How To
Little Lessons: Seaming Your Diagonal Mitts
Seaming is a cinch.
Perhaps not a popular opinion among knitters, but I truly believe that seaming is unfairly stigmatized. Don’t get me wrong, I love a seamless project as much as the next person, but there is a time and a place for everything. Seaming can add unrivalled structure to a garment, it can keep a massive project portable (think blanket squares!), and a seamed project can turn a very simple shape into something really clever.
Karida Collins’ Diagonal Mitts, from Field Guide No. 18: Beginnings, is a wonderful project in about a bajillion* ways …
- Want a quick gift for a friend? A pair of Diagonal Mitts is just the ticket.
- Looking for a pattern for some leftovers of beautiful hand-dyed yarn? You need some Diagonal Mitts.
- New to knitting, and want to make something simple, but super-satisfying? You guessed it, I’m going to send you to make a pair of Diagonal Mitts.
The Diagonal Mitts are knitted flat in garter stitch (so all knits, no purls!), and the beautiful squares that come off your needles transform, by the magic of seaming, into mitts. A classic example of something simple that is transformed by a few sewn stitches.
If seaming is a cinch, then seaming garter stitch is the cinchiest of cinches. Just give yourself a bit of time when you can sit and do each seam without interruption. Take your time and rewatch the video as much as you need. And don’t be afraid to pull out some stitches and try again if you need to.
Whilst I’d absolutely argue that seaming isn’t difficult, that doesn’t mean that everyone will be delighted with their work first time round. We all need to practise a little before mastering something new. Just know that you can do it!
I hope that this video will show you all the details you require to get a great finish on your Diagonal Mitts seams.
Video notes: If you are watching on YouTube, you can hover over the time bar to see the different sections of the video, which is handy if there’s a particular thing you want to re-watch. The video also has subtitles which you can display by clicking on the CC button.
Once you’ve mastered seaming garter stitch, the world will be your seaming oyster! It will be thumbs up to seaming!
So next time you look at a project and see it needs seaming, stop and give it a go! It’s much easier than you think it is. It’s just a case of giving yourself time, and trying to enjoy the process.
*OK, you’ve got me. It was three ways and not a bajillion, but I’m pretty sure that anyone who has made a pair will want to leave a comment with other ways the Diagonal Mitts are wonderful! You never know, together we might even make it to a bajillion.
This Could Come in Handy
Here’s how to save this article in your MDK account with one click. And for a playlist of Field Guide No. 18 Little Lessons videos by Jen Arnall-Culliford, tap over here.
Oh thank you so much Jen! This is terrific! So clear and easy to see! I will be using the Neighborhood Fiber Co. yarn in the same color as in the Field Guide (can’t remember the name now) but also like that light gray you are demonstrating. Chloe
Whoops, bought the worsted weight. Will have to recalculate. (My hands get really cold.). Chloe
No problem. The task is the same in any weight of yarn. Start with 2 stitches and follow increase directions until you reach desired width, make note of how many stitches you have, then decrease according to instructions to the end. Seaming instructions are in inches, not rows, so they work regardless of gauge.
I made one pair in Neighborhood Fiber’s fingering weight and another in a Noro worsted. Gorgeous results.
Have fun.
I have mitts on the needles and a Savage Heart Cardigan languishing in a tote yearning to be seamed. Thanks for the inspiration. This tutorial is just what I need to get me going.
Agree! The extreme anti-seaming craze befuddles me. I am definitely not a sewist, but mattress stitch is easy peasy.
Can’t wait to watch this! I literally left.a comment in the Lounge last night asking about the best way to seam this pattern. I’ve never been great at sewing, so I find patterns that require seams to be a challenge. But, I’m excite to wear my new mitts, so…. Thank you!
Perfect timing. Brought this project on my Alaska vacation and needed help with the seaming/mirrored finishing. I’ve made two hats and two cowls from this great Field Guide. Thank you!
Thank you. Love Jen’s clear and simple explanation.
Brilliant! Thank you
Great timing- I just finished my second pair of squares. Now each needs a seam. Knitting them was a joy all it’s own. I’m sure the wearing and giving will be magical. Also, I’m on my third everyday cowl! That pattern is an absolute winner. Easy, beautiful, shows off any yarn you care to throw at it. I love Beginnings!
Thank you so very much! I’ve never had this simplest of seaming lessons taught so kindly and clearly as well, thank you thank you thank you! I’ll be watching more of the lessons and improving my knitted fabrics immensely!