No matter how many times I do it, the kitchener stitch will NOT. STAY. IN. MY. HEAD. So this post is really quite selfish because I'm hoping that actually writing a tutorial will help me commit it to memory, and if not, I'll have a reference on my own blog to remind me.
For those of you new to this technique, it's how to graft two sets of stockinette stitches together so that it looks like one continuous knitted piece. Like at the toe of a sock, for instance.
Let's get to kitchenering!
Hold your needles parallel to each other with the end of your yarn coming off the back needle. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle.
Setup Stitch #1: Insert your tapestry needle purlwise into the first stitch on the needle closest to you and pull the yarn through. You only do this step once.
Setup Stitch #2: Insert your tapestry needle knitwise into the first stitch on the needle furthest from you and pull the yarn through. You only do this step once.
Kitchener Stitch Step #1: Insert your tapestry needle knitwise into the first stitch on the needle closest to you and slide it off the needle.
Kitchener Stitch Step #2: Insert your tapestry needle purlwise into the next stitch on the needle closest to you. Pull the yarn through, but leave the stitch on the knitting needle.
Kitchener Stitch Step #3: Insert you tapestry needle purlwise into the first stitch on the needle furthest from you and slide it off the needle.
Kitchener Stitch Step #4: Insert your tapestry needle knitwise into the next stitch on the needle farthest from you. Pull the yarn through, but leave the stitch on the knitting needle.
Keep repeating Kitchener Stitch Steps #1-4 until you have worked all of the stitches.
Use your needle to adjust the tension of your stitches, so it matches the rest of you piece, if needed.
