I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 73

[@alleycatyarns5105]

Hi Andrea! Great episode, as usual! I'm a dyer, and there are two reasons my put-up is hanks/skeins: 1. As you mentioned, yarn must be dyed in hank form if looking for even dye application; and, 2. I think it is important for makers to be able to see the entire skein by opening it up and "reading" it. By looking for clues such as colour repeat lengths and repetitions, variation between the inner and outer strands, and tonal variations within, a maker can decide whether the yarn suits their project. This wouldn't be possible with a ball put-up. As a knitter, I like winding my own balls because it gives me an opportunity to get to know the skein: its character, stretch, durability, texture, colour, tooth, etc. It's a bit of "making acquaintance" that I find helps me make decisions about my knitting as I go :). Thanks again for your wonderful episode(s)! Melissa Alley Cat Yarns

[@intheyellowcorner]

I used to be so scared of steeking but its now my go to method. Once youve done it a couple of times and seen that it doesnt unravel a whole new world or cardigans opens up. I would recommend knitting a few different swatches and practice steeks on them then the risks are low. Practice sewing back the steek edges on them. Give them a good stretch and find thier limits. I promise your mind will be blown.

[@morelsonthetrail6920]

I absolutely love that your episodes aren’t scripted and you get up and grab things you want to share. It’s why I’m binging your videos 😊

[@Kialas]

Hi! About steeking or purling colour work - purling if the yarn can be reused if that garment is not used anymore and steeking, if the yarn is unfroggable 🐸 Because the eco frienliest yarn is the one in your house already 🌻😊

[@sarahkeeling6814]

According to Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (The Yarnharlot) you would measure to under the needles if you are intending to bind off the next row. If you are going to continue to knit than you do measure the stitches on the needle since those are going to be worked next. Hope that makes sense, she has a great patreon channel with lots of tips like this. :)

[@lolab.268]

Great timing for the Throwback Cardigan. I just purchased the pattern in your shop sale, (Happy Birthday to you). I have not steeked or purled color work yet, so I think I will have to swatch both methods. It would be nice if the pattern included instructions for steeking, as well as knitting flat.

[@missmollyw.5066]

i haven't plunged into the Throwback C since I don't want to reinvent the wheel with the modifications (I bought the pattern before I read the nitty gritty details!) - so maybe I will go for it and just purl. I will try to steek on a pattern that calls for it. I know YouT has so many steeking videos. I think modifying Andrea's pattern - even with all the Ravelry help - is too overwhelming for me. Good luck!!

[@cathebrush]

Hi! As I watched your video, I remembered that on the website of Briggs & Little (a canadian yarn mill), they said « The advantage of skeined yarn is that the natural elasticity of pure wool is retained when prepared in loose skeins rather than tightly wound balls. ». So I guess that’s another reason! 😊

[@knitartis]

Hi Andrea! Love your Q&A as usual. Definitely steek rather than purl. Also, I’ve started measuring my gauge swatch before and after blocking. I think this helps with knowing how it’s going as you knit. I just purchased a new winder from Fiber Artist Supply Co. and am waiting for deliver. It’s pricey but works great from what I’ve seen. It also does not clamp to the table which is always my dilemma.

[@shannonschaefer1251]

Hi Andrea! Regarding skeining: From a handspinner’s perspective, using a niddy noddy to put the yarn in hank form (as opposed to winding straight into a ball) gives a handy way to measure yardage. I know of farms as well who get their yarn back from the mill in cones and then hank in order to measure yardage before selling. Not sure if that was mentioned yet or not, but… Thanks as always for your work!

[@WitchyKnitterMom]

Lovely episode as always. I love your shirt and new hand tattoo.

[@marlenefaull248]

Watch and listen every week , thank you. Learn something every week.

[@jayleendelrio2075]

Hi Andrea, Happy belated Birthday! Thank you for the discount, it’s greatly appreciated. Love your Friday podcast, so helpful, I haven’t missed one yet🥰

[@taylorbrooks890]

I have always wanted to try steeking and I almost exclusively use your patterns for new techniques like this. If you come out with a new pattern that is steeked, I will be on it IMMEDIATELY!! I prefer working in the round, so steeking is right up my alley, just have no idea what I am doing. Thank you so much!

