No matter your knitting skill, no matter your knitting style—all knitters need know-how!
From the best-selling author of Cast On, Bind Off comes an all-new reference guide about arguably the most important step of knitting any project: the finishing.
Don’t let an unfamiliarity with finishing techniques turn another project into an amateur version of what it could be. Instead, arm yourself with Cap’s expert advice and give every project you start a professional finish.
Knitter’s Know-How covers a wide range of topics. Seams, zippers, buttonholes, edgings, hems, and much more—this essential handbook will improve every knitting project you create. Check out the jam-packed table of contents:
Table of Contents from Knitter’s Know-How
All your finishing questions answered in one essential resource.
You won’t find these techniques explained in most knitting patterns—and that’s why Knitter’s Know-How is the perfect companion for any knitting book or pattern you own (or ever will own). Pair Cap’s two books together and double your knitting confidence.
We’re excited to have Cap as a guest writer today to tell us more about her new book. Welcome, Cap!
Love to knit but hate finishing? Do you know only one way to sew together knitted pieces? Hate those lumpy, ill-fitting seams? Do you like the look of zippers on a cardigan but are afraid to try putting one in? Then Knitter’s Know-How is the book for you.
Most knitters don’t like finishing, so they do it in a rush—and the results aren’t always the best: puckered seams, button bands that pull the knitting out of shape, woven-in ends that stick out. But finishing is really important. It can make or break an otherwise beautifully knit project.
By taking a little time to learn some basic finishing techniques, you can raise the level of your knitting significantly. Knitter’s Know-How takes you from the very beginning of a project, before you even begin to knit, to the final steps. Full of techniques and tips, it will help you transform your knitting.
Page examples from Knitter’s Know-How: a mix of photos and illustrations clearly walks you through each technique.
Finishing begins before you even make a slip knot to cast on. It sounds weird, but it’s absolutely true. Just a little time taken before you start knitting to think about what you want your finished project to look like can pay off big time. Knitter’s Know-How will help you make choices as you knit that will make finishing easy and effective.
Choices: knitted edgings
And best of all, Knitter’s Know-How will show you that finishing doesn’t have to be difficult. Just spend a little time to master some of the techniques presented in Knitter’s Know-How, and you’ll find finishing is not such a daunting prospect. And who knows, you might even come to enjoy it!
Get a peek at more pages from Knitter’s Know-How >
Thanks for introducing us to your new book, Cap!
When it comes to finishing your knitting, are you:
- a) all As
- b) all Bs, or
- c) all thumbs?
Share your answer in the comments and you could win a copy of the Knitter’s Know-How eBook! We’ll choose a random winner one week from today and let you know by email if you win.
Comments are closed for this post.
Thanks to all who entered the drawing. The winner is Cathy, who says:
“All thumbs! :(”
Cathy, we’ll email you about your prize. Congratulations!
c)
—Amy on September 28, 2016I have a sweater sitting in the "Someday Soon I’ll finish this" pile, right next to my knitting chair. It has been there for over 6 months. Before that it was in the "Someday I’ll finish this" pile in the hallway. It had been there for over 2 years. The only holdup is that it needs a zipper, and I’m somewhere between terrified and really, really terrified that I’ll mess it up. Yes, I do believe this book will help me. Thanks for the giveaway.
—Kitten With A Whiplash on September 28, 2016Def "C"….all thumbs. Just learning to knit so you can just imagine my finishing competencies! 🙂
—Erin Owens on September 29, 2016I have a sweater vest with gorgeous colors for my daughter, just waiting for someone to put it together.
—Gail on September 29, 2016a) I think this book could help me to finish any sweater.
—Carmen on September 29, 2016I always dread putting the pieces together. I dread most making button bands. This book would be a good source.
—Terry on September 29, 2016I have never finished anything that I had to seam, so I guess I would be considered in the "C" group. And I don’t use wool because I don’t know how to block. Looks like I’m a good candidate for this book.
