steek before. Think I’m going to give your swatch directions a try!
    Purlynne on Ravelry

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  135. I haven't tried steeking but I'm willing to give it a try!
    yarnella on Rav

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  136. I've never tried steeking, never even knew such a thing existed, but I can see where it would be an excellent method for some projects! I'm "jenonymous" on Ravelry

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  137. I have not done steeking yet, but will.
    My ravelry ID is : Gaux
    My e-mail is : mamargaux@gmail.com

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  138. I've never tried steeking, but it's on my to do list!
    moonst1tcher@verizon.net

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  139. I've never steeked but been wanting to convert a chunky pullover hoodie to cardi, so I've been meaning to learn. xoxoxo jannamaria on RAV

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  140. While I haven't yet made a project that included a steek, it is on my bucket list

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  141. Je n’ai jamais essayé mais je sais où aller voir si j’ai besoin. Comme toujours c’est très instructif. Mon nom d’utilisateur de Ravelry est chare50.

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  142. Never tried steeking...shaking just thinking about it!!! ForMomCrochet on Rav and Instagram

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  143. Happy to say that I've successfully knit and steeked an Alice Starmore Oregon Cardigan. http://ravel.me/creativemind/oc
    Loved the project, and hope to steek again soon!

    raveler - creativemind
    annproch@triwest.net

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  144. I've done steeking by sewing the steek on a sewing machine before cutting,, I need to give the crochet method a try sometime. Rav ID is Mollpeartree.

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  145. I've not yet steeked, but not because I don't want to. Just haven't had a need yet.

    Rav ID - slawson
    sarah.m.lawson@gmail.com

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  146. mchogan

    I really want to steek...it looks terrifyingly fun!!

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  147. awesome giveaway, now I only need to win this :)

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  148. I have steeked, took a class, which made it less “scary”!

    Knitnspinr1 on Ravelry!

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  149. I have avoided steeking at all costs! But I.must.try. email: joyfulprayz@gmail.com and Rav id joyfulprayz

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  150. I have never steaked but reading your "how to's" reminded me I have a Fair Ilse swatch I knit and could practice on that. I'm excited to try.

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  151. I have to say I have never even heard of steeking, but it looks interesting!
    Ravelry ID Linsandi
    Email: sandicargnel@yahoo.com

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  152. One of these days I WILL steek!
    BinaBKnits on rav

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  153. I cut a steek a few months ago in a class with the fabulous Ann Budd. It was a small piece that became a coffee cozy. Scary to make the first cut but then not so bad.

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  154. I have never tried steeking because I haven't encountered a pattern that uses that technique. But if I do in the future, now I know what it is and how to do it!

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  156. I have done it...years ago when making kid's sweater vests. Younger then and tried most everything new that came along! No problems!

    Revelry ID: in2kntn

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  157. I haven't tried steeking yet but I will one day :D
    My Ravelry username: junacraftydragon

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  158. Steeking is on my knitting techniques wish list for sure, but I haven't tried it yet. This swatch idea is great so you're not cutting a sweater for your first time. Love it!
    Ravelry: EchoSierran

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  159. I haven't tried steeking yet! Maybe soon!
    My Ravelry ID is Lpmac!

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  160. I have never tried to steek. Thank you for such a comprehensive posting as to how it's done. You've made something that sounds scary seem to be something I could actually do.
    email: lilbaglady@yahoo.com

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  161. I am obsessed with accidentally cutting my work so when I cut my yarn when I'm done knitting, I triple check that my work is not on the way of the scissors. I would like to try steeking one day but the idea of cutting my knitting is terrifying. Thank you for this giveaway! Rav. ID: Alanamoya

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  162. I've never tried steeking; it's not something that was ever called for in the crochet patterns I've tried so far. Are there situations where steeking is called for in crochet?
    Ravelry: CatherineMcClarey

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  163. Steeking is one of the techniques that's still on my list to try, along with socks. My mom made sweaters a la Elizabeth Zimmermann for my daughters, but I got mesmerized by lace.
    ravelry ID: sollertia

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  164. I’m still pretty new to colorwork, so no steeks for me! RAV id: emfdvm

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  165. So far I've been way too chicken to try steeking, lol... Rav ID: twinmommycreation

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  166. Steeks are scary, but your blog makes it seem possible.
    Ravelry ID: Ginnyibclc

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  167. Like so many others, I have not tried steeking. I’m on a sock/mitten kick right now, but I did buy a pair of steeking scissors as I have plans to knit a cardigan in the round & this looks like the best way to do it, short of piece by piece & sewing them together.
    Email: sylvanaire3@gmail.com, sylvanaire on Ravelry

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  168. Not yet but this blog posting is encouraging!

    aquitaine1 on Ravelry

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  169. I haven't yet, but look forward to the day I try! Rav ID: Elixabeth

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  170. Terrified to try, but I love learning about it!