[@joanworkman8859]

Hi Andrea, thank you for another interesting podcast, and your super generous birthday discount. I was told a long time ago that keeping yarn wound in a ball can stretch it. I have never found I need a ball winder, balling up one skein at a time as I use it doesn’t take very long. You can ask a friend to hold it, drape it over the back of a kitchen chair, or even around your knees when sitting. Keeping the yarn in a skein is especially good for hand dyed and handspun as you can appreciate the colour variation.

[@carolclaibornemumey8919]

Steeking by far LOL! Feel the power of the scissors haha. Maybe think of it as "dressmaking/sewing" where we cut fabrics all the time instead of "cutting into my knitting"...? After all, there is a ring in hell where they purl colour work all day.😉

[@maryauxier6620]

I stopped half-way through (I’ll go back😁) to come comment-please design a steeked colorwork cardigan! I’ve been wanting to try steeking, but haven’t found the right pattern to learn with yet…I’m sure yours would be it!

[@amymurphy8656]

I love my Stanwood ball winder, and I had to chime in to say their customer service is superb. They responded so quickly to my issue and sent out a replacement part for me that I received in only a few days (and I’m across the country from them). I highly recommend!! Also-steeking makes me feel like a magician so definitely STEEK!

[@dianaw9829]

Hi Andrea, happy birthday! I haven't tried steeking yet, but it seems very popular so it's probably time to get over the fear and try in. I've seen a cute mug holder pattern that uses steeking - a little less threatening way to learn! So until I learn how to steek, I'd just slog through purling on color work. I also measure my work from just under the needle.

[@FibreBound]

I would totally choose steeking! I have never steeked a garment but am really keen to try this technique and I have knit colourwork flat but didn’t enjoy it as much as knitting it in the round.

[@lsdev4229]

I will always choose steeking over purling coulor work patterns. Thanks for asking these important questions Andrea., 🥰Sharon.

[@SS_S.]

Oh my goodness. You're my favourite knitwear designer and I love your style. I'm currently knitting a shifty using about 50 tiny scraps of leftover sock yarn. I can't believe I only found your KZbin channel today for the first time!

[@judyperodeau1081]

I like to knit across and purl across with colorwork; it is a good skill builder for me 😊 ty for your show Andrea

[@marydeloria8352]

Strongly in the steeking camp! I work mostly with handspun and will even steek cotton and silk with no issues.

[@bettyfockler551]

Thanks being for my every Friday lunch partner! I look forward to it! Am I the only knitter in the world who enjoys purling? I’ve steeked and it’s ok. I don’t like the bulk of the steeked fabric. And I’d much rather Purl and be finished than have more finishing work to do on my project. Thanks for your generous birthday discount - 3 new patterns in my que!

[@susanlaakso9506]

Hi Andrea, Steeking is definitely my choice. Love your designs and happy belated birthday.

[@acornknits]

Definitely would always choose steeking over purling colourwork. Steeking is *so much* fun and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of cutting through your knitting ✨

[@luciennetompkins7059]

Hi Andrea, thank you so much for another fun episode! I haven't tried purling in colorwork or steeking, yet, but I am eager to try steeking with non-superwash yarn that uses needle-felting to stabilize it prior to cutting it open.

[@Sarah-hm3vi]

I would definitely try steeking! Have been wanting to tackle that one for ages. I have never tried to do colourwork in purl but the idea does hurt my brain, like someone else said below!

[@mikieileen1061]

Definitely steek! I just did my first steek project, and for colour work and knitting in the round, there are a whole bunch of patterns I can consider now.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

The fiber is also under less stress when its in a hank.. it also shows off the colorway much better, especially for colorblocked or gradient yarn. Hanks also ship a lot easier and take up less space and therefore are cheaper to mail.

[@catherinemccray447]

As a dyer for an independent hand dyer I can confirm the stress factor on the yarn when it is wound, but also would greatly increase the cost per skein due to the labor costs. Yarn shops can wind for customers a few skeins at a time, but for a dyer it’s would mean a much larger additional personnel and time commitment. I’m on the fence in the Steek/Purl preference. Definitely steeking for non-superwash yarns, but purling for those that yarns that don’t have the grip.