—Sharon on September 29, 2016Finish? You mean that I am supposed to actually finish a sweater? LOL! In other words, Yes, I NEED this book!
—Barbara Johnson on September 29, 2016Finishing is my Waterloo. I would love a book that creates a finished knitted item which reflects the care I took in the knitting.
—Norma on September 29, 2016I am C for sure.
—Kathy Thomas on September 29, 2016I am an all thumbs knitter and finisher! This book sounds great. You tube videos have helped me knit dish clothes, but this book would be a great resource. I want to eventually get good enough to make one of the fabulous shawls I’ve seen!
—Wanda Bennett on September 29, 2016For me, the fine points of finishing a project make or break that project. This book would be a godsend when finishing knitted projects.
—Martha on September 29, 2016I’m probably mostly B’s, I finish them, but I’m not always happy with the results. So would love to win this book and get better at this process!
—Jennifer Dyck on September 29, 2016I’m all Bs when it come to finishing knitting. I could definite use some help!
—Nicky H on September 29, 2016I can ladder stich and kitchener graft, but that is the extent of my finishing skills thus far. I would love to take on some more complex projects to learn more of these couture skills.
—Lauren on September 29, 2016I have never been taught or shown properly how to sew the seams so that they are neat both on the inside and outside- and not bulky. I have been knitting since I was 5 years- almost 55 years now, both by hand and machine. One spend hours knitting the garment, and if it is not sewn together properly, really just does not look right ans is very disappointing.
—Marlene Auret on September 29, 2016C)
—Deborah B. on September 29, 2016I guess I’m a b). I really dislike sewing seams etc, so would love to see the tips in this book!
—Diantha Howard on September 29, 2016Thanks for the giveaway.
I’m all thumbs because after all the work I like a perfect project.
—Marthese on September 29, 2016All thumbs! 🙁
—Cathy on September 29, 2016My mother was an knitter unfortuntelly not something i felt that ineeded to learn Can cast on,knit and purl but would like to advance my skills. This looks like the book for me
—LizAnn Lizotte on September 29, 2016Been a knitter for years, but never really thrilled with finished project, guess I’m a "c". Need your book and expertise!
—Deanna Coates on September 29, 2016Oh, boy this is a book that I need! I’m only able to do one way of putting the pieces together, and it never looks as good as I’d hoped! Thanks for the chance to win….this looks awesome!
—Snoodles on September 29, 2016I am all thumbs. I get to the end of a project and say "why finish, it will just look like crap" HELP!
—Susan on September 29, 2016Definitely all thumbs! I’m such a wanna-wanna-be knitter!
—Deb on September 29, 2016All thumbs!! How wonderful is this author to share her knowledge on such a difficult subject.
—Karen on September 29, 2016All thumbs! I have to ask others to finish for me.
—Linda on September 29, 2016I must be a b. Most of my things look like the pattern when they are finished but not perfect. This book would give tips that make sense. This is a must book for my library.
—Dawn Tenneson on September 29, 2016A few a’s, a lot of b’s and a few pricked thumbs!!
Thanks for the wonderful offer!
—Denise Penn on September 29, 2016I would love to take my knitting beyond the dishcloth stage. Thanks for the opportunity.
—Diane B. on September 29, 2016All thumbs, trying to learn, this book would be great to own.
—Barbara Ann on September 29, 2016Unfortunately, I’m all thumbs! The photos and illustrations in this book would be a great help. Thanks for the giveaway.
—Bonnie on September 29, 2016I am all thumbs but this book sounds like it would be very helpful,
—Regina Harris on September 29, 2016I am b’s and c’s. I have the casting on book and refer to it often. I will be adding this book to my library.
—Robin on September 29, 2016This book sounds wonderful. I love that each chapter covers one technique, that makes it easy to learn just what you need to know (or find what you need to review).