    Ravelry: Jaggedlittlepurl

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  171. I just steeked my first sweater!

    Rav ID: hools2001

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  172. No, I have never tried it - but will try this with a small swatch, before undertaking it with a garment. Yikes! Rav: acerani

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  173. I have NOT tried steeking, although it's only a matter of time before I cast on a sweater that requires it. I look forward to it!

    Rav ID: holity

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  174. I have done several projects that didn't require steeking but my very strong objection to stranding while knitting flat inspired me put in little steeks so I could merrily keep knitting, no purls in sight. Rav: Diana00

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  175. I have stepped many projects in the last 17 years. It really isn't scary. I think the effort to cut the first stitch is the hardest, but once you've done it, it's easy.

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  176. Not brave enough to try steeking... I would like to see it done in person tho so I can understand it better. Ravelry nanetteh
    Email nanettehuby@charter.net

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  177. Steeking is on my bucket list! I’ve watched videos and read a lot of articles. Now to get up the nerves to actually do it!
    Rav ID: TrudyO

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  178. I have yet to try steeking. At some point I will give it a whirl...
    bangels@cogeco.net
    or colleenmarieh on Ravelry

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  179. It's my goal to steek a sweater this year! Very excited.
    Juniasc

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  180. I did it! i made this sweater and the sleeves were too wide so I decided to try steeking and it worked! Gosh I was so scared but thought why not take a leap of faith.
    email iamjoannep@yahoo.com

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  181. I've never tried steeking, but I'm fascinated by the technique. Someday, when I have an appropriate project, I'll have to give it a try! Ravelry ID: ArizonaNative

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  182. I have not tried yet but would like to. Will definitely have to practice on swatches first for sure. Revelry ID cshouse23

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  183. This was so informative! Haven't done it yet.. big chicken! chiaraleist@gmail.com
    CrustyCupcake over on Ravelry

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  184. The only time I've cut into my knitting was an afterthought heel, which went well. I'm sure I could steek a garment if I put my mind to it but it does seem a little intimidating.
    My Ravelry ID is Kernewes.

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  185. Steeking scares the bejeezus out of me. All that work and then scissors??? On purpose??? Maybe I'll find something that I want to make badly enough to try to steek it.
    kelectrolux@yahoo.com

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  186. No, I haven’t steered yet. But it’s on my list, and this was a great tutorial!
    RavID JudyAnn

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  187. I Have never seen seeking and will definitely give it a try, such a great idea. thanks
    Ralvery ID ScrapPileStyles

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  188. I've heard of steeking, but haven't tried it. I may give it a try after reading your well written tutorial. Thanks for offering this contest. I love my Knitters Pride needles & hooks! barbarafairchild@msn.com or Rav ID MemorableOne

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  189. I have not steeked yet, but I plan to try the crochet method.
    Lindaturc on Ravelry

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  190. I've never tried steeking.Been way to scared. May try it now. Thank you for making it sound easy. RavID - Nofret8

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  191. I haven't yet. Most of my projects have been stuffed animals and blankets so far. I'm hoping to start making things for myself soon, though.

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  192. I have been knitting for years and never heard of steeking. Looks interesting! I am always looking for new challenges with my crafts. Love to try so email me at fabricartist14@gmail.com if I should happen to win.

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  193. As a Norwegian i have been knitting and cutting my knits to make arm holes and for jackets. I'm haugmoen on Ravelry.

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  194. Steeking is on my 2018 list of techniques to tackle! Thanks for the walkthru - bookmarked for future reference! (and thanks for the giveaway!)

    Rav ID YeaIKnit

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  195. I have wanted to try steeking for over 30 years... and I may get around my nervousness. I am wendygolsonpiner on Ravelry.

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  196. I've never tried steeking I've only been knitting for a few years.

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