Class - Intro to Steeks

A steek lets you knit an item in the round and then cut it and use it flat.  Steeks are prevalent in colorwork traditions like Fair Isle, Norweigan, and other northern knitting traditions.  Steeks can be use to knit a sweater in the round and then open it up as a cardigan.  They can also be used for neck and sleeve openings.  Steeks can be used anywhere that knitting is easiest done in the round, but the item itself isn't round.

There are several ways to steek an item.  This class will focus on a method for stabilizing the steek that does not require a sewing machine to implement.

This is a one time class for intermediate to advanced knitters.  You must complete the pre-class homework before you come to class. (Download a printable PDF of the pre-class homework here.) If you've taken the Intro to Stranded Colorwork class, then you may have already done your homework! 

 Looking for a learning journey? These classes work well together and may be scheduled along side each other:

• Intro to Stranded Colorwork
• Intro to Steeks (this class)
• Colorwork Doodles

Skills Required to take this class:  Students are expected to be able to complete the pre-class homework unassisted. (Download a printable PDF of the pre-class homework here.)  The homework includes knitting stranded colorwork in the round, knit, purl, k2tog, kfb, and backwards loop cast on.  Students may use double pointed needles, two circulars, or magic loop at their discretion. If you need assistance completing the homework, please sign up for Intro to Stranded Colorwork to learn the skills you'll need.

Class Project: Steeking a stranded colorwork cup cozy.  Finished Cozy Size:  Small fits 9″-9.5″ (Large fits 10″-10.5″) cup/mug.

You must come to class with the cup cozy already knitted and ready to be steeked (this is your pre-class homework here). We will spend our time in class:

• stabilizing the area to be cut
• cutting the steek
• knitting button bands

Pattern: Stephanie has designed a steeked cup cozy pattern just for class. The pattern for the cup cozy is included in the class fee. You must come to class with the cup cozy already knitted. If you've taken the Intro to Stranded Colorwork class, then you may have already done your homework! Download a printable PDF of the pre-class homework here. 

Yarn: Two colors worsted weight wool yarn. Use stash yarn or get 10% off regular priced yarn purchased for your class project.

• For best results, go for grabby non-superwash 100% wool or sticky wool blends. Consider yarns like Plymouth Galway, Plymouth Homestead, or similar.   
• Superwash wools can also work. Most of Stephanie's samples are made with Malabrigo Rios (a superwash merino), Plymouth Worsted Superwash Merino, and Plymouth Galway. 
• Blends like Berroco Vintage are also good options.
• OPTIONAL - use a 3rd color of yarn for the button bands

You will need about 25 grams total of yarn.  Use scraps if you have them.  Mix and match colors as much as you want.  For the best learning try to use different colors of the same yarn rather having different yarn bases that seem to be the same weight. Avoid non-wool for this class (you can experiment with non-wool yarns after class).  Avoid smooth and slippery fiber blends. Wool, and high wool content blends will work best. If you have a choice between superwash and non-superwash wool, lean towards the non-superwash.

NO ALPACA - Please. Your instructor is allergic to Alpaca and may not be able to continue teaching if a reaction occurs. 

Gauge: 22 sts x 28 rows = 4″ x 4 ” in stockinette with stranded colorwork knitted in the round.

Needles: US 7 or size needed to obtain gauge.  Use double pointed needles or your preferred method for knitting a small circumference in the round. You can use a 9" circular, magic loop, two circulars at a time, or flexible double points like Addi FlexiFlips. While completing the pre-class homework, choose the circular knitting method you feel most comfortable with.

Notions:  

• stitch markers (for pre-class homework)
• 3 buttons approximately 18mm or 1/2" to 9/16" diameter
• a crochet hook the same size or 1 to 3 sizes smaller than your knitting needles. You do not need to know how to crochet! if you do not own a crochet hook we have spares to use in this class.
• yarn needle for weaving in ends and.  A semi-sharp tip is recommended.

 

Pre-Class Homework: Download a printable PDF of the homework here.