Tuesday, April 24, 2012

How to cut a pair of socks and make them lace up the back

I love to cut things up, no surprise there. And I have cut my fair share of socks but always horizontally, but today I have my first vertical cut (also known as "steeking" in the sweater/knitting world). I was inspired by this page in the wonderful knitting book Wendy Knits Lace: Essential Techniques and Patterns for Irresistible Everyday Lace.
This page features a pair of socks that have a line of lacework up the back center that is so beautiful. I thought I could steek a pair of socks and add some lace trim to make them lace up the back.
How I made my lace-up the back socks:
I tried the socks on and marked the spot I wanted to cut down to and I also measured the socks while they were on me from the bottom to the top edge. I did this because I knew the socks were stretching a bit and the lace trim I was using did not stretch. It ended up being about an inch and a half longer than when the socks were off.
So all I did was cut from the top edge down to the back of the ankle.
Then pinned on the lace trim to each side stretching the sock evenly to be as long as the trim.
I sewed the trim on using a stretch stitch and slightly pulling the sock as I sewed.
I did take great care to make sure both sides of the trim matched up.
I then used 1/4 inch organza ribbon to lace the two sides back up.

Whether you like to knit your lace or you are like me and are a Sweater (knit) Surgeon I bet you will love and be inspired by the too pretty book from Potter Craft:
Wendy Knits Lace: Essential Techniques and Patterns for Irresistible Everyday Lace
by
Wendy D. Johnson

"With 20 original patterns for gorgeous lace shawls, sweaters, hats, gloves and of course socks, popular blogger and author Wendy D. Johnson provides thorough instruction on the best lace techniques for aspiring, experienced and advanced knitters. Many knitters are intimidated by lace, but with a little guidance anyone can create beautiful pieces. As she did for the toe-up sock technique, Wendy demystifies lace knitting by thoroughly explaining the basics and offering the best techniques to create the most intricate-looking patterns. She shares a wealth of tips that will help new lace knitters avoid any frustration. Twenty projects for beginners through to advanced knitters include scarves, shawls, afghans, accessories and sweaters. Ranging from a lightweight seashell camisole for summer to a thick cowl for winter, Wendy presents projects that are surprisingly easy and fun to create and great to wear year-round."

1 comment:

Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

How fun. Thanks for sharing this. They look very Celtic.

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