[@eatmopoi]

I loved purling this cardi, I used the Portuguese knitting method with the pin for the first time knitting the colorwork on this sweater and it was sooooo much fun! I was fast and super enjoyable. I was bummed when the colorwork was over.

[@susanmaguire3792]

Hi Andrea, I've made a few of your color work sweaters that required purling and love them (Heartstrings, Throwback) . I think that if you put out a color work cardigan that required steeking along with step by step videos I would try it for the first time. I have honestly stayed away from any European pattern that required steeking.

[@monicascrap]

Hi Andrea love your podcast! Unlike most people I don’t mind purling tho I’ve never steeked anything and wouldn’t mind trying that too.

[@kelipotter847]

Great episode!! I LOVE steeking!!!! Was scared my first time, but it’s become addictive!!!

[@VivianneLaBanane]

Happy belated birthday! Never done either one, but I would definitely try steeking rather than purling colorwork.

[@susanlaird4944]

I would MUCH prefer purling than steeking! Thanks for asking our opinion. One of these days I want to knit your Throwback sweater and hope it’s sooner rather than later.

[@joanmather7218]

I'm not too keen on massive colorwork so steek it is. I'm going to make my first cardigan this winter. My balls improved a lot by: having winder and swift level; both about 6' apart; have the winder metal coil in line with swift, keeping some consistent manual tension on yarn coming into winder. All tips gleaned from podcasters.

[@susandorrington7623]

I would choose purling over steeking EVERY time. I won't choose a steeking pattern because I think the option should always exist for someone to unravel the knitting and repurpose the yarn.

[@cynthiaroy9950]

You’re so cute and so talented!! I enjoy and appreciate your podcasts( and ALL your many patterns) so very much! Thank you for the tutorials and help you provide!❤️

[@ingriddurfee6582]

BEST yarn winder is Stanwood. Steeking is on my bucket list, but I should probably learn to purl colorwork as well at some point. I really prefer top down though, so you can try it on & potentially frog before you’ve completed the entire body.

[@bridgetattheravelldsleave156]

Another interesting podcast, thanks for all of this info. I think I might be the only person on earth who doesn't mind purling ... ;-)

[@aprilvaughn9725]

In terms of the skein, I've also been told for longer term storage skein is better bc less tension on the yarn and that during winding yarn gets stretched. I like akeins bc I feel like I can get a better look at the color and feel the squish of the yarn. A lot of local yarn shops will wind yarn if you buy it from them.

[@ruthdarelius3194]

I have actually done colorwork both ways. Steaking is relatively easy to do - it is easier to do with a non slippery yarn. I guess for your future designs yarn choice will determine steaking or back and forth. When I was much younger I knit a colorwork vest that used both back and forth and in the round knitting - I guess as a teen I didn’t think about it, I just did what the pattern called for.

[@KirstyKnitsnSews]

Thanks again for sharing all your knitty knowledge! When I measure I always go to the top of the finished fabric and don't include the stitches on the needle 🙂

[@virginiariolo9932]

Hi. I was hesitant to do steeking because once it is cut, what if the sweater didn’t fit. With the new cord that you can put your sweater on while knitting, it is easy to try on as you go and I no longer have this problem. Also, I prefer to sew my steek edges before cutting. My sewing machine died and while there is a technique to crochet the steek area, I didn’t feel comfortable doing that so I borrowed a machine and once I sewed the area I was good to go. It’s actually quite fun to cut through the knitting. Word of warning, put something between the layer you are cutting and the rest of the sweater so you don’t cut both layers by mistake. Haven’t done that, but it would be awful.

[@bnwaters108]

🙋‍♀️ I vote for steeking! One of the main reasons I haven’t knit the throwback is because I do not want to purl in colorwork!

[@annamarasco262]

I have a Stanwood heavy duty ball winder and a Lykke. They are both very good for larger put ups, like Cascade Eco or Malabrigo Rasta both come in. The Stanwood is cheaper but the Lykke is prettier. I have both because I bought the Lykke on small biz Saturday and my husband got me the Stanwood around the same time as a gift. I rotate between them. They are equally portable for taking to knitting meet ups where other knitters may need to wind.

