The Finchley Graft // Technique Tuesday

This method of grafting produces the same result as the Kitchener stitch, but is easier to learn, remember, and execute. It can be used to graft stockinette fabric from the purl side. This technique was described in Volume 4 of the Finchley Manuals of Industry, published in 1852, as a method of repairing stockings and other things (no mention was made of using it to close sock toes).
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To jump to a specific point in the video, click on the adjacent time-stamped link:
Introduction 0:00
Finchley graft: 0:25
Where did I leave off? What to do if you lose your place: 3:44
Catching mistakes before they happen: 4:20
Finishing the graft/final steps: 4:40
Information about this technique, and a bit about the history of grafted sock toes: 5:22
Swatch instructions to practice the Finchley graft: www.ravelry.com/discuss/rox-r...
Finchley Manual of Industry #4; Plain Needle-work and all its branches: tinyurl.com/y2levdqu
The earliest sock patterns from WWI to incorporate a grafted toe seem to have come out of Australia. This pattern appeared in an Australian newspaper 22 Sept 1914, just two months after the start of the war. It uses the technique we call the Kitchener stitch today, although it was referred to simply as grafting. tinyurl.com/y2e5zjtz
The British Red Cross booklet of patterns published in 1914 includes a sock with a round toe and a drawstring closure. It's not clear when/if the British Red Cross published patterns later in the war that included a grafted toe. tinyurl.com/yy42tomn
If you have questions about this video, or suggestions for future videos, please let me know down in the comments or on Ravelry.
Rox Rocks Ravelry group: www.ravelry.com/groups/rox-rocks
Facebook: / roxknits
Twitter: / roxmpls

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I apparently didn't make it clear in the video WHY I thought "The Finchley Graft" would be a good name for this technique. The book where I found it was "Plain Needle-work and all its branches," Vol #4 of the Finchley Manuals of Industry, published in 1852. There's a link in the video description to the digitized book, if you're interested.

[@justplainamerican]

You said that in the video I think. I know I got that bit of info from the video anyhow.

[@shirleyncesar]

I would pin this to the top of the comments, if that’s possible...or you might get this question a bunch of times since not everyone scrolls through the comments. Just a thought. Thanks again for rediscovering and sharing this lost-to-us technique!

[@fizzknit9446]

Don't worry..... you did mention WHY you thought 'The Finchley Graft' ... its at 5:42 in the video and onwards. Thank you so much for this method, really so much easier than Kitchener.

[@gy2gy246]

If we can name a CO after a Chinese waitress in a diner, you can name a stitch after a manual. My next pair might even be top-down.

[@Deeverti]

I have been trying to finish a cowl with 4 attempts. I like the yarn but the pattern and yarn were in differently dyed yarns. So the graft takes place over live stitches in a solid purple and live stitched with two ply, one white and one bright blue...They also are yarns not heavily spun. It just does not look great. So I found a couple of videos on the FINCHLEY GRAFT, but this morning found YOUR VIDEO. THANK YOU

[@captainswing4487]

🇬🇧 For services to humanity and sanity I dub you Dame Roxanne.

[@GreatMotherofThree]

Thank you, thank you and thank you! Trying to graft a bag strap for the first time, I attempted kitchener stitch on a swatch and kept thinking, “THIS is ridiculously complicated; it should be easier.” And now I know there IS an easier way with the Finchley Graft. You are a born instructor. No wasted words and excellent visual on how to do this graft.

[@ljnoble5171]

Thank you very much. Finally I have a graft method which I can do without having to have a youtube video on repeat for every single stitch.

[@user-ik3hh6zl3c]

So easy! Thank you for sharing the history of sock toes, too. Very interesting! I can't imagine how uncomfortable a sock toe that was just cinched at the end like a hat would be!

[@KimberlyEvelyn-b5x]

OMG! This is so-o-o much easier than the Kitchner stitch! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@knitgirl.7676]

I love this- and will try it. I must also be the one weird knitter who actually loves the Kitchener stitch. It’s kind of magical.

