What is a Tubular Knitting Stitch?
A tubular knitting stitch is a method used to create a seamless and stretchy fabric, often seen in projects like socks, hats, and sleeves. It involves working in rounds, creating a “tube” that doesn’t have a visible seam. Closing the tubular knitting stitch is the final step to complete your project.
What You’ll Need
- Circular knitting needles
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Step 1: Prepare Your Project
Ensure that you have finished knitting the desired length of your project and are ready to close the stitch. Make sure all your stitches are on the knitting needles, and you are working on the right side of your work.
Step 2: Divide Stitches
To close the tubular knitting stitch, you’ll need to divide your stitches equally onto two separate circular needles. This can be done by slipping half of the stitches onto the second needle or using a spare needle to transfer them.
Step 3: Secure the Needles
Take the two circular needles and hold them parallel to each other with the right side of the work facing you. Secure the ends of the circular needles with point protectors or use rubber bands to hold them together. This step ensures that the stitches won’t slide off the needles while you’re closing the tube.
Step 4: Begin Kitchener Stitch
To close the tubular knitting stitch, we’ll use the Kitchener stitch. Start by threading the yarn needle with a length of yarn that’s about three times the width of your project. Insert the needle into the first stitch on the front needle as if to purl, leaving the stitch on the needle.
Step 5: Set Up
Next, insert the yarn needle into the first stitch on the back needle as if to knit, leaving this stitch on the needle. Pull the yarn snugly until the working yarn is positioned below both needles.
Step 6: Repeat
Now, repeat steps 4 and 5 until all the stitches are worked, closing the tubular knitting stitch. Remember to always insert the needle on the front needle as if to purl and the needle on the back needle as if to knit. Keep the tension consistent for a neat and seamless finish.
Step 7: Weave in Ends
Once you’ve closed all the stitches using the Kitchener stitch, remove the knitting needles. Thread the yarn tail onto the yarn needle and use it to weave in the ends on the wrong side of your work. This will secure the stitches and prevent them from unraveling.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Give your work a gentle blocking to even out any tensions and smooth the stitches. Use steam or wet blocking, depending on the fiber content of your project. Once dry, your tubular knitting stitch will be seamlessly closed, giving your project a professional look.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of closing a tubular knitting stitch, you can confidently create stunning seamless garments and accessories. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting with different projects to refine your knitting skills. Happy knitting!