Lord! Aint this kitchy?

And I thought it was hard to remember how to make a buttonhole?? Now I have looked into the belly of the beast, and its called the Kitchener Stitch. It seemed that this was the hands-down favorite among those amazingly wonderful, time-generous folks (you could be one,too) who commented on yesterday's post
I've never knit a pair of socks so I think that's why I've overlooked this kitchener thing. But I did a little investigation, and from what I can tell, it's a really cool way to make invisible seams that would also be great for joining shoulder on sweaters.

Now, I have no idea why its called the Kitchener stitch (so feel free to weigh in) but there was a British General called Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, and I guess he was known for his incredible determination and ability to plan and see things through to the end. Makes sense to me cuz you  better be determined to learn this one!

In truth, the instructions that you'll find in books and on the web are tough to read. My brain kinda shuts down whenever I read directions, But if you play along, with sticks in hand and take it step by step, it doesn't look that hard to learn.

If you take a close look at the photo (of the stitch, not the guy) [click to enlarge] you get a really good idea of what you're doing. And I hear from friends that there's a nice little chant that goes along with it.

Here are a few great links to visual lessons.
Stitch Diva
ABC's of Knitting
Socknitters

I'm off to try it myself.I plan to write a song about it. The Ballad of Kitchener Stitch. Let me know to what tune it should be written!

Comments

[Kat]

I'm one of the odd ones who loves kitchener stitch. It makes a nice tight toe. Too bad I prefer to knit my socks toe up.

[Reg]

So if you are connecting a cardigan, at the shoulder, you basically need 3 pairs of needles in the same size in order to hold live stitches at the seams? Jodi, you better start printing up more needle charts, thats alot of knitting needles in one project. Do knitters make each part of a sweater using just one set of needles, or do they have several sets of needles and make say the front and back and sleeves all at the same time?

[Marcia]

While I usually like Kitchener stitch for socks, I wouldn't use it for a shoulder seam. Not enough strength. If you really want some fun, try grafting (KS) two sides of a lace scarf!

[Wendy]

Re: your April 28 entry: Monotony vs. Monogamy. I live in a town that in colonial times was called Menotomy. Wonder why they changed it?
Also, a thing I remember I've forgotten: how to purl into the back of a stitch. K 1 back, I'm fine with.

[Chris]

The Knitter's Companion has fabulous drawings of how to do it. You can check 'em out at amazon.

[Heidi]

My goal is to learn to knit socks this summer. Seems like a nice, small project for when it gets hot. Thanks for these links.