How to Alter St. John Knits: Enhancing Your Knitting Experience
Knitting is an art form that allows individuals to create beautiful garments and accessories with their hands. St. John knits, in particular, are known for their luxurious texture and versatility. However, sometimes the original design may not meet your personal style or fit requirements. In this article, we will guide you through the process of altering St. John knits to make them more tailored to your preferences.
Understanding St. John Knits
St. John knits are characterized by their fine gauge and intricate patterns, which create a soft, drapey fabric. These knits are often used to create elegant garments such as sweaters, scarves, and shawls. Before you begin altering your St. John knit, it’s essential to understand the fabric’s properties and the techniques used in its construction.
Assessing the Knit
The first step in altering a St. John knit is to assess the garment’s current state. Check for any areas that need improvement, such as adjusting the length, width, or fit. It’s also important to identify the type of stitch pattern and the gauge of the knit. This information will help you determine the best approach to make your alterations.
Adjusting the Length
If the length of your St. John knit is too long or too short, you can easily adjust it by unraveling the excess or adding more rows. To shorten the garment, unravel the desired number of rows from the bottom or top, then reknit the remaining rows. To lengthen the garment, add additional rows to the desired length, ensuring that the gauge remains consistent.
Modifying the Width
To alter the width of a St. John knit, you can adjust the number of stitches per row. If you want to make the garment narrower, decrease the number of stitches by knitting two stitches together (k2tog) at the beginning of each row. To make the garment wider, increase the number of stitches by inserting a new stitch between two existing stitches (yarn over, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, yarn over, knit into the first yarn over).
Improving the Fit
Improving the fit of a St. John knit involves adjusting the bust, waist, or hip measurements. To make the garment more fitted, you can decrease or increase the number of stitches in the problem areas. For a looser fit, you can also add additional rows to create more length or width.
Finishing Touches
Once you have made the necessary alterations to your St. John knit, it’s essential to finish the edges and seams neatly. You can use a matching yarn to weave in the ends or use a serger to create a clean finish. Additionally, you may want to block the garment to ensure that the fabric lies flat and the stitches are even.
Conclusion
Altering St. John knits can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create a garment that is perfectly tailored to your style and fit preferences. By following these steps and understanding the properties of the fabric, you can make beautiful, customized garments that you’ll cherish for years to come. Happy knitting!