—Kathy Berg on September 29, 2016Ha ha for mittens I’m (c) all thumbs!!! LOL Great looking book!
—Ali on September 29, 2016I frequently stop just before finishing because I’m afraid all the time and money spent will be wasted on a project that doesn’t turn out as expected. But I guess by not finishing I’ve was it all wasted anyway, right? Sounds like this could give me a push and a boost to reach the ‘finished’ line.
—Marie on September 29, 2016c. so far I do not like to finish (make mostly flat things that do not take much assembly).
😉
—Karen on September 29, 2016I’m definitely in the "all thumbs" category. My edges are awful. I keep forgetting where I am in the pattern. But I can hand applique quilts with ease! Maybe I have a mental block!
—Pamela R on September 29, 2016Usually knit with a good tension but sometimes putting the garment together does not look as neat as I would like it to.
—Gloria Earlam on September 29, 2016Gloria earlam
I’m definitely c) all thumbs! Thanks for the chance to win your book!
—Karen N on September 29, 2016I am a beginning knitter who is "c" all thumbs. Would love to learn the finishing techniques from this book!
—Mary Anne on September 29, 2016c; all thumbs. I limit what knitting I have done to afghans. terrible at finishing and make it look nice.
—martha cook on September 29, 2016C all thumbs I don’t know how to knit yet
—Judith Martinez on September 29, 2016C, all thumbs. I could surely use a book to help me with finishing techniques. This book sounds like the perfect choice.
—Carol B. on September 29, 2016All thumbs. I especially want to learn to add zippers for bags.
—Lynne on September 29, 2016Finishing off??
Oh crumbs — all thumbs!!
What a wonderful resource this book is for the likes of me!
—Gina on September 29, 2016I taught myself how to knit, and have only ever made socks. I have parts of a sweater made but have no confidence about the blocking/assembly/finishing process. This is just the book I have been looking for! (I guess my answer is C!)
—Sandie on September 29, 2016I took my first knitting lesson last month. I’m pretty bad but I DO want to learn.
—Claire on September 29, 2016All thumbs!
—Diana O on September 29, 2016Oh I’m definitely all thumbs. I knit square garter stitch washcloths. That’s about it. At one time I started a sweater, I thought I made all the pieces just fine but I never could get it to look like it was supposed to when I tried to attach all the pieces together.
So, square garter stitch washcloths.
—Nancy McFall on September 29, 2016I would have to say all thumbs since I’ve still so much to learn!
—Linda B on September 29, 2016C. I would like to know how! I tried it. Once.
—Helen on September 29, 2016I have been knitting for 70 years — Yikes! My finished sweaters look pretty good and the recipients are happy, but it is never too late to learn better techniques. This book sounds like just the ticket to improve my skills.
—Katherine K Morvay on September 29, 2016b! am still learning knitting things after 70 years of knitting. thanx for the opportunity to win a copy of this book ann maybe learn a bit more about knitting.
—ritainalaska on September 29, 2016I could sure use a refresher!
—Carol on September 29, 2016I’ve been knitting forever, but I still don’t feel like my finishing is adequate.
—Kayt Deans on September 29, 2016I think a book dedicated to finishing techniques is something that all knitters should own!
I finish but am not always comfortable with the results.
—amy f on September 29, 2016I’m pretty good, but finishing is definitely the weakest part of my knitting. Help!
—Judith Rycar on September 29, 2016I really could use some help in finishing my knitted garments. It looks like a great book to have.
—kathy syring on September 29, 2016I could really use some helpful tips on improving my knitted items. It would make me more enthusiastic about trying new things.
—kathy syring on September 29, 2016I am a beginner, especially when it comes to finishing.
—Kit Flores on September 29, 2016I guess all B’s. I can do simple afghans and straight knitting; however, knitted garments rarely come out the right size! I need this book!
