The infamous Kitchener Stitch is a way of binding off, or grafting, two sets of stitches. It is a technique used in knitting to seamlessly join two pieces of fabric together. The most common application of the Kitchener Stitch is on the toe of a sock, where it is used to close the toe without leaving a bulky seam. However, it can also graft stitches together in other situations, such as joining two halves of a scarf together or as the last step in a Tubular Bind-off.
The Kitchener Stitch creates a nearly invisible join, giving the finished piece a professional and seamless look. It involves working with a tapestry needle and mimicking the structure of knitted stitches to create a seamless, woven join. It requires a bit of practice to master, but once learned, it is a valuable technique in a knitter’s repertoire.
When using the Kitchener Stitch, it is important to have an equal number of stitches on each of the two needles. This ensures that the stitches align properly and that the grafting process goes smoothly. For example, if you are grafting the toe of a sock, you would divide the stitches evenly onto two needles, with half the stitches on each needle.
Once you have an equal number of stitches on each needle, you can begin the Kitchener Stitch. These steps create a woven, seamless join between the two sets of stitches. By repeating these steps and working across the stitches, the Kitchener Stitch gradually binds off the stitches while seamlessly blending them together.
While the Kitchener Stitch can be challenging to learn at first, with practice, it becomes an invaluable technique for creating seamless joins in knitting projects. Whether you are finishing the toe of a sock, joining two halves of a scarf, or working on other grafting projects, mastering the art of the Kitchener Stitch will elevate the quality and professionalism of your finished knitted pieces.
Directions for a Kitchener Stitch
Thread your tail onto a tapestry needle.
Setup Step 1: Insert the tapestry needle through the first stitch on the front needle as if to purl and pull your yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle.
Setup Step 2: Insert your tapestry needle through the first stitch on the back needle as if to knit and pull your yarn through the stitch on the needle, leaving the stitch on the needle.
You’ll now repeat the following 4 steps until there’s only one stitch left. While doing so, try to keep your stitches even and tighten up any loose stitches, so you have an even graft.
Step 1: Insert your tapestry needle through the first stitch on the front needle knitwise, thread your yarn through, and slip that stitch off the needle.
Step 2: Insert your tapestry needle through the next stitch on the front needle purlwise, thread your yarn through, and leave the stitch on the needle.
Step 3: Insert your tapestry needle through the first stitch on the back needle purlwise, thread your yarn through, and slip that stitch off the needle.
Step 4: Insert your tapestry needle through the next stitch on the back needle knitwise, thread your yarn through, and leave the stitch on the needle.
When you have 2 stitches remaining, work steps 1 and 3 once more. Cut yarn and pull tail through the last stitch.
Need a visual? Check out this slow-motion video from Very Pink Knits!