Complete your Project with Excellent Finishing

The best advice I ever received about my knitting was, to “take the time to finish your projects with excellence.”  This can be hard if you don’t know exactly what to do.  Not to mention that sometimes when you get to the end of a project you feel like it has taken you so long, you just want to be done with it…you’re ‘over it’ and just want to move on.

I knitted a baby sweater once that was sort of stripy and when I went to sew it together, I really didn’t know how to do it.  I reached out to a friend who showed me what she knew, and I used her technique but because the sweater had stripes, I could see the color I used for sewing.  I decided that I should spend some time finding better techniques for finishing my projects.  I thought I would share some things I have learned along the way so you can be more knowledgeable on how to finish your knitting projects with excellence too.

• Take classes.  I always learn something new in every class.  Improving your knowledge is an excellent idea for overall mind development but making your life-long learning practice in the area of knitting will not only increase your knitting skills, but also increase your fun as you grow with your craft.
• Participate in your local knitting guild.  You will have the opportunity to learn so many things from great teachers and other members who are always willing to help you.  Plugging in to a group will not only help you develop your knitting skills and introduce you to new ideas, but you will make new friends and that is always a bonus. Just beware; it will also introduce you to hundreds of new things you want to make!  
• Read books, lots of them!  There are so many books about knitting that will teach you about specific topics.  Check out your local library to see what books they carry there.  Our library has a large selection of knitting books on a variety of topics. One of my new favorites is Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting Book. It is like an encyclopedia for knitters.  It is full up pictures and descriptions and covers a wide variety of topics.
• Watch videos on YouTube.  There are so many tutorials on YouTube about knitting, I am sure you will find one that will help you with what you are struggling with.
• Learn how to weave in your ends.  There are several ways to do it and depending on what you’re knitting it could make a difference.  For example, I have seen different ways to weave in your ends when you are knitting seed stitch vs. stockinette stitch. Knowing how to weave in your ends so they are not visible will take your finishing skills to a new level.
• Learn different sewing techniques.  Different types of sewing methods are used in different places depending on how your project is put together.  For example, the way you sew a shoulder seam together is different from how you sew up a side seam.  Be sure that you learn how to sew so that the yarn you use for the seam is not visible.  This will ensure your garment looks “handmade” instead of “homemade”.
• Blocking can be somewhat mysterious, but I am still surprised by how blocking can change the look of your stitches. Blocking your projects really helps your knitting to relax and look more uniform.  It takes your finished garment to the next level.  Spending the time to block your project will give you the finished look you desire.  You will be surprised by how much prettier your knitting will be after you block your project.
• Sewing on your buttons can be an easy finishing task that is often overlooked.  You can sew your buttons on with yarn or thread.  With either one be sure to leave extra slack so that the button will have enough room to fit through the buttonhole properly.  If you use yarn to sew on your button be sure to weave in the ends of the yarn to keep the yarn in place after you sew on the button.

Knitting handmade garments is very rewarding and satisfying but it is also very time consuming.  Taking the extra time for finishing projects will ensure that you are happy with the end results and your garments look professional.  If you are new to knitting garments be sure to find a class that will help you learn to complete your project. Classes are a great way to learn new finishing skills.  Look for a class that offers the techniques you are looking for as you near the end of your project.

Knit with Love my Friend,