How to Graft Knitting

Grafting in knitting, also known as the Kitchener stitch, is a technique used to seamlessly join two sets of live stitches. This method is particularly useful for creating smooth, continuous fabric, making it ideal for projects like socks, shoulders of sweaters, and any other items where a polished finish is desired.

While grafting can seem daunting at first, mastering this skill will significantly enhance the quality and look of your knitted projects. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to graft knitting of grafting knitting to help you achieve professional results.

Why Graft Knitting is Necessary

Grafting in knitting serves several purposes, including:

• Joining two sets of live stitches without creating a visible seam or bulkiness.
• Creating a smooth and seamless finish for items like socks, hats, and garments.
• Repairing mistakes in your knitting by filling in gaps or fixing dropped stitches.
• Adding decorative elements such as lace or cables to a finished project without visible seams.
• Allow for different stitch patterns to flow seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous design.

9 Simple Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Graft Knitting

Step 1: Prepare Your Needles and Yarn

Before starting the grafting process, it’s essential to ensure that your needles and yarn are properly prepared. Here’s what you need to do:

Select the Right Needle:

Use a tapestry needle with a blunt tip. This type of needle will glide smoothly through the stitches without splitting the yarn.

Thread the Yarn:

Cut a length of yarn that is about three times the width of the area you will be grafting. Thread this yarn through the eye of the tapestry needle.

Align Live Stitches:

Arrange the knitting needles in parallel, with the live stitches facing each other. The working yarn should be at the back of your work.

Step 2: Create a Setup Stitch

On the front needle, insert your tapestry needle purlwise (from right to left) through the first stitch. Pull the yarn through, leaving a tail of about 6 inches on the wrong side. Keep this tail out of the way for now. It will be woven in later. You should now have the setup stitch on your tapestry needle. The setup stitch is essential because it mimics the purl bump present on a knit row and creates a smooth edge for grafting.

Step 3: Set Up the First Stitches

Now that your setup stitch is complete, it’s time to set up the first stitches on both needles. Here’s what to do:

On the back needle, insert your tapestry needle purlwise (from right to left) through the first stitch and pull the yarn through. Make sure to keep your tension even but not too tight. Then, insert the tapestry needle knitwise (from left to right) through the first stitch on the front needle and pull the yarn through.

You have now created the initial stitches on both needles, and your yarn should be properly positioned to continue the grafting process.

Step 4: Work on the First Stitch

On the back needle, insert your tapestry needle knitwise (from left to right) through the first stitch and pull the yarn through. Then, insert the tapestry needle purlwise (from right to left) through this same stitch and slip it off the knitting needle.

You have now completed one row of grafting by making one knit and one purl stitch.

Step 5: Repeat Steps for the Second Stitch

On the front needle, insert your tapestry needle purlwise (from right to left) through the first stitch and pull the yarn through. Then, insert the tapestry needle knitwise (from left to right) through this same stitch and slip it off the knitting needle.

You have now completed one row of grafting on the front needle.

Step 6: Continue Grafting

Repeat steps four and five until you reach the last stitch on both needles. Make sure to alternate between stitches on each needle, always starting with a purl stitch on the back needle and a knit stitch on the front needle.

You should now have a smooth and seamless graft between the two sets of live stitches.

Step 7: Secure the Yarn

Once you have completed grafting the last stitch, it’s important to secure the yarn to ensure that your grafted seam remains intact. Here’s how to do it:

First, gently pull on the working yarn to adjust any loose stitches and create an even tension throughout your grafting. Next, insert your tapestry needle knitwise (from left to right) through the last stitch on the front needle and purlwise (from right to left) through the last stitch on the back needle, then pull the yarn through both stitches.

Secure the yarn by weaving it along the edge of your work. Use the tapestry needle to weave the tail through the nearby stitches in a zigzag pattern, making sure the yarn is firmly in place but not too tight, as this can cause puckering. Finally, trim any excess yarn and admire your smooth, seamless graft.

Step 8: Block Your Work

Blocking is an essential step in knitting that helps to even out stitches and give a professional finish. It can also help to smooth any inconsistencies or bumps in your grafted seam. Once you have completed grafting, block your work by gently washing it and laying it flat to dry.

You can also steam block your project by using a steam iron over a damp cloth. Make sure to follow the blocking instructions for your specific yarn and project.

Step 9: Practice Makes Perfect

Grafting may seem intimidating at first, but like any other knitting skill, practice makes perfect. As you continue to use this technique in your projects, you’ll become more confident and comfortable with grafting. You can also utilize online tutorials or attend workshops to learn different variations of grafting techniques and improve your skills further.

The ability to graft knitting is a valuable skill that can elevate your projects and give them a professional finish. By following these simple step-by-step guidelines on how to graft knitting, you’ll be able to graft with ease and create seamless, visually appealing garments. With practice and determination, you’ll become an expert at this essential knitting technique in no time. Happy knitting! 

Care and Maintenance of Grafted Seams

Once you have successfully grafted your knitting, it’s important to take proper care of the grafted seam to ensure its longevity and durability. Here are some tips on how to maintain and care for your grafted seams:

1. Avoid excessive stretching or pulling on the seam, as this can cause it to loosen or unravel.
2. Always follow the recommended blocking instructions for your yarn and project to prevent any distortion of the grafting stitches.
3. If possible, avoid washing your project too frequently, as this can also cause wear and tear on the grafted seam.
4. When weaving in ends after securing the yarn, make sure not to pull too tightly as this can create tension on the seam.
5. For extra reinforcement, you can also add a small knot or secure the yarn with some fabric glue on the wrong side of the seam. Make sure to test the glue on a swatch first to ensure it is safe for your specific yarn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Grafting Be Used for Any Type of Stitch?

A: Yes, grafting can be used for any type of stitch, including stockinette, garter stitch, and ribbing. You’ll need to adjust the stitches used in each step accordingly. It’s essential to keep track of which stitches you are working with to ensure a smooth and seamless graft.

Q: Is Grafting the Same as Kitchener Stitch?

A: Yes, grafting and Kitchener stitch are often used interchangeably. However, it’s essential to note that the Kitchener stitch is just one type of grafting technique. There are other variations of grafting stitches, including invisible rib or garter stitch grafts. It’s always best to follow the instructions for your specific project to determine which type of grafting technique is most suitable.

Q: Can I Undo My Graft Stitches If I Make a Mistake?

A: Yes, you can carefully undo your graft stitches by gently pulling on the yarn and removing the tapestry needle from the last couple of stitches before unraveling. Be cautious not to pull too hard or quickly, as this can cause your stitches to unravel and create a bigger mess. If you are unsure, it’s always best to stop and reassess before continuing.

Q: Can Grafting Be Done on Circular Knitting Needles?

A: Yes, grafting can be done on circular knitting needles. You can use the same technique described above to work on straight needles. Just make sure to adjust your tension accordingly, as the stitches will be more stretched out on circular needles.

Conclusion

Grafting knitting might initially appear daunting, but it’s a skill well worth mastering for any passionate knitter. This technique can significantly enhance the finish and functionality of your knitted projects, giving them a seamless and polished look.

By following these step-by-step guidelines on how to graft knitting, you’ve learned how to prepare your materials, execute the setup stitches, and meticulously graft the live stitches, leading to a professional and refined outcome. Remember, practice is key. With each project, your grafting will become more fluid and natural. Don’t hesitate to revisit tutorials, seek advice from experienced knitters, or participate in workshops to refine your technique. Embrace the process, and soon, grafting will be a natural and rewarding part of your knitting repertoire. Happy knitting!