If you want to graft 2 sections of live knitting together, you’ve most likely been told that you’ll need to Kitchener them together.

That’s true. But, you don’t need to use a tapestry needle to do it!

Another possible benefit – since you’re knitting (and not sewing), many people feel that their tension is better with this method.

You’ll need:

• Scissors
• An extra needle that’s the same size (this isn’t totally required but it makes it A LOT easier)
• A tapestry needle for hiding the end and weaving the yarn in

Working the Kitchener Stitch by Knitting

Step 1: Cut the working yarn long-enough to knit the stitches. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pull that yarn through every stitch twice, so it’s useful for you not to make it TOO long.

Make sure that the stitches are arranged on 2 needles (half in the front and half in the back). Each needle should have all the stitches for one side of the fabric that you need to kitchener. Each needle should have HALF of the stitches on it.

Note: Whenever you move the yarn from one side to the other, bring that yarn UNDER the needles. You’re not creating any yarn overs in this process. And, use that extra needle to work the stitches.

Step 2: Purl the stitch on the front needle (FN) and drop it off the needle. Pull the yarn all the way through.

Step 3: Knit the stitch on the FN and pull through. DO NOT drop it off the needle.

Step 4: Knit the stitch on the back needle (BN) and drop it off the needle. Pull the yarn all the way through.

Step 5: Purl the stitch on the BN and pull through. DO NOT drop it off the needle.

Repeat steps 2-5 until there are 2 stitches remaining (one on each needle).

Final Step: Knit the last 2 stitches together. Drop it off the needle and pull the yarn all the way through. Thread the tail onto a needle and deal with it the way you normally would. For a sock, bring the yarn to the inside, pull the yarn a bit to get rid of any ears, and weave the yarn through a few stitches.

Practice makes perfect

This is a great opportunity to practice on a small swatch to start. Make a small version of what you want to graft and try it out on those instead.