DIY Network

Finishing Finishing From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-102

Now that the knitting is finished, there are a few more steps to get the guitar strap ready to step into the spotlight.

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Figure A

Final Touches
1. Weave in ends (figure A).

2. With double strand of CC2 and crochet hook, single-crochet around entire guitar strap to create a fun, furry edging.

3. Block, either using steam from an iron or pinning the strap to a towel that has been taped to a table, spritzing it with water and leaving it to dry overnight.

Figure B

Lining
Note: This step is important. It will keep the strap from stretching under the weight of the guitar.

1. Excluding tabs (these do not need to be lined), measure the body of the guitar strap.

2. Add 1/4" seam allowance.

3. Using those measurements, cut out fabric.

4. Folding fabric under 1/4", pin to back of guitar-strap body and hand-stitch in place (figure B).

Voila! You've got yourself a guitar strap, you crafty Rock Star you!

Hint: If you're making this strap for an acoustic guitar, simply crochet a chain or knit an I-cord, string it through the hole of the top tab and tie the end onto the top of the guitar neck.

Figure C

Optional Strap Changes
Don't feel like you have to follow this pattern exactly. Alter it in any way that will make your guitar strap work best for you. If you don't want to mess with the stripes and stockinette stitch, then do the body of the strap in garter stitch and funkify it with some sew-on sequins or patches (figure C). You can also bypass the whole tab-knitting completely by just knitting the body of the strap and then sewing on some tabs made out of leather or vinyl. Alternatively, you can use the knitted tabs as an anchor to loop around the slits of tabs you're recycling from another strap -- this will enable you to use a guitar-strap lock, if that's what gets your groove on. Just remember to have fun and think of this project as an accessory. Knit one for every mood and every one of your rock-star stances. Rock on -- knit on!

*The music video featured in today's episode was Steriogram's Walkie Talkie Man from their CD Schmack!
© Capitol Records 2004
Web: www.capitolrecords.com/steriogram/walkietalkieman/

RESOURCES :

Berroco Softwist
Colors: 9420 Nouveau Berry and 9475 Gray Granite
Berroco Inc.
Check Website for local retailers.
Website: www.berroco.com

Crystal Palace "Fizz"
Color: 7114 shadows
Crystal Palace Yarns
Website: straw.com

GUESTS :

Share Ross
Musician/knitter
Website: www.punkknits.com