Monday May 18 Asking for Mitten help!

Smiling because I've knit another pair of mittens.
 I had this yarn in my stash for years and it finally found a purpose. (misti alpaca from a yarn shop sale) 

Next up: another pair of mittens much like the sock colors Dee is currently working on. 
You inspired me Dee.
The yarn is Shibui and it's yarny name is Summer Camp. 

I have a question. When you work a round finish and you have about 6 or 8 stitches to pull through, there are HOLES between the stitches after I pull it taught.   How can I adjust the closure so this doesn't happen? No one wants a draft in their mitten tips. 
That's just counterproductive. 
I have been weaving yarn around the holes afterward, but I don't love the look if I'm not very very careful. 
Thoughts? 

(and I don't want a double decrease and kitchener option, because me and Kitchener just don't get along.) 


Comments

Mrs. Micawber said…
Kathy - check out this post by TechKnitter. Though it's about knipples, not spaces between stitches, it may give you some ideas:

http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2009/11/avoiding-nipple-in-middle-some-tricks.html

Another one of her tricks is to switch to a smaller needle on the last couple of rounds, then Kitchener the join rather than drawing the yarn through. I've done this on hats and it does give a beautifully smooth join.
knitterbeader said…
I don't have a suggestion about how to close up your "round" end to the mittens.

I'm still laughing about you and Kitchener "not getting along". I finally typed out the detailed instructions on doing the "K" stitch on a 3"x5" card and lay it out in front of me to follow. I still don't like the stitch - except for the great results.
Caffeine Girl said…
Techknitting is also a great place to go for Kitchner help. She has a method using knitting needles rather than a tapestry needle and it is like magic. Perfect every time!
I usually thread my leftover through the top a few times and tie it off tight to help closeup any holes.

And as for the fairy gardens on my blog - copy away! I found the idea on the internet - so it's not original!
Katherine said…
You might think my way of doing it is sloppy but it works. I pull the yarn through the remaining loops and make a knot. Then I use the needle to pull the yarn through to the wrong side and stitch through each "hole" and tie another know (or two). I figure that what is on the inside adds to the snuggly warmth and can't be seen, and the tips always look good.
Tired Teacher said…
Katherine's method works for me, too.
Kim in Oregon said…
In lieu of kitchener, you could try a three needle bind off. Sometimes the seam is annoying to people but on a mitten it isn't as annoying as a sock toe.
Araignee said…
Adorable mittens. I never have noticed that problem with my mittens but I like the idea from whoever said to switch to a smaller needle when you do the decreases. I may try that. I usually have that issue with hats. I hate hat decreases. They always look terrible to me. If I am using real wool I usually felt them a bit and that closes up the holes. That may work for mittens too.
KSD said…
Three needle bind-off, maybe? I don't do circular knitting, so I'm not much help.
Teresa Kasner said…
Can't help you on the knitting stuff.. but I do admire your mittens! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Delighted Hands said…
I go through the last few as stitches twice before I pull the tail tight. No holes in the tips! This is a beautiful pair of mittens!
Mereknits said…
Can I just say I love them, I am not much help at all.
Hugs,
Meredith

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