magic cast-on attaching zips to knitting cast on method that looks like casting off

Kitchener Stitch

the bind-off cast-on compared to the regular cast-off

Kitchener Stitch (aka Grafting) is a way to bind two sets of stitches together seamlessly. It is a method invented by Lord Kitchener who you may know from the "Your country needs you!" posters of the First World War.

You will need:

  • yarn
  • tapestry needle
  • two knitting needles
  • even no. of stitches, still "live" or on the needle

Technique

Arrange the stitches so that they are split evenly between the two needles.

Press the backs of the material together ready for grafting. Insert the tapestry needle p-wise into the first stitch on the front needle then k-wise into the first stitch on the back needle.

The next four steps form the Kitchener stitch. Repeat until all stitches have been grafted together.

Insert the tapestry needle:

  1. k-wise into the first stitch on the front needle.
    Slip this stitch off the needle.
  2. p-wise into next stitch on front needle.
    Leave this stitch on the needle.
  3. p-wise into the first stitch on the back needle
    Slip this stitch off the needle.
  4. k-wise into the next stitch on the back needle
    Leave this stitch on the needle.

Moss Stitch Variation

The moss stitch variation of Kitchener Stitch alternates knit and purl looking graft stitches. Don't worry about matching the purl stitches up with the existing pattern as grafted stitches are offset by half a stitch – it won't look perfect either way.

Begin as for regular Kitchener stitch but repeat these eight steps instead of the original four. Insert the tapestry needle:

  1. k-wise into the first stitch on the front needle.
    Slip this stitch off the needle.
  2. k-wise into next stitch on front needle.
    Leave this stitch on the needle.
  3. p-wise into the first stitch on the back needle
    Slip this stitch off the needle.
  4. p-wise into the next stitch on the back needle
    Leave this stitch on the needle.
  5. p-wise into the first stitch on the front needle.
    Slip this stitch off the needle.
  6. p-wise into next stitch on front needle.
    Leave this stitch on the needle.
  7. k-wise into the first stitch on the back needle
    Slip this stitch off the needle.
  8. k-wise into the next stitch on the back needle
    Leave this stitch on the needle.

Links:

For a step-by-step guide with photos try:
Socknitters Lessons.

For a video tutorial try:
Heatherc3's lesson on YouTube.