[@Ladyredwingrider]

I love my wooden ball winder from Fiber Artist Supply Co, it’s so smooth winding, my Stanwood is put in the closet. I much rather purl color work only because I rather knit a sweater/ cardigan in flat. 😊

[@deborahjean3816]

I love my Fiber Artist Supply winder as well. I have an older plastic “industry standard” winder that I used to dread using as it is so temperamental and was not comfortable to use. The Fiber Artist wooden winder is a pleasure and I agree it is so smooth. 👍🏻

[@basketcase2384]

I have their amish wooden swift and it is a game changer!

[@beverlysnow9315]

I’ve just received the Fiber Artist Supply ball winder and am looking forward to using it this weekend. I love their swift! I have used the blue/white plastic winder, and with all our humidity in south Florida, it has an issue with rust/corrosion..

[@shllybkwrm]

I haven't done it yet but I would steek 😂 I've tried purling colorwork and it hurts my brain!

[@deannacassiere2594]

A steek can also be needle felted, Meg Swanson did a blog post. Also, hanks are easier to tidy on yarn store shelves.

[@mindfulmelbournemaker]

Hi Andrea - I haven't done a colourwork cardigan yet but would be comfortable doing either way, but I knit English style and this may make a difference! Also, my ball winder is from Knitpro - and it is fantastic! Not too expensive either.

[@sarajoyce7231]

Steek!! I don't like purling in general, much less color work! Plus seeing the garment change so suddenly is really satisfying.

[@annalauren321]

Steek. I don't know how, but will be learning for any future cardigans. I'm currently slogging through one with purling, and I know I'll love the FO, but it's not very fun, which is the point of knitting, IMO.

[@galeannvandevoort6748]

I prefer to knit colorwork in the round and steek. Thank you for all the gems of knowledge.

[@amyj9907]

I was just thinking about your Golden Hour shawl, and so I loved seeing you wearing it today! In answer to your question, I’d rather steek than purl colorwork.

[@missmollyw.5066]

it's a beautiful shawl.

[@familjenasenklint60]

Hi! I have nothing against purling so I have knitted several cardigans flat, that way you can frog and use the yarn again if you are disappointed in the shape or size.

[@squeelit]

I remember hearing somewhere (possibly from Barbara Knits) that putting your yarn in a ball or cake puts the strands under tension and can effect the yarn if kept that way in a prolonged period of time. Almost like guitar or piano strings that will lose the correct notes if held taught for too long, and then need their tension adjusted again to achieve the correct note. It could also be a matter of time and cost effectiveness to the dyers to spend all the time balling up every skein before packaging. There are sellers that will ball or cake up for you, when asked nicely. In the 'skein' of things, having a good winder, or local yarn shop that'll let you use there's for free, are the best solutions available to me. 100% steeking for myself. My first project after a 10 year hiatus from knitting was a Marley Bird KAL cardigan. I just remember loving the pattern pictured and diving right in without reading ahead. I began to be suspicious at some point while knitting the body (in the round) that the button band had to be added somehow... Sure enough, the next video began with a pep talk, words of encouragement, and every instruction needed to get the cardigan cut open and the needles inserted for the added button band. It was a piece of cake. The back stitching to secure the edge was time consuming, yet rewarding. I loved the added benefit of being able to try it on as a 'sweater' to know that the cardigan would fit perfectly when buttoned all the way up.

[@celestedouville2529]

Steeking for the win. I did purchase the Throwback Cardigan on impulse before I fully read the techniques and have not knit it because -steeking for the win!

[@miriamalbert8587]

I love steeking! First time was scary but it worked great and is so much faster than back and forth to knit in the round!

[@kathyphillips3473]

Awwwwww you have the shawl on that I am fixing to knit,,, I’m a new knitter,, and I’m so excited to try it.😃 Your patterns are Gorgeous. Thank you!

