Hello all! I’m a beginner knitter currently working on a cardigan in pieces and it requires me to knit a back, 2 fronts (left and right), and 2 sleeves. The pattern states that I need to join the 2 fronts on the left and right ends of the back piece.
My question is, is it possible to do the 3-needle bind off to join the front to the back (38 stitches), then transition to a regular bind off (36 stitches), then switch back to a 3-needle bind off to join the other front piece (38 stitches) continuously? I hope I’m making sense
Back: 112 stitches
Front: 38 stitches
Or should I just cast off each piece separately, then seam using a mattress stitch or perhaps use a crochet hook?
Welcome to the forum!
That’s a very good idea and promotes you from beginner to the next higher class of knitter. Yes you can certainly join with 3NBO then bind off the center back and continue with 3NBO on the second shoulder. It’s good to use this sturdy bind off wherever you can.
Thank you! Good to know that it is possible as I dread the mattress stitch
Is it okay to attach the sleeves and seam side of the body using a crochet hook? I’ve looked at some videos, and it doesn’t seem so much bulkier compared to mattress.
I haven’t tried this probably because I’m so klutsy with a crochet hook. I mostly use a back stitch for shaped areas like sleeve caps and mattress stitch or a back stitch seam everywhere else.
I don’t see why a crochet seam wouldn’t work. If you’re in doubt you can always test it out on a couple of swatches. Mattress stitch is also worth practicing because it is so pretty but that’s a personal preference.
An additional question, if I may. I’m thinking of using the yarn from the back piece to bind off everything. What needs to be done then to the two tails from the front pieces? Do I just simply weave them in afterwards?
http://www.vogueknitting.com/pattern_help/how-to/beyond_the_basics/seaming
Sweater knitting is what I love.
This is short tutorial on the different seams for knitted garments. A crochet join for the sides while strong is on the bulky side. I strongly recommend you learn the mattress stitch. It’s not hard at all. Kitchener stitch is not often needed for sweaters. The 3 needle bind off is great for the shoulder.
Actually, I always weave in ends BEFORE seaming as then you have a nice clean fabric to work with. I sew up and finish garments for knitters who hate sewing and find this is the best way. It is also easier to block the pieces if they haven’t got lots of ends.