[@voyager9028]

There's at least two of us. I, also, enjoy doing the Kitchener stitch and then admiring the result.

[@shirleyncesar]

All that trouble “sort of” learning the Kitchener stitch and then you share this amazingly simple technique. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ thanks 😊

[@heyBrownBerry]

Roxanne you are such a GIFT to our community. I love that you had the forethought to include the possible pitfalls and what to do if you're interrupted during this technique. Brilliant!

[@mariateleptean8791]

Roxane, you are a God's given gift to the entire world. Thank you for this.

[@paquitatriana3721]

You made it look so easy. Thank you!!

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

I have learned more from your videos than I learned on my own in the last 30 years! Than you so much! ❤️

[@joycehyde4757]

I was in tears trying to learn the Kitchener stitch. After 7 hours, I looked for some other way to graft and found your video. I had cut the sleeves in half of a beautiful sweater I had just made, foolishly thinking I could add several rows to lengthen the sleeves and just easily put back together. After learning the Finchley stitch on the first sleeve, it only took 45 minutes to do the second. Thank you!!

[@2009jpierce]

Thank you so much for posting this! It is by far the easiest way to finish off the toe. Your explanation is so easy to follow. Thank you again!

[@denisesojka392]

I am so happy to see this method of grafting! A little late for the 100+ stitches of a shawl I did the kitchener with, but, oh so happy to have this for future projects! ❤

[@clee0615]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!!! It's so easy to follow, but more importantly, easy to remember. You have a gift of explaining things very clearly and you don't need an hour to do so.

[@elizabethedgcumbe7495]

Used to knit socks as a child of 12 years and was taught this method. Am now 79 and have watched this video as I need to join the centre of a scarf and thought I'd have to use the dreaded Kitchener stitch. Had completely forgotten this way of joining, thank you so much!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You are very welcome! I love hearing from long-time knitters who have known this method in the past and are reminded of it after watching this video. :-)

[@stephanies-g686]

Well, this is SO much simpler than the Kitchener stitch - I don't know why more people don't know about it - I love this method. Thank you for bringing it to everyone's attention.

[@angelaarcher2355]

I’m just getting back into knitting, and this graft looks so much easier. Less movements and more intuitive.

[@heidicook2395]

Thank you so very much! This will make joining any two pieces with live stitches so much easier!

[@hawkeyesgirl2244]

This looks so much easier than Kitchener thank you

[@Skwan168]

I tried so many, thank you so much for making this video. This one worked perfectly for binding an icord.

[@brendasolanki8424]

This is so brilliantly simple. Thanks for bringing it to 2019! Sometimes those old ways are so impressive, if someone, like you, finds them for us.

[@megster67]

Isn't it though?! I can't wait to try it.

[@feliciaweatherspoon2303]

Thank you Roxanne, as always!! ❤

[@allisonhodge4576]

Oh my you have done it again!!! Saved my butt! I am about to need to graft 252 thread stitches after what feels like an eternity knitting a dainty shawl! Thank you so much! Love from MN

[@semprelegato10]

Bingo! I replied to your last Casual Friday, mentioning some older relatives....this, as you guessed, is the way they grafted. Only difference, they took the work off their needles, and if more than a few stitches, put it on waste yarn and just pulled the waste yarn out when the graft was complete. I'm guessing the use of the darning egg was because, as the manual referenced, this method also used for repairing, and they darned a LOT of socks. I personally prefer taking it off the needles and I just work the graft with the open seam held vertically so my grafting stitches are horizontally done. They grafted everything this way, shoulders, etc. NO DOG EARS this way. FYI they also sometimes did a few short rows on the last toe rows to produce a more rounded toe. Aunt Sade's husband had a particularly long big toe, and she added the short rows for the big toe side, thus making a right and a left sock. I'm on a mission now. I'll bet this manual contains some tricks I've forgotten about ...back in the day, it was all about making life easier. In particular, they did their decreases for the toe differently, you could not see the decreases and I'd like to find that. If you were kntting socks for 8 little and 2 big feet, that was a lot of knitting. Your epiphany has been my supreme pleasure to observe!!!

