Kitchener Stitch Ears

#1

How do you get rid of the ‘ears’ that appear on both sides of the kitchener stitch? I’d like to know:

  1. How to avoid it in the first place (for future projects)
  2. If it’s already been done, how to fix it (or at least make it look better)

I’ve tried to do some research and the only tip I’ve found was in one of my sock books. The author suggests you don’t do the ‘setup’ stitches (the first two stitches worked that are left on the needle before starting Knit Off, Purl On, Purl Off, Knit On) but to go ahead and start with the first stich as Knit Off.

I haven’t tried it yet, but if it works, it will only help one side - what about the other side (the last two stitches)? I’ve tried pulling the yarn through to the WS in different areas but it doesn’t smooth out the corner.

#2

I found this on Knitting Daily and I think it’s the same thing my sock teacher told me.

[B]“Here is how I get rid of those pesky sock “ears”. When the stitches are on the 2 needles ready to be grafted I slip each of the end stitches over it’s neighbour and off the needle. Your decreases will look like this /…\ Just use a spare needle to accomplish this. You have the added bonus of four less stitches to graft!” [/B]
[B] Elizabeth T[/B]

#3

Jan - thank you so much for the reply, but I’m having a hard time visualizing this. I know what an end stitch is but I’m confused what ‘slipping it over its neighbor and off the needle’ means. Would this be worked similar to sl st psso?

#4

Yes, just take the second stitch and slip it over the first one and off the end of the needle. Do it for all 4 ends. I haven’t tried it yet, but it seems like it would work.

#5

Okay, I think I’ve got it now. Whoa, that is interesting! I will have to try that. Thanks again!

#6

OOOOOoooooOOOOOO I’m gonna try this too. Thanks Jan! :muah:

#7

My first socks have the squarest toes you’ve ever seen! I’m going to try this on my second pair. Thanks Jan!

#8

PPPfffffttttt!!! I could NIT get this right!! Yarn kept falling off the needles. What is WRONG with me??? Oh well, I finished my socks anyway

#9

Your socks look great! Congratulations!