Banded....Again

I have had a few questions lately on how I attach bands.  I've posted that before but time for a fresh look.  Detailed below is the basic technique so many machine knitters use.  There are other methods and I am planning to teach another very easy way at my upcoming seminars.  I do like this method and use it very often.

Just finished this cotton vest which is knit at T9 on my Brother as it will shrink significantly in the wash and dryer.  You can see how loose the stitches look before it hits the laundry.

Hope my steps are clear to follow as I attach a ribbed band to the arm hole, if not just let me know and I can clarify.  Click on any picture for a closer and clearer view!

Hang (with public side facing you) the very edge stitch (whole stitch)

An easy way to check a whole stitch is hung (not a half or stitch and a half) is to use a flashlight under the needles.  You can easily identify if all needles are in the same "channel"

With all needles out to "hold" position" push the body of the garment against the machine and hang the band stitches with private side facing you so both public sides are facing each other  

After all band stitches are in the hooks, apply a bit of downward pressure to the body of the garment and at the same time start to move the needles back to close the latches.  Make sure the latches are closing without the latches "piercing" the edge stitches or sliding under the edge stitches.

Needles back and all latches closed

Top view, all latches closed

Starting at either end, push needles back pulling band stitches through edge of garment (I use the flat end of my needle pusher).  Then, place your finger under the stitches (apply a little pressure against the main bed so stitches don't pop off needles) and pull needles out to "hold position" once again.  To the right of my hand this step is done, my hand holding the stitches ready to move the needles to "hold position" and to the left band stitches ready to be pulled through.

Another picture of above

All needles are in "hold position" all latches must be opened

Lay your yarn in the open latches then bring the needles back toward the main bed to enclose the yarn in each needle hook

Here you can see the transfer tool indicating the yarn in the closed latches

With bitter end of yarn at the opposite end, start to manually knit each stitch very loosely 

Once all stitches are knit, again move all needles to "hold position."  Then chain cast off (loop through a loop) from the opposite side of the bitter end of yarn.

Here is the edge before removing waste yarn.

Hint - see the edge of the ribber cast on and how stretched out it is!

Run an appropriate size needle under the zig-zag row and tug gently to set the stitches, I am using a double eyed transfer needle

Note the difference on the right where the stitches were set to those on the left!

Check Out Diana's Technique For Shape Lace With Short Rows

Take a look at Diana Sullivan's May video on ravel cord short row shaping of lace.  Great demo, up close, clear and straightforward.

You can use this technique for shaping armholes as well.  When I knit a sweater or vest short row shaping is my method of choice.  I like smooth rounded edges and short row shaping gives us that.  When not knitting lace use the holding method as you decrease and wrap.

P.S. I have had many requests for my whitening formula - now in the "Featured Post" box (on the top right side of my blog), just click!