knitting · norah's knits

Norah’s Knits: Cuff to Cuff Knitting

If you’re first learning how to knit, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the various techniques and stitches at your disposal. I suggest starting with traditional knitting, particularly when it comes to sweater knitting, to help increase your knitting confidence.  Start with the back to get a handle on your pattern stitch and to make sure the piece is coming out to fit (yes, gauge swatches can sometimes be deceptive), move on to the front or fronts and finish up with the sleeves and finishing.

Most of the patterns in the Berroco library fit the traditional knitting mold. Some patterns, however, are knit with novel constructions, like sideways knitting. When you start a sweater at one cuff and work to the center, or work clear over to the other cuff, that’s sideways knitting. Cuff to cuff knitting, or cuff to center knitting, means sewing fewer seams and is a fun break from the back, front, sleeves routine.

jujuba_lg

Jujuba is knit from cuff to center and is also an example of unconventional seamless knitting. You start with a sleeve knit in the round, cast on for one front, pick up for the second front, work a bit and join both sides with a decorative three needle bind off. For a slightly different take, you’ll find the same construction in its cousin, Buckland.

buckland_lg

If you’re not familiar with the three needle bind off, check out our video demonstration.

12 thoughts on “Norah’s Knits: Cuff to Cuff Knitting

  1. Thanks, I am glad you like it. Sorry, I forgot to link the text. The photos are linked to the free patterns. I am linking the text now!

  2. I really love the patterns what advice would you give so that the cast off side is the same as the cast on I had a problem with this before and have never knitted a sweater pattern like it again but would love to try

    1. These 2 patterns are worked cuff to center, so the cuffs will always match.

      If I were knitting a true cuff to cuff sweater I might consider using a k1 on, purl 1 on cast on and a tapestry needle bind off. The lack of matching doesn’t really bother me though, I might not go to all the trouble of using the advance techniques. Knitting is supposed to be fun.

    1. I prefer the 3 needle bind off, with the seam to the outside, because it’s a major design element. Kitchener stitch would be a real tour de force in Seduce, but if you prefer to omit the decorative seam, it would work well.

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