[@vorvayne5935]

This is amazing! I feel like when we (or society) jumped on loads of new inventions for machine-manufacturing things, we sortof "threw out the baby with the bathwater" and just forgot a lot of older techniques. You can see this with spinning and with weaving and sewing and all sorts. I'm so glad some people still remember! And that we have an archive of old books to look through.

[@sacredsortilege]

This is so brilliant! Thank you for sharing this technique.

[@macolemarn]

Love all your videos-you teach with such clarity but I think you changed most of the knitting world with this one!

[@stitchknit72]

What a simple way to graft! Who would have thought one could get the Kitchener result so easily. Thank you for bringing this to us.

[@simplynej]

I can NOT wait to try this out!!! Fabulous!

[@annpretorius647]

Easiest method yet.🙏thanks.

[@doreenbautista5498]

I have done the Kitchener stitch several times, but I don't like doing it. I watched your video and was amazed. It looks so simple now. I must drop everything and go make socks now!

[@jmckenna1956]

Thank you so much for your straightforward instructions and historical note on the Finchley graft. I have spent literally months looking for a grafting technique I could use and not forget when interrupted, or have to start over after barely an inch of progress because I can’t figure out where I left off. All this as a result of a mistake on my part: assuming that it would be easy to put back together a top down sweater in which the top part was réunit. I naively expected to be able to reattach its bottom the same way they were initially knit. That’s an amateur knitter for you. Anyway, I think I can see clearly now and this time I’m pretty sure I can do it! Thanks for your easily understandable approach. Wish me luck!

[@tomato7074]

Thank you so much for introducing this finchley grafting. For me, your finchley grafting is much much easier than kitchtner stitches.

[@ChristineSK]

Thank you! I just used this to close up the headband loop for the 1898 Hat and it was almost perfect when it was just my first go at grafting!

[@malinlindqvist3455]

You have officially saved, not only my life (as a knitter) but my sanity!! THANK YOU SO VERY; VERY MUCH.

[@joanmiller7519]

Thanks so much for finding and demonstrating the Finchley Graft. I’m finishing my socks for the August Sock KAL and used this technique to close the toe of my socks. I like it a lot and am looking forward to sharing this with friends.

[@mariansnair972]

Just tried this technique for the first time...I’m in love..thank you for making it so easy 🌹

[@helenevallee6ix]

Life-changing! Thank you so much for sharing this technique

[@faewells2873]

Easiest and best grafting tutorial I’ve seen. Thank you.

[@abblik]

Thank you! I can't wait to try it as it looks so much easier!!

[@jarahdawg]

Just used it to graft underarm stitches on a sweater. Worked great .

[@suehenderson9862]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Finally…the dog ears are gone! After so many years of sock knitting! I use so many of the techniques you demonstrate…can’t thank you enough!

[@kerridinsmore1528]

Oh my goodness this is brilliant and such a gem of a find! Thank you for the vid. No more kitchener. :)

[@peggyyetter9490]

The consensus seems to be that this technique is for sock toes but I used it to graft flat material in the middle of a sleeve that I knitted too long. It was a raglan sleeve with increased bottom half and decreased top half. I just didn't want to rip back that much knitting so I tried this technique and it worked perfectly. So much faster and easier to understand than the kitchner stitch. The sleeve even had a center patterned panel of purl stitches and that even worked by flipping the pieces over and keeping the purl side to the front. Roxanne, thanks so much for finding and demonstrating this technique.

[@joan9569]

Wow! In a way I'm glad that this "Finchley" grafting didn't come to light earlier. If it had, I probably wouldn't have persevered in learning the Kitchener graft. Thank you. You're a marvel (that's a good thing).🙂

[@paulagrnsy]

This craft is absolutely brilliant. It's so sad that it has been "lost" for so many years. Every time you say that there are so many different ways to accomplish the same thing in knitting, I think about Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets.

[@vskywark]

Roxanne, I looked at the Finchley manual by way of your link, and I have to say, hats off to you for deciphering that beast!

