A column of extra stitches added to a circular knitting project, designed to be cut open later to create an opening like a cardigan front or armhole. The steek allows the knitter to work entirely in the round, avoiding purl rows in complex colorwork like Fair Isle. Before cutting, the steek is usually reinforced with a sewing machine or crochet slip stitches to prevent unraveling.
Heard on the job
I just finished the colorwork body and now I have to cut the steek for the front opening.
Insider tip
Cutting a steek is notoriously nerve-wracking for beginners, but wool yarns naturally grip themselves, making unraveling rare.