The Importance of Seams

Seams -- a word that generates fear in some knitters, even to the point of trying to avoid them at all costs. Having recently completed the Sample Stitch Kimono, I had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time not only thinking about, but in fact creating seams.

Now it would be a lie to say that enjoy seaming, but I do get a great deal of satisfaction having completed a seam that is done particularly well. And although there are many classes on finishing, it is a topic that I believe the more options you are aware of, the better chance of having a finished product you are happy with!

And of course, there is no substitute for experience! Seaming stitches to stitches has always been easier for me than seaming rows to rows. However, seaming stitches to rows never bothered me as much because the "fudge factor" was never quite as obvious.

Almost all the seams in the Sample Stitch Kimono are rows to rows, so I had an opportunity to gain a lot of experience. Below are my observations (for what they are worth):

• If both pieces have a slipped stitch edge they are easy to seam, but not a "sturdy". If only one does, it compounds the difficulty of seaming rows.


• A stockinette selvedge edge was easier for me to work with, especially if I was trying to only catch half a stitch in the seam.


• In most cases, catching a whole stitch does not add significant bulk to the seam, but great improves the look of the finished product.

What are your experiences in creating seams?

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