—Virginia in AK on September 29, 2016I think I am a B. I seem to be able to finish off okay but I am not completely happy with the results. I could do better and probably be a lot more satisfied with the result thus knitting more garments. I am expecting my first grandchild in February and hope to knit a few things like I did for my daughters. Thankyou for the opportunity to win such a fantastic book.
—Ondrea on September 29, 2016Completing a project is a problem – I’m all thumbs!
—Laurel Marsolais on September 29, 2016I’m pretty much all thumbs. I never learned the proper way to join things so I’ve been winging it for many years. It’s probably why I’ve not made many sweaters.
—Susieq on September 29, 2016All thumbs
—Amy Cofer on September 29, 2016All thumbs for sure! This book is going on my wish list.
—Gwen Wehner on September 29, 2016B – I used to knit quite awhile ago but I need to brush up on my skills.
—Sharon on September 29, 2016I need lots of help, this book would be great!
—Maureen Haynes on September 29, 2016I would probably be all b’s with a healthy dose of all thumbs. I have always wanted to knit baby clothes and cardigans but the finishing terrifies me. This book would be fabulous to have. Thank you so much for the chance to win it.
—Melissa Massey on September 29, 2016I am a combination. Can do simple projects but need help with next steps and finishing edges neatly.
—Cassy on September 29, 2016Sigh…. I’m definitely C, all thumbs! I’m learning how to knit now and haven’t even got to finishing yet!!
—Lizzie on September 30, 2016B for me–but, maybe I could be an A with this book! Thank you for a chance to win this…it would be a great reference to add to my TKGA MHK program books ..hint hint. 🙂
—April J. on September 30, 2016c. all thumbs Most of the projects I knit doesn’t required seaming, but I could use some help with blocking and weaving in ends so they won’t stick out after awhile.
—Teresa Knittingdancer on September 30, 2016I’m definitely C…I’m baffled when it comes to sewing knit seams together. My UFOs include both a vest and a hat that would be completed if I ever figured this out!
—Nita Stanek on September 30, 2016Where were you when I was knitting for the family? I still have finished pieces, just not sewn up.
—Lynette Forge on September 30, 2016I’m mostly As and sometimes Bs.
—PJB on September 30, 2016Guess that I am an A-
—Patty T on September 30, 2016Always looking for the best way to weave in ends.
C, all thumbs. Have several sweaters for me that I can’t seem to get the nerve to finish. Don’t dare start another…
—Rhonda on September 30, 2016A most of the time, B if it has a bunch of parts and pieces
—Marian Allen on September 30, 2016I would say I’m mostly B’s with one A and that was my first ever finished sewing project,a sweater for my then son (2 yrs). He is now 35 yrs. old. I have tried many times since, but the finishing kicks my butt every time. Please help!
—Holly on September 30, 2016I confess I’m all A’s
—Diana Salmon on September 30, 2016I guess I’m all thumbs. I took so long to knit a beautiful cabled sweater and then sewed it together wrong and it sits in the closet, unworn!
—Cindy S on September 30, 2016I really need this book so I can knit something else besides dishcloths !
—Terri McGreer on September 30, 2016I have Cap’s "Cast On, Bind Off" and it has gotten me out of many jams. Thanks for the chance to win, I’m definitely a B, never satisfied with putting pieces together.
—Kathryn Dahn on September 30, 2016I just "wing it" when it comes to finishing. This may the resource I need to get it right. Thanks for the chance.
—Karyn K on September 30, 2016Oh, I guess I’m an A.Always finish, even iif I don’t know how! Cast on Bind off is NY go to reference, though.
—Bunny Hand on September 30, 2016If I’m feeling generous, I might be a B…but, I currently have three single socks with dropped stitches or problems that need to be frogged…sigh. So, I could really use this book! Thanks for the chance!!
—Pat Anderson on September 30, 2016I’m pretty sure I’m all thumbs.
—carol on September 30, 2016I am usually in such a hurry to finish that I quickly put the project together and just get er done.
