I have only steeked fine gauge sweaters. Are you concerned about the steek holding or about the raw edge being finished? If it is the latter, a couple of rows of stitching (back stitch by hand or machine stitch) will hold the cut edge from unraveling. If it is the latter, the grosgrain will work. You just have to be careful to measure the ribbon to the correct (finished length of the band) measurement and sew it in so the knitting isn’t stretched out or puckered.?

I’m currently picking up buttonbands for Dissent () a steeked cardigan in a worsted weight yarn (well, my yarn is somewhere between DK and worsted in grist, but it’s knit at 20 st/4”).? The pattern gives very detailed directions for securing and cutting the steek, which is probably really helpful for people who don’t have a lot of experience with steeks.

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I do, although it’s been a while, and I don’t think I’ve ever steeked anything heavier than sport yarn and those patterns tended to have more steek stitches than this one (hindsight and all that).? The pattern calls for the addition of grosgrain ribbon to secure the cut edges afterwards, which I can do, but I’m concerned about the stabilizing effect changing the elasticity and drape of the cardigan.

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Any advice or suggestions?? I don’t have enough fabric to turn under to secure the raw edge (and it would be thick) but I’m sure I could find a matching fingering or laceweight yarn and add an extra handsewn line of stitching to secure the cut edge down.?

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Melisande