[@evelynwald9132]

So interesting and easy. Now if the stitch can be made with the sock inside out, there must be a way to work it so that the sock is right side out. Love how you find all of these interesting details about knitting and share them with us.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

The Kitchener Stitch process is the method on the RS of the work. The path the yarn has to take through the stitches in order to replicate a row of knitting just differs, based on the orientation of the sts.

[@evelynwald9132]

@@RoxanneRichardson Well that makes sense and good to know too! I appreciate learning to understand how read stitches and how they interact with one another. Thank you!

[@TheCarolynrose]

Love this method. Thank you so much. 😊❤️

[@vadec5909]

Wow! I really like this graft best!! Thank you so much. It appears easiest and will be trying it shortly!

[@laetitiaclark2871]

Thank you so much for sharing this with the knitting community. This is a game changer. Your video is clear and so easy to understand.

[@SarahTen]

WOW! Thank you so much for sharing this... I just did my first succesfull graft in over 10 years of knitting.

[@anniejohnson6082]

I will never be able to thank you enough for this! Absolutely brilliant! You saved my sweater and my sanity! I'll never graft any other way!

[@nmch66]

I started knitting toe up socks because I despise the Kitchener stitch, thank you for your instruction on the Finchley graft. I’m going to do a cuff down pair of socks and practice it in them. Again thank you

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You are so welcome!

[@lauramagann536]

First, I love your shirt!! Second thank you for this, and thank you for such a beautifully done video. Your voice is nice to hear, you don't repeat yourself and you're straightforward in your descriptions and instructions. It's really awesome to listen to!! Your instructions are the best I've ever heard anyone do! Thank you!!

[@MichelleHotchkissArt]

This is the best! I’m a new loom knitter and zero experience with needle knitting. The Kitchener stitch that I used for my first pair of socks was very stressful and difficult. This is sooo much easier and seems to have a nice tension without even trying. Thank you!!

[@LourdesMann]

What a great technique. Thank you for sharing it with us. I can't wait to try it out.

[@ConnyNordlicht]

Thank you so much- you inspire me in so many ways ! Be blessed!

[@mariehansen2534]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge about the Finchley Grafting Technique. Both of my Grandmother's were beautiful knitters and used this method of finishing. My Mother was always going to show me this method but as time went on and Grandchildren arrived the need for knitting socks was not important, it was little boys sweaters, caps and jackets where the thing. I asked her one day if she had time could she show me how to graft the toe of a sock like she used to and she couldn't remember. I too had forgotten the name until I saw it mentioned in your tutorial. Thank you for sharing, it really means so much. ame

[@DanaBarbieri]

Wow! I love this method. Thank you for sharing.

[@lindawalker8949]

I just used the kitchener stitch for the first time in my last project. What a relief to have found this grafting method. Thx.

[@theastewart6721]

Great technique! Love the history you give along with it. Thanks for sharing!

[@vivianlee4848]

Wow, so easy! Definitely going to try it. Thank you once again!

[@AmyVancura]

I can’t wait to try this technique, thank you so much!!!

[@rooiehex]

Wow!! This is like magic! Thank you for sharing...

[@NinaKeilin]

Thank you, Rox. Another fascinating dive into history--and useful tip for us!

[@ginnylynn1]

Thank you 🙏 I love your clear explanation. Definitely going to try this technique ❣️🧶

[@cindypierce6269]

Thank you so much for finding and sharing this with all of us. I am trying it today.

[@mariehansen2534]

Beautifully presented, crafted and innovative. Thank goodness you showed us. 😊

[@susanpeterson9947]

I don’t knit socks (mostly because I live in Florida and I only wear socks once or twice in the winter). So I rarely need Kitchener, but the few times I’ve tried it, I just couldn’t understand why it had to be so complicated. THANK YOU so much for showing us that it doesn’t have to be!

[@doraschmora4887]

Looks perfect and so simple, thanks for sharing!

[@merrylrosenthal]

Amazing--you and the Finchley graft. Thank you!

[@n.ayisha]

brilliant (as always), Roxanne. i am really enjoying all of the historical source material you have been bringing to our attention.

