How to: Kitchener Stitch (grafting)

My reference (with very clear & helpful pictures!): Stitch Diva Studios

Grafting allows you to create a seam that appears as a line of knitting. You will need to have each set of live stitches on a separate needle, held together with the wrong sides facing in.

Step 1: Using a tapestry needle and a length of yarn, pass the tapestry needle through the first stitch on the needle closest to you as if purling. Then, keeping the yarn under the needles, pass the yarn through the first stitch of the back needle as if knitting.

Step 2: Pass the yarn through the first stitch of the needle closest to you as if to knit (your 2nd pass through this stitch).

Pass the yarn through the second stitch of the needle closest to you as if to purl, then drop the first stitch off this needle.

Step 3: Keeping the yarn under the needles, pass the yarn through the first stitch of the back needle as if to purl (your 2nd pass through this stitch). Pass the yarn through the second stitch of the back needle as if to knit, then drop the first stitch off this needle. Adjust the tension.

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until only one stitch is left on each needle.

Step 4: Pass the yarn through the stitch on the needle closest to you as if to knit. Then, pass the yarn through the stitch on the back needle as if to purl. Drop both stitches off the needles and adjust the final tension.

Pattern used in: Grrlfriend Market Bag