Since last time when I completed the sleeves, I have embarked upon my very first Button Band.
Picking up the stitches was easier than I expected.
It's a bit bunched up in this photo, but I'm very happy that my existing long circular needle is long enough for this task.
The pattern instruction was to pick up and knit the first row in one step, but I wanted to err on the cautious side and understand why they wanted a multiple of 6 stitches first.
The reason is that this Button Band is ribbed in 4x2 like the sleeves. I decided to add 4 stitches so that the rib would be the same at the bottom on both sides, and therefore should also match as the sweater is buttoned up.
At this point, I have the Navajo Line completed as well as the next few rows. I am ready to make the Button Holes, but first I need to confirm the hole size required...
In comparing the button options I selected earlier in this project, I've decided on the bottom one. It's a slightly oval button made from Olive Wood and stained in a Walnut finish.
Button Hole Help:
I am using Shropshire for the Button Band, and I love working with it. It has a nice amount of stretch and softness.
Due to the stretch of the Shropshire, I decided that I will make the button hole only 3 (instead of 4) stitches wide...
And the Button Band one or two rows wider to accommodate the oval buttons I selected.
One more row was enough...
With the Shropshire being so stretchy I decided to do a Standard Bind-off, per the pattern instructions. However, I think a Slightly Stretchier bind-off would have been better.
Now, with my first ever Button Band being complete and the life lines all removed, the remaining tasks are sewing on the buttons, Kitchenering the armpits closed and weaving in the ends. So close!!
Happy Fiber Arts Friday
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