Guide on Preserving Integrity When Slicing a Knitted Sweater
Transforming Your Knit Sweater: A Guide to Steeking
Steeking, a technique used to alter, reshape, or resize a knit sweater, can open up a world of possibilities for your handmade garments. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively steek a knit sweater using a sewing machine.
Preparing the Steek Line
Begin by marking and preparing the steek line carefully on the knit fabric where you plan to cut. This is usually a vertical strip of stitches left for steek in garments knit in the round.
Sewing the Reinforcing Seams
Next, sew two parallel reinforcing seams along each side of the steek line using your sewing machine. Use the smallest stitch length or a tight zigzag stitch to firmly secure the knit fabric edges and prevent unraveling during cutting. Sewing machine needles suitable for knits, such as a ballpoint or stretch needle, are recommended to avoid damaging the fabric stitches.
Securing the Thread
Secure the thread at the start and end of each seam by backstitching or tying off to lock the stitches in place.
Cutting the Steek
Once sewn, cut directly down the center between the two sewn lines carefully to open the steek without damaging the sweater fabric. Sewing before cutting provides reinforcement to avoid stretch or runs.
Strengthening the Edge
Using a zigzag stitch on either side of the cut steek is a common method to strengthen the edge and allow for clean finishing or further sewing (such as adding a button band or facing).
Additional Tips
Practice on scrap knit fabric first to adjust stitch length and tension. Keep the sweater stretched gently but not overly taut to maintain the shape.
With these steps, you can safely and effectively steek a knit sweater, leveraging machine stitching to secure the steek and allowing you to cut safely, opening the knit garment for desired finishing, typical in fair isle or circular knit sweaters.
Altering Your Sweater's Style
Altering the neckline of a sweater can instantly change its style, for example, from a crewneck to a V-neck or boatneck. Cutting a knit sweater can also be used to alter the length of the sweater by cutting its hem.
Remember, unreinforced steeking can cause a sweater to unravel completely if not done correctly. If you don't own a sewing machine and are familiar with crochet, you can use a crochet hook to secure the stitching before cutting the sweater.
Animal fiber yarns stick together more than other fibers like cotton or linen during knitting. If concerned about unraveling, rub the edges of the cut section together to felt them.
Steeking is also used to attach sleeves when knitting a full sweater from scratch. Steeking is useful for stranded color-work to avoid purl rows and maintain even tension throughout the project.
With these tips, you're now equipped to transform your knit sweater into a new, unique piece. Happy steeking!
Delve into the realm of fashion-and-beauty by altering the neckline of your knit sweater, shifting the style from a crewneck to a V-neck or boatneck. Simultaneously, home-and-garden enthusiasts can utilize steeking to adjust the length of the sweater by cutting its hem, imbuing a fresh, personalized touch to your handmade garments and aligning them with current lifestyle trends.
