The secrets of a hand-knitted snood: tips and techniques

For lovers of fashion and homemade accessories, nothing is better than a beautiful hand-knitted snood. This type of tube scarf is not only trendy, but also practical for keeping you warm in winter. However, to get the perfect snood, there are some tips and techniques you need to know.

In this article I will share with you the secrets to making your hand-knitted snood a success, as well as the essential tips and techniques for embarking on this wonderful creative adventure.

The choice of materials

To start your hand-knit snood project, you’ll first need to choose the right materials. To do this, here are some elements to take into consideration:

• The quality of the wool : choose a soft, warm wool that doesn’t scratch. Blended wools (merino, acrylic, alpaca) are ideal for combining comfort and warmth.
• The type of wire : opt for a thick thread that is easy to work with. You can choose between classic yarns or fancy yarns such as yarns with pompoms, fringes, beads, etc.
• Color : choose a color that you like and matches your outfits. Don’t hesitate to opt for original colors to add some liveliness to your snood.

The necessary equipment

Once you’ve chosen your materials, you can gather the materials needed to craft your snood. You will need:

• Knitting needles adapted to the size of the yarn: generally needles from no. 8 at no. 12 for a snood.
• A tape measure to take your measurements and follow the progress of your work.
• A scissor and a yarn needle to finalize your snood.

Basic techniques

To make a handmade snood, it is important to master some basic techniques which I will explain below:

The right stitch and the purl stitch

Here are the two types of stitches essential for working a snood:

1. Straight stitch : it is formed by inserting the right needle into the buttonhole of the stitch on the left needle, then passing the thread around the tip of the right needle before tightening the buttonhole with this same needle.
2. The reverse point : it is obtained by inserting the right needle into the stitch of the left needle from behind, then passing the thread around the tip of the right needle and pulling the buttonhole with this same needle.

Techniques for casting on stitches

To start your snood, it’s essential to know how to cast on stitches on the needle. Here are some techniques to use:

• The classic method : Tie a knot around the left needle and insert your thumb and forefinger between the two hanging threads. Then pass the right needle under the thumb thread, then under the index finger thread and finally pass the thumb thread over the index finger thread.
• The two needle method : Place the two needles against each other and follow the same technique as before, but pass the threads around the two needles instead of just one.

Create templates

To give your hand-knitted snood more style, you can make different patterns by combining the right and wrong stitches:

• Garter stitch : this simple pattern is made by knitting only or alternating a knit stitch and a purl stitch on each row.
• The stockinette shirt : to obtain this pattern, knit one row, then purl one row and so on.
• The ribs : the ribs are formed by regularly alternating knit and purl stitches on the same needle. You can create ribs of different widths by varying the number of stitches.

Other more complex patterns are also possible, such as braids, jacquard or lace.

Finishes and suggestions

The last step in making your hand-knitted snood is to cast off the stitches and complete the finishing touches:

• Cast off the stitches : knit two stitches together (knit or wrong side), then pass the first stitch over the second. Repeat this operation until the end of the row.
• Sew the ends of the snood : with the help of a wool needle and some excess thread, assemble the two ends of your neck warmer using an invisible seam or one adapted to the pattern of your work.
• Suggestions : To prevent your snood from rolling in on itself, consider alternating stitch types (knit and moss, for example) or making a garter stitch border before starting the main pattern.

Now you have all the keys in your hand to create a magnificent hand-knitted snood. All you have to do is get started!

About the author

Clarisse Mercier

As a sewing lover, I manage the editorial side of ZoneCouture and share my discoveries and advice around this art here.