Knitting

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Giveaway: The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques

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the knitter's book of finishing techniques

Congratulations to knittingdancer!

We could all use a little help when it comes to finishing our knitting projects well. Of course the knitting itself matters a lot, but finishing can really make or break a project. If your buttonholes are a little wonky or you don’t pick up stitches evenly for your edging, you project is just not going to look that great.

The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman aims to help knitters finish as well as they start, with tips on things you would think of as finishing, like bind offs, picking up stitches and seaming. But it also includes tips on casting on stitches, increasing, decreasing, using selvedge stitches, making buttonholes, even things like how to store finished sweaters.

It’s a really great and concise guide to a lot of issues that perplex knitters.

If you’d like a chance to win a copy of this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, June 21. If you want, tell me the area of finishing with which you have the most trouble. For me, lately, it’s grafting; I always seem to do it backward!

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  3. Storing finished items is something I would like to know more about – picking up stitches is something I am still freaked out by. Thank you for the opportunity.

  4. I have problems picking up button bands, never seem to get the stitch count they ask for

  6. I am usually not happy with the way my seaming works out. So I usually knit things that don’t have a lot of seaming.

  9. Finishing can sometimes make all the difference between an OK and great project. I would love to know how to cast on so there is some give and also how to finish an edge so it doesn’t curl.

  12. Oh, I would love to learn more finishing techniques! I’m still learning so much in the knitting world!

  13. I don’t know what it is about grafting and seaming. Maybe I’m thinking too left-handed. I don’t so much have works left on needles so much as bags of fully knitted parts hiding until…one day.

  14. This book on Knitting Finishing Techniques would be SO helpful! I’ve tried looking them up on the Internet but nothing quite beats the convenience of being able to have a book on your lap while following the direction to learn how to seam correctly. I can’t seem to seam without it having gaps or being too tight.

  16. I would like to learn other techniques for all finishing of garments. Thank you for the giveaway chance.

  17. I am still a relatively new knitter – – so I would love this book – it looks like a great reference!! Thanks for the opportunity!!

  21. I hate seams. I can graft pretty well, and really I like it but seaming! I have an almost done sweater that has been waiting for ages. Maybe I’ll do it tonight!

  22. I have a sweater that’s all knitted up and has been marinating for 3 years. I need to finish it, don’t you think?

  24. I’ve stuck to drop shoulder sweaters because I’m put off by setting in sleeves. I’d also like some more options on casting on and off, for more or less stretch as the project requires. Thanks for all the great giveaways.

  26. My main problem right now is sewing in set in sleeves without them looking very bulky!
    Thanks for making this wonderful offer!

  30. Well, I’ll probably have to learn how to BEGIN before I can learn how to FINISH, but I’m slowly getting there!!!

  31. This book is a great resource. I choose to knit most of my projects in one piece to avoid seaming.

  36. My finishing technique I have the most difficulty with is just weaving in the ends. I should probably leave a longer tail to weave in.

  37. Holy Smokes….Where do I begin??…perhaps on page 1! 🙂 I love knitting so much, but I have an amazing amount of unfinished projects piled up…perhaps this is the “thread” to tie it altogether. Heaven knows…I definitely need some serious directions in all areas!! 🙂

  39. I love knitting. Picking up stitches and kitchener stitch seem to be the two things that I could really use some help with.

  40. I could sure use this book! Buttonholes is one of the things I struggle with the most.

  42. I would love some help in this area! Thanks for the opportunity to get a copy of my own!

  46. I am a beginner in knitting. For me joining the sleeves and neckbands are a nightmare. I would love to have any advice to face this demon of mine thanks

  47. I’d like to be able to block something so that it will hold its shape better, for a longer time. It seems like my edges will fold back sometimes and that things just don’t end up the right shape. Also, I’d like to know more about finishing items made with yarn that shows mistakes… linen shows all my errors on seaming so much more… and what do you do with the ugly puddle that alpaca becomes when it is wet?

  48. They day the devil is in the details. I glorious project can be ruined by a bad end.
    I wojld love to save my projects.

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.