How to do Kitchener Stitch

Kitchener stitch is a simple grafting method used to invisibly join two pieces of knitting together. It is a very clever technique, as you are actually duplicating a row of knitted stitches with a sewing needle and yarn, rather than knitting needles. Now that's something to get your head around! It is mainly used when sewing together the toe end of socks or where a seamless finish is required on shoulder seams of garments. It isn't to be confused with mattress stitch, that is for a cast-off piece of knitting. Kitchener stitch is when the stitches are still fresh on your needles, ready to be joined with fellow stitches also on needles across the way to create a seam.

Kitchener Stitch Grafting Knitting | Black Sheep Wools

Carol Meldrum has kindly helped out with this video for our Knitting Essentials series. Carol is a knitting and crochet designer, who has been teaching workshops at the Craft Barn for many years. Carol will be back this autumn for two days of classes.



Hold both of your knitting needles in your left hand with the points facing in the same direction. Next, thread a sewing up needle with a separate piece of yarn and follow the instructions below. In this example Carol has used a contrasting shade of Rico Baby Classic DK so that it is easier to see what she is doing.

1) Front needle: Insert sewing up needle knit wise into 1st stitch and slip off
2) Front needle: Insert sewing up needle purl wise into next stitch and keep on
3) Back needle: Insert sewing up needle purl wise into next stitch and slip off
4) Back needle: Insert sewing up needle knit wise into next stitch and keep on

Repeat steps 1-4 until all stitches have been worked.
Be careful not to pull the piece of yarn you are sewing up with too tightly as you are going along. You don't want to spoil your knitting at the final hurdle!

Are there any other knitting techniques or handy tips you would like to see in a video? Email social@blacksheepwools.com with your suggestions.