[@jessmakingit]

Great Q&A. I don't really have a big preference between steeking and purling colorwork, in that I see advantages to both. I find steeking daunting at the end of so much work, but I'll do it. I don't mind purling colorwork on the whole, but I know that I need more practice to get my tension to be exactly the same between purling colorwork and knitting colorwork. This is odd to me, since my normal knits and purls are surprisingly the same tension. I think it's because I tend to purl in a modified continental style, whereas, I can make knit stitches both continental and English, as well as Eastern style equally comfortably. I think my biggest hurdle to purling colorwork is getting my head around remembering to read the chart back & forth instead of in the round, since I kind of go on auto-pilot defaulting to reading in the round when doing colorwork. I think I might want to practice purling colorwork more, since I enjoy purling (in the way that I do) and it also gives me looser tension for colorwork than knit stitches. I just need to work on getting them tight enough to be more similar to any knit rows. There's also a bigger difference in tension for me between purling "modified continental" and English style purling. When I say modified continental, my purling sort of looks like a hybrid between Portuguese and Norwegian purling, so the yarn distance is very similar to that of knitting continental, thus the tensions are very close to identical. Anyway, I think that whether I'd want to purl colorwork or steek, would depend on the yarn and the sweater style. It's great fun to knit a huge tube and then steek for the front, as well as armholes. BTW, I just purchased the Weekender pattern with the idea that I really want to do "Spin It, To Knit It". We shall see.

[@Jennaladue]

Andrea, I have steeked before, it was ok. I would choose to purl on a color work cardigan over steeking.

[@saraw8503]

I have never steeked but am open to trying it. One of the customers in my LYS did a beautiful Marie Wallin pattern and the steekng operation was done by the entire staff and clientele of the shop. It was a beautiful success!

[@kimcunningham2107]

Well last week you thought it was October and today you referred to it as "Friday" and it's Thursday!!! I had to check my calendar...I thought I missed a day! Hahahahaha. Love you! 🤣❤️ Maybe I misunderstood what you said. I have heat stroke from this unbearable summer heat!!! 😂🥵🔥

[@pippamccullough3766]

Steeking!!! 100% I will alter flat patterns to work them in the round to avoid purling color work. Plus then you can take ANY pullover and make it a cardi!

[@gretabradley7660]

Steeking is so satisfying. I would much rather steek colorwork than purl. Love you vlog!

[@lisaschweitzer7767]

I taught myself to knit backwards left handed so that I could teach a left-handed friend, and i do that instead of purling back in color work so I can see what I’m doing. So flat color work is not problem for me. I’ve also steeked a bunch of sweaters. It’s fine. I’m indifferent. I will say that people who balk about drop shoulders and “excess fabric” in the sleeves also recommend steeking, and in my experience steeking does increase the bulk just as much if not more than a drop sleeve. That’s my only problem with steeking.

[@pattigolden1]

Honestly, the first time I ever did color work I had no idea what I was doing so I purled away & now it makes no difference to me, I just didn't overthink it. Luckily purling doesn't bother me & I don't understand those that hate it. 🤷 I never paid attention when I was measuring, I had to look, I start at JUST below the cord too. I love my Stanwood ballwinder, BUT I wish there was a smaller one just for minis,it always seems that the 'core' is too large & you have awkward little cakes.

[@sherriheare8425]

I hope Nervous in NY does a great job with that center purl stitch that repeats. I have that pattern but I haven't tried it yet. I have trouble with this sort of thing typically in knitting even though I knit tightly (without meaning to).

[@aleciawilliamson7225]

I knit the Spark Cardi this spring and it was my first steek! It’s not so scary anymore. 😉 Now I feel like I’ll always choose steeking over purling colorwork.

[@mrsshep18]

I'm down for trying steeking, but it intimidates me. One day I will try it! But I have only made 2 cardigans/sweaters ever. So once I get more experienced and look more into steeking, and learning how to do it, I will most likely give it a go!

[@jenniferkesler7934]

Love your podcast! I prefer steeking, but am happy to convert a pattern worked flat to a steek when I knit it.

[@Fandmvidz]

Hi Andrea, I would chose steeking vs purlin colourwork. love your videos.

[@chantald9661]

I have never steeked (yet!) and not a fan of purling… but I am practicing purling the Portuguese way and I like it. so I think I could manage purling colourwork by combining Portuguese and English style knitting

[@ceasmithdavis4284]

Steeking all the way! Alpenglow is gorgeous

[@smileNbarrett4sure]

When yarn is wound into a ball it can stretch the fibers. Due to the manufacturing process. It doesn't bloom as well as winding a loose ball. Hope this helps!

[@claireturner6545]

I’m in a steek-along right now!! I love steeking 😍 Currently going to steek the arm and neck holes for Marie Wallin’s Fleur

[@TheMakersCorner]

I would 100% prefer to steek than to do all that purling. Really enjoyed this episode, thank you!

