How to Do Kitchener Stitch or Grafting

Co-authored by Jen Webber

Last Updated: January 2, 2024 Approved

Have you ever worn a sweater, or worse yet, a pair of socks with a seam that rubs and irritates? Using a simple knitting method called grafting or Kitchener Stitch, you can fix this problem and have seams that are invisible and comfortable. Simply put, by using a blunt tapestry needle and matching yarn, you can make stitches which imitate those of the knitted fabric. The Kitchener stitch can also be used to attach parallel rows of live stitches to one another.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Grafting Stockinette Stitch

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Begin with the stitches to be joined on two needles held parallel to one another with the stitches to be joined across from one another. There must be the same number of stitches on both needles. Do not cast off.
You can join while the stitches are still on the needle by withdrawing the needles stitch by stitch as you work. (If you prefer, dampen the stitches slightly or run a thread through the stitches to prevent unraveling and remove both needles before starting to graft.)

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4
Graft the first two stitches like so:
1. Insert the tapestry needle purl wise into the first stitch on the front needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle.
2. Insert the tapestry needle knit wise into the first stitch on the back needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle.
5
Graft all stitches before the last two stitches in this manner:
1. Insert the tapestry needle knit wise into the first stitch on the front needle and pull the yarn through, dropping the stitch from the needle.
2. Insert the tapestry needle purl wise into the next stitch on the front needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle.
3. Insert the tapestry needle purl wise into the first stitch on the back needle and pull the yarn through, dropping the stitch from the needle.
4. Insert the tapestry needle knit wise into the next stitch on the back needle and pull the yarn through, leaving the stitch on the needle.
6
Graft the last two stitches like so:
1. Insert the tapestry needle knit wise into the first stitch on the front needle and pull the yarn through, dropping the stitch from the needle.
2. Insert the tapestry needle purl wise into the first stitch on the back needle and pull the yarn through, dropping the stitch from the needle.
You should have a seamless edge that mimics the stockinette knitting. Voila!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Grafting Garter Stitch

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Draw up the yarn.

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Question

How do I graft a garter edge on both sides and stockinette in the center?

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You would graft into each stitch as it is, purlwise for garter and knit for stockinette.

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Can I graft into an already knitted area? If so, how?

Community Answer

If you are doubling the thread, pick up the loop - either from a purl "bump" or from the knit section, and try it from there. I've never done this but seen the technique used to repair damaged but beloved garments.

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Question

Can I graft a cast on edge to live stitches? I am making a beanie that needs to be made into a tube this way.

T. Chinsen

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It is possible to bring the cast on edge to the row being knit and simply knit the cast on and the live stitch together. This will eliminate having to graft it on later. If you are past this point, then graft your live stitches to the row above the cast on row. These stitches are better defined and easier to see than the cast on row and will result in a neater finish.

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Tips

In all cases, be careful not to draw up the yarn too tightly. You want to keep the tension of the knitted piece even.

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Be sure to line up the two pieces before you begin, otherwise you will have left-over stitches.

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The needle's path is up-down on the upper piece, and down-up on the lower piece. The needle is inserted knit-wise. Up means purl-wise. You are purling the upper row of stitches and knitting the lower row.

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