Best way to seam shoulder seams? - UPDATE Response for Limey

cookworm · 09-05-2007, 12:54 AM

I just finished knitting this dickey, and let me say that the person that designed this pattern is AMAZING!!!

To be able to write a program where you can input your exact specifications...well, that to me is genius!

Getting back to the point at hand--part of the pattern calls for seaming the shoulder seams, which for me, worked out to only joining three stitches on each shoulder. This seemed like it should've been easy to do, but it wasn't. The only time I had to seam up a garment is when I made the Einstein Coats which are knit completely in garter stitch, and you have a slipped stitch edge to use to seam into, so it was very easy. Those three little stiches on either shoulder gave me so much trouble--it seemed like no matter what I did, it looked crummy!

I finally worked it so that it looked okay...nothing to really write home about; thank goodness it's only three stitches on either shoulder and once I finished picking up the stitches around the edge for the ribbing, it looked decent enough (we'll see how things look once it's done blocking).

So my question is, what's the best way to seam up a sweater? Some day, I may want to make a sweater that needs seaming, and I'm really not feeling confident about my abilities based off of not being able to seam up three lousy stitches.

suzeeq · 09-05-2007, 05:57 AM

A 2 needle BO is good, doesn't look like a seam. You have to leave the sts on the needles, then use another needle to BO on the inside. Kitchener BO is similar, though you thread the yarn on a needle and weave the end through the stitches. I believe both methods have videos here.

cookworm · 09-05-2007, 06:01 AM

Okay, I know how to do the two needle bind off (I wish I would've thought of that when I was seaming those stitches!

oh well, I'll know for next time...that's how I seem to learn all of my new techniques [by making mistakes!

]), but I'll definitely check out the video on the kitchener stitch. I've heard of it, but I didn't know what it was or what it would be used for. Thanks, Sue!!!

Limey · 09-05-2007, 09:57 AM

I know - just know - I'll regret asking this but what the Hanover is a dickey used for? and how come it has this strange name? Is it anything to do with 'What the Dickens is that?'

I followed the link and got a photo of a sawn-off sweater.

I haven't got the strength just now (viral infection - me - not the computer) to do a Seek and Find Google job, trying to discover under what strange circumstances you would need a dickey.

If you knitted the turtle neck variety, I suppose it would be handy to whip out when you're trying to get the lid off a jar of pickles or somesuch - or wrapping round the handle of the pump when you need petrol.

Would someone explain the mystery, please?

suzeeq · 09-05-2007, 02:27 PM

You can just undo the bindoff you did and put it back on needles for a 3 needle BO.

cookworm · 09-09-2007, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by Limey

I know - just know - I'll regret asking this but what the Hanover is a dickey used for? and how come it has this strange name? Is it anything to do with 'What the Dickens is that?'

Hi Limey! I just saw this post today (Sept. 9), so I'm a bit slow to respond. You're absolutely right--a "dickey" is a "sawn-off sweater" here is an example (Knit Picks had a pattern for one called a "Janie", which was a play on words because it's the feminine version of the "Dickie", although theirs doesn't seem like it would leave much in the way of keeping the upper chest warm; it appears to be more of a turtleneck only). I'm totally not sure how the name came about, but I can say for myself, mine will be used underneath my winter coat this year to help keep out drafts. For whatever reason (I guess I'm getting older!), it seemed that this new jacket that I got last year was really drafty on my upper chest and neck. A dickey will help keep your upper chest and neck warm, but it doesn't add all of the bulk of a sweater.

Limey · 09-12-2007, 12:14 AM

Hiya Cooks

I'm glad to know that you've made something to keep the wind from whistling round your whatsits in the winter - there's nothing worse - enough to take the edge off anyone's tidings of comfort and joy.

I had a squint at the Jane cowl and although it's a lacy pattern, it didn't look the type of thing that takes prisoners; still, it's a great idea if you want to keep the frost off the geraniums.

I think the pattern for the light blue version you made is much nicer, not to say, friendlier - at least you have a fighting chance of removing yours without the risk of taking your head off.

Thanks for the update and keep warm.

Ellie

cookworm · 09-12-2007, 04:09 AM

Originally Posted by Limey

I think the pattern for the light blue version you made is much nicer, not to say, friendlier - at least you have a fighting chance of removing yours without the risk of taking your head off.

You don't know how accurate you are...I have a much larger-than-average-sized head, and boy, trying to take stuff off and put it on over my head can be a real challenge!

Once while trying on clothes at a store, I couldn't get ONE SINGLE SHIRT to go over my head!!! So I was SO HAPPY when I saw this pattern gives you the width head that the turtleneck will slip over; I made mine a good 3" (7.5cm) bigger than my head size to make sure it would fit!

Jacklad · 09-12-2007, 04:14 AM

They're also great for those of us who wear blazers - you can keep your neck (and cleavage) warm without visually adding the five pounds that a sweater does. It's especially true if you wear a close-fitting blazer without much ease through the shoulders - a full turtleneck underneath can leave you feeling like you're in a straightjacket. ;-)

Jackie