Cut Your Knitting: Strand & Steek With Confidence
Beth Whiteside
Class Preview
- In-depth Instruction; over 171 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Getting Started
14:50
Meet knitting expert Beth Whiteside and learn about the beauty of stranded knitting and the joy of steeking. Begin your stranding adventure by casting on with two colors and knitting herringbone braid that will form the opening of a cute tablet case.
Mechanics of Stranded Colorwork
24:17
Beth shares the skills you'll need to to knit with two colors, keeping your yarns untangled, your stitches even and the floats on the back of your work tidy. You'll even learn how to weave in ends as you knit, a real timesaver when you're finishing your project!
Options for Holding Yarn
21:33
When knitting with two colors, you can hold one color in each hand or both colors in your left or right hand. Whichever way is most comfortable for you! Beth encourages you to experiment with different methods or try a knitting thimble to keep your strands in order and your tension consistent.
Knitting With Colorwork Charts
25:21
Your patterns include written instructions, but colorwork charts are easier to follow. Beth explains charts for working flat and in the round, then demonstrates the three-needle bind-off for closing the bottom of the tablet case. You'll also see how to pick up stitches for the case flap and crochet a strap to close it.
Colorwork Variations
29:05
Expand your understanding of colorwork as Beth explains different chart types, their pros and cons, and the characteristics of Fair Isle versus other kinds of stranded knitting. Explore a variety of color patterns and play with color choices, then dive into steek stitches and corrugated ribbing for the next project.
Securing Steek Stitches
25:21
A charming cozy can keep a coffee press-pot or thermos warm, or secure a yoga mat. It's a perfect Fair Isle project without the commitment a sweater entails. Beth shows how to change colors and secure long floats, then shares three ways to secure your steek stitches for confident cutting.
Cutting Steeks & Finishing Options
29:41
It's the moment you've been working toward: steek-cutting time! See how to snip the stitches safely, then pick up stitches along the edges for button bands. Finally, Beth shows you how to tack down and secure those cut edges for a polished look and a fun accessory to show off!
Description
Don’t let steeking anxiety hold you back from knitting colorwork in the round! Join designer Beth Whiteside and learn how to strand and steek successfully without fuss or anxiety. During class, you’ll conquer new stranded knitting techniques by practicing on a unique tablet case and a fun cozy; they’re perfect for building your skills without the commitment of a large project! Along the way, you’ll discover multiple methods for working with two colors and how to keep your yarn from tangling, your stitches even and your floats tidy. When you move on, Beth will break down colorwork charts to show you how they can speed things up, and introduce you to new styles of stranding. Plus, you’ll discover three foolproof methods for clean, confident steeking, as she lays them all out step by step!
Beth Whiteside
Beth Whiteside's love for teaching is driven by a love of the "aha!" moment. She revels in finding new ways to make the light bulb turn on and sharing that moment with budding knitters. She's taught in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2003 and nationally at Stitches since 2005. Aside from teaching, Beth is an ever-curious designer and technical editor. She can never stick to one method or style! You can find her designs published in Creative Knitting and Knitter's Magazine, as well as by yarn companies such as Cascade and Fiesta.
Bonus materials available after purchase