[@Jan-kk6uw]

Thanks so much for sharing and all the historical research. Without your efforts this would never have been discovered. Bravo!

[@daphneraven9439]

Thank you very kindly, Roxanne Richardson! The Finchley will surely come in handy. I’ve always enjoyed the Kitchener stitch to close up socks and mittens, but would have to re-learn it after being away from making socks or mitts for a while. This seems much easier to remember... I can’t help but wonder why this would possibly have fallen out of common use in favour of the Kitchener. :)

[@suekey8048]

So much easier than some of the convoluted ways that I have seen. Thank you so much

[@Bar-Hillel]

Having cut a jumper to lengthen it I was all set to Kitchener stitch the 'hem' back but I could not get the hang of it. I used this and did the job in no time. I could not see the point at which I switched from one stitch type to the other and the only give away is where I had a couple of stitches twisted, which is my fault and a small thing. I shall use the Finchley graft from now on. Thank you. I also have to say that I love how you gave credit to the book from which you got this, rather than claiming it as your own, as others who have got it from you are doing.

[@suzanadanna]

Thank you for showing me an easier way to finish the toe. I like the example and your history lesson as well!

[@gretchenpatrick5585]

Oh my goodness! I'm going to use this on the next sock I knit. Looks great!

[@crivensro]

WOW! Thank you so much for your video! This is a brilliant alternative and so well explained!

[@helencaudill1583]

How great is this!!! Thank you so much.

[@teresameyer4574]

Wow. I’m so excited. The Finchley graft really is easy and works quickly👏👏. Thanks so much

[@kathyspitler4947]

Super technique ! I have shared this with all my knitty friends!!

[@caroljuniper5100]

Genius! Many thanks. This predates the usual Kitchener stitch so well done for finding it.

[@cindyjurek7325]

Thanks for sharing the Finchely. I’m going to have to give it a try.

[@vivianlee4848]

Awesome! Just used it and it worked like a dream! Thank you!!

[@grannaboo03]

Brilliant and very intuitive! Thank you for demonstrating it. I am returning to knitting after a 10 yr hiatus, and I am so glad I found your channel.

[@pokagal7335]

Roxi, this is a life saver!!! The best grafting technique indeed. Cannot express how grateful I am for this knowledge.

[@joanieoverman4527]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! No more Kitchener stitch for me.

[@moondance208]

Nicely done. Clear & interesting. I will try this on my next top down socks. Thank you.

[@Melmaz32]

Thank you! This is a wonderfully easy way to finish a toe!

[@annakatris6348]

Hello Roxanne, I was at this point of my socks, so I gave it a go. Game changer, Love it. Thank you.

[@DragonZene]

What a neat technique! I’m adding it to my tool kit.

[@kathhollandful]

Excellent! Your videos are always so clear and well filmed Roxanne. Every stitch is visible. Thanks. 🇬🇧

[@pamelapruitt2558]

My preferred method of knitting socks is two at a time toes up, so this wouldn't be needed for the toes. However, I love to knit afterthought heels but hatehatehate grafting the heel seam. This will be such a Great help to me. Thank you!

[@Lynne-G]

Thank you so much. I have just finished my second pair of adult socks in a sports weight yarn. I did the kitchener stitch on the first sock and I was not happy with the bulk that appeared at either end of the graft. I also found it difficult to keep the tension appropriate and struggled to pull the working yarn through the graft stitches. Found your tutorial and tried this graft on the second sock - i love it. I love your explanation and clear instructions. This graft looks 100% better than the first sock. I'm going to keep them this way to see how they wear on the person's foot and as a reminder for me.

[@msmasongirl]

practical knitting tip and history lesson in one. love it!

[@brendasolanki8424]

I have just finished a sock for my granddaughter using this technique. It's so easy! I was glad I could refer back to your video to do it.Thank you so much for such a clear demo AND for re-discovering this old method. Now casting on another sock or two or three to give myself practice. HUgs.

[@maimie603]

This is a game changer, Thank you for share😊