Post: Submitted by - project k  Date: 02-Nov-09 04:16

Any tips on making up? I'm always pleased with my knitted pieces but disappointed when I have stitched them together. Side seams are ok, but shoulders look 'lumpy'!

Post: Submitted by - janek  Date: 03-Nov-09 09:39

Yes i know what you mean i have the same problem knitting is not the problem but the garment looks very home made after i have sewn it together have tried mattress stitch but cant quite seem to get that right either

Post: Submitted by - philippa  Date: 03-Nov-09 10:44

The best way to get a smooth finish is to the shoulder off by knitting shoulders together. I am at work at the moment but will reply later with how to do if you are interested. Its dead easy and looks great. Quick too.

Post: Submitted by - project k  Date: 08-Nov-09 07:22

Yes please.I have several garments ready to make up. Would love to know how you do the shoulders.

Post: Submitted by - philippa  Date: 09-Nov-09 05:09

You do not cast the stitches off. You need to get a short set of double pointed needles the same size you are knitting with. You put onto the double pointed needles the number of stiches required for each shoulder and the back /front. when you have finished you leave a good length of wool on before breaking it off. To join you put the two shoulders right sides together push the stiches on each needle down to the end. Cast off as usual using the length of wool saved but knit through a stitch fron each needle at the same time. You carry on until all stiches have been worked. You only use one needle in right hand but have the two in the left. You need to decide if you want to knit up armholes to neck band or the other way round. It depends what you are making but you need to keep each side the same. Its really an easy way when you start and it looks totally invisible. I always end shoulders on a purl row. You need each side to be the same. I do not step shoulders when I do this method. I just cast all shoulder stiches off at once. If you were using very fine wool and really did need to step them there is a method you can use by turnning works so you end up with stepped effect but on one row to cast off with so you can use this method. If I have not explained it well. E mail me at hprayner@yahoo.fr and i can arrrange to ring you as it might be easier explaining over the phone. It a great way to do shoulders and looks so neat. It sounds a fuss but its so easy when you get the hang of it.

Post: Submitted by - project k  Date: 22-Nov-09 01:42

Thank you so much for your detailed description! Sorry for the delay in responding(busy at work). I think I can picture what you mean. My latest cardy has already been cast off at the top of the back, but I will try to unpick it and make up as you suggested. Hopefully, this will be more successful and professional looking than previous attempts! Many thanks once again.