✂️ The steek technique: cutting your knit to transform a sweater into a cardigan (without panicking)

🤯 “Cut my knitting with scissors? Are you sure?!”

We know. It sounds completely crazy. But spoiler alert : it's one of the most satisfying techniques we've tested.

Welcome to the magical world of steek , that little word that sounds scary but, when mastered, opens up incredible possibilities. Knitting a sweater in the round and then transforming it into a cardigan? It's possible. And even recommended!

In this article, we explain:

▪️ What is steek (without gibberish)

▪️ When and how to use it

▪️ And above all… how to cut without shaking 💪

📌 What is the steek technique?

A steek is an “extra” area that you deliberately add to your knitting… so that you can then cut it off and turn a sweater into a cardigan. Yes, with scissors.

Historically used in Fair Isle jacquard knits , this technique allows:

▪️ Knit in the round all the way (more fluid)

▪️ Avoid seams

▪️ Easily modify the final shape (sweater → vest, for example)

🎯 Why use a steek?

✅ The good reasons:

▪️ Knit symmetrical patterns without back and forth

▪️ Gain speed (bye bye flat knitting)

▪️ Add a central opening , even after the fact

❌ When we avoid:

▪️ Slippery or non-elastic threads (cotton, bamboo, etc. not ideal)

▪️ Total beginner in knitting (start with Cardichou 🧶)

▪️ If you don't want to stress about using a pair of scissors (and that's OK too)

🧶 Louise's memory : “I dared to try steek to transform a sweater into a cardigan after 10 years of knitting... And I only regretted one thing: not having tried it sooner!”

✂️ Step-by-step tutorial: how to make a steek without drama

🪡 1. Create the steek area

Add 5 to 7 center stitches where you want to open. These stitches are only used for one thing: to be cut later 😬
➡️ Knit them in stockinette stitch, or by alternating two colors to visualize them clearly.

🧵 2. Secure the edges

Before cutting, secure with:

▪️ Two lines of machine sewing

▪️ or a tight backstitch by hand

🎯 Goal: to prevent the stitches from slipping (literally).

✂️ 3. Cut (the fateful moment)

Cut between the seam lines. Breathe. You've just made a steek.
💥 And no, your knitting won't disintegrate.

🧷 4. Finishing touches

You can :

▪️ Pick up stitches for a clean edge

▪️ Add buttons or a zipper

▪️ Place a bias to reinforce the inside

✨ Tip: Use a project with a slightly “catchy” yarn (like in the Marguerite vest ) for a more stable steek.

💡 To remember (to stick on the fridge 🧲)

🧶 Knit-sis patterns to discover before starting Steek

▪️ 🧡 Cardichou – our favorite, top-down, quick-fire cardigan

▪️ 🌼 Daisy – delicate openwork stitch, perfect with a soft border

▪️ 🎉 Festi – to test the steek on a fun and colorful project

🎯 Conclusion

Yes, cutting your knitting is scary. But mastering steeks opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your knitting projects.

And frankly, there are few feelings as satisfying as transforming your favorite sweater into a unique handmade cardigan 💛

👉 Want to get started?

Start with our model Cardichou or explore the complete collection of vests.

And to receive our next tutorials and free models:
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