—joyce hancock on September 30, 2016Hmm well I suspect this book might just explain some of the things that seem to make me stumble through the finishing stage. It’s certainly never an easy process for me so I guess you’d say I was all thumbs.
—Lyn Lewis on September 30, 2016In fact at times, I think someone else’s thumbs are in the fray too!
And theirs are as bad as mine!
I consider myself an A in some areas of knitting (since I’ve been knitting for many years)and a B in others. The B is because I know there are still other things I can certainly learn to enhance my knitting skills.
—Judith on September 30, 2016It seems to be all thumbs with thick seams or stitches going the wrong direction.
—Ruth on September 30, 2016C–all thumbs
—Susan N. on September 30, 2016It’s been years since I knitted, so I am like a beginner, and then to have all of these finishing techniques on hand!! Great. Kathy in Colo
—kathy pfaltzgraff on September 30, 2016I’d say I was a B. I’d love a copy of this book. Knowing the correct techniques and skills would improve my ability to knit quality sweaters.
—Nicole Sender on September 30, 2016I’m probably a B on a good day…finishing is a process that I drag my feet on because it seems like a difficult process everytime. Although I’ve been a knitter a long time, I never feel confident with finishing.
—Terri on October 1, 2016Oh definitely all thumbs!
—Jackie Isler on October 1, 2016I guess a B/C. Like to get it finished but not 100% confident.
—Meo on October 1, 2016All B’s.
—Jo Anne Hawks on October 1, 2016I am mostly likely a B. Could use some motivation!
—Lee on October 1, 2016For sure, I’m a C! All thumbs but looking to improve!
—Hilary Kenny on October 1, 2016I am a sewer, but barely better than "all thumbs" at knitting. I’d love this book for a reference to what my daughter has been trying to explain to me!
—Daphne Horton on October 1, 2016Knitting in itself can be complicated, but finishing can be a lot worse. I guess I’m an all thumbs kind of person who would benefit from a well thought out manual.
—Melanie on October 1, 2016Definitely all thumbs! I’m better than I used to be, but I definitely need help.:S
—Sandy on October 1, 2016I mostly make flat pieces but would like to try some clothing. Thanks
—Sandie G on October 1, 2016My great grandmother taught me how to cast on, knit and purl when I was five years old. I’ve made lots of flat things and a few baby sweaters for my granddaughters but winced when people looked carefully at them – I never learned how to stitch the pieces together invisibly and often found my castoff was much tighter than the top of the ribbing. (Sigh). A book like this would be ideal! I’d much prefer a good book with clear pictures in front of me than wasting time trying to find a truly helpful YouTube video!
—Terry Anne Smiley on October 2, 2016I have always shied away from sewing seams. I just avoid a pattern that requires it since I tried it many years ago and was not very satisfied with the results. I could learn a lot about other finishing methods as well. This book will be so valuable to many of us who avoid so many great projects because we are afraid of the finishing techniques!
—Lynne on October 2, 2016I’m all thumbs.
—Jean G Watts on October 2, 2016After 50 years of knitting, you would think I would have learned a thing or two. My afghans are beautiful, but when I knit a sweater, the seams somehow don’t line up to sew neatly. I could use a book like this!
—Linda Towers on October 3, 2016I am terrible at joining sections. The seams are so lumpy. Yuk!
—Karen on October 3, 2016Definitely ALL THUMBS!!!
—Paula on October 3, 2016C. And it’s good to know that I have so much company!
—Pearl on October 3, 2016Probably all "thumbs", but tend to fake it to make it so the sweater will get done. I think I know I how to pick up stitches but when I go to do it I end up with more (or less) than the pattern suggests. When I try to mattress stitch I always get confused what stitch I’m supposed to seam/sew (which is the right term?) into. So while things get put together it’s not always pretty. Thanks for the give away!
—Jessica F on October 5, 2016