This class is perfect for knitters curious about steeking—the technique of cutting into your knitting to create armholes, necklines, or cardigan openings. Maybe you've watched tutorials or even tried a steek yourself but still worry your stitches might unravel, or perhaps your steek edges don’t look as polished as you'd like for that heirloom project. In this hands-on class, you'll learn why and how steek stitches are used and explore a variety of methods for securing and finishing steek edges to ensure a neat, secure result.

You'll also gain experience picking up stitches along a steek, which reinforces and tidies the cut edge. By the end of class, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable using steeks in your own knitting projects.

Varian Brandon began knitting at age eight, but a trip to the British Isles later rekindled her love of color and sparked a lasting interest in Fair Isle design and construction. She now designs stranded colorwork patterns for various yarn companies and her own website, with her work featured in publications such as Yarnwise, PLY, and Interweave Knits. Varian is also the author of Waiting, a collection of colorwork hat patterns. Based in Saluda, North Carolina, she has taught stranded colorwork and related techniques for over 19 years at local yarn shops, fiber festivals, and retreats—including the long-running Kanuga Knitting and Quilting Retreat.

$60 -$75

Additional Supply Fee:  None. 

Scholarship Available: No.

Level: Intermediate. Students must know both the knit and purl stitch. Having an understanding sweater construction is helpful, but not required.

Minimum Number of Students: 8 by January 31, 2026

Maximum Number of Students: 15

Required Supplies:

• DK weight yarn... solid or tonal color, no novelty - 20 yards
• Needles - US 4, US 2
• Small sharp scissors
• Crochet hook same size or slightly smaller than US 4 needles
• Waste yarn in a different color than homework swatches – 3 yards.

Class Schedule: The class will be in person at the SEFAA Center on Sunday February 8 from 10 am - 1 pm, 2026.