Steeked Sweater 101

[Ingrid]

That would have been horrible!!!

I've never done it, but I read that someone puts tissue (the wrapping kind) under the knitting so it doesn't get stuck on the bottom.

[jenny433]

STOP! Before you get all goo-goo eyed. Just know that I forgot to shape the back neck. Too late now! So perfection is not mine. :rollseyes:

I don't need kudos. I just wanted everyone to see that you don't burst into flame if you cut knitting! :rofling:

I had to look away when I saw those scissors so close to the knitting. I was feeling a little wooooozzzzyyy!

[twostrands]

Ingrid, I think your sweater is just lovely! I'm a big fan of machine-sewn steeks, but I know lots of folks share your hesitation about them. I did, too, until a friend showed me the ropes. So, I thought I'd mention a few favorite points of mine, in the interest of spreading some steek-love:

#1 Machine steeks are always less bulky than crocheted steeks. Who needs extra bulk?!?!?
#2 As you mentioned, crocheted steeks are really safe only on very sticky wool (read: Shetland wool). But,
machine steeks can be beautiful - and extra secure - on anything, including Shetland wool.
#4 You don't have to be a phenomenal machine sewer to get a phenomenal machine-reinforced steek. In fact, you can be quite the novice and still get a fine result! Use two lines of small, straight (as in not zig-zag) stitches (like Ingrid - good girl!) and as long as you keep them away from the actual body stitches, it won't matter if you're a bit wobbly - they'll never show.
#4 Use common scotch tape to tame loose yarn ends (on the WS) so that they don't snag in your machine.
#5 Put cardboard between the layers for worry-free cutting.
#6 Relax - it's fun!

[Ingrid]

Oooh, I love the idea of scotch tape!! I've always worried about catching the yarn on the foot of the sewing machine. Thanks!

[qtip]

I wish I had found this a long time ago. I have successfully steeked the arms and neck and front (this is a cardigan) I have not cut the front steek since I want to put it on a wooly board for blocking before I cut it and put in the front button hole and button edges. My question is this: what is the proper way to tack the cut steek edges? I saw it somewhere, but now that I need it I can't find the directions. This is my first fair isle cardigan. Thank you for the nice clear pictures and explanation of steeking. It does take nerve to put sissors to yarn!

[Ingrid]

I didn't tack down the edges of the cut steeks, since they were stitched, I used shetland wool, and I'm lazy. They've stayed put, even with the cardigan I made.

If you want to sew them down, though, a simple whip stitch would do it.

Make sure to post a picture!