[@embracingfiberarts1950]

I'm not anti-purl but would prefer steeking! For the loose seam stitch issue: when we go from a purple stitch to a knot stitch we use more yarn which can lead to a loose row. I have good success with wrapping my yarn around the opposite way when going from a purl to a knit. Just make sure to untwist that stitch on the next row!

[@peggymowry2548]

Hello Andrea! I much prefer steeking! I’m actually making Hélène Magnússon’s Maja Cardigan right now. The sleeves have a wide stranded colorwork band at the cuff, so for the first time, I used Mary Elizabeth Scott’s method (in her book Teach Yourself Visually Color Knitting), which is to make two-at-a-time-sleeves using 2 steeks so they can be knit with only one EOR marker and cut apart. It worked beautifully on 24” circs - so exciting!

[@connik3553]

Hey Andrea, thank you so much for another lovely episode. I would love to knit a colourwork cardigan based on one of your patterns - and I would rather steek than purl ;-)

[@SweeTart77kkibble]

Doesn’t winding tend to stretch the yarn a bit? I was told to only wind my yarn close to when I plan on using it. (Yarn shop owner). Also I would prefer to steer than purl colorwork. And I’ve never steered yet! Haha. Crazy pants

[@melitacarder]

I’d much prefer to Purl rather than steek!! I have issues with cutting up yarn (have yet to do a steeked garment) because I feel yarn is precious and if I don’t love the finished product I’d want the option to be able to rip and reknit it all again. I’ve done this several times and can’t bring myself to steek yet 💚

[@heathermacmillan3076]

I prefer to use a steek even if the pattern is written for back and forth flat pieces. The reason is that I find the fabric I get is much stretchier and smoother when I knit stranded colourwork in the round.

[@miekevanreet2544]

Happy knitting and a nice weekend

[@paulabarrow1559]

I am scared to death of steeking! Having said that, I guess I am the odd ball because I enjoy purling!

[@folkartjane]

Hi I would steek. Purling slows me down. Before cutting into my own knitting I went to the thrift store & got a sweater, steeked it, used stash scraps for bands & ended up with a cute cardi ! Now ill face the fear! Blessings

[@jodiengle6892]

I actually do try to check my gauge as I knit. It is a good idea for the way I knit. My gauge does tend to grow after the sleeve divide on a top down sweater. I think I just relax after the top where I was concentrating on increases and any yoke patterning if it has that.

[@debwild2261]

Steekng vs pearling hmm. As I Haven't done steeking before, this will be a new skill. It feels scarey to cut my work though, but I'd love to try it some day. What do you suggest is a good, easy first attempt project?

[@debbiec9680]

I would choose steeking over purling as I think my tension would be more even over trying to knit colour work whilst purling.

[@edmistoncreations]

Definitely steeking over purling colorwork for cardi’s!

[@celestegarcia486]

I haven't tried purling color work knitting, but, I am leaning towards steeking. Thanks!

[@henrikssonlina]

Would definitely prefer to steek! Even if the cardigan isn't colorwork! The superlong purlrows are not my fave. 🙈

[@sarahmatthews2737]

I always measure the rows right up to the needle but not including the needle. I was wondering this myself and have seen knitters of the professional variety say not to include the needle. 👍🏻

[@wovenflame6182]

I definitely prefer knitting in the round and then steeking rather than purling colourwork. It is not that I can't read the chart, it is because I knit colourwork patterns with a strand of yarn in each hand. I haven't found a way to easily do that when the stranding is facing me because I am purling.

[@purlmonster]

I'm going to say it, my Throwback cardi was modified to steek it, and I would do it again any day. Once I overcame the fear of cutting into it, it was fun!

[@marapowell8659]

Steek! I would absolutely rather steek than purl (though I don't really hate purling). One of my favorite sweaters is steeked and I'm so happy with it! It's non-superwash, but I put a WIDE steek panel to give myself grace-room (9stitches) and I sewed along either side of my intended cut stitch before steeking and then also crocheting the edge. I actually bought ribbon to cover it, but my crocheted edge is so pretty.

[@alip.9740]

I haven't done either but I would attempt steeking before purling colorwork.

[@leitesta1725]

Steeking! I’m livin on the edge!!!