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ellerdor
New Pal
1 Posts |
 Posted - 06/04/2012 : 6:51:22 PM
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I've been knitting for many years--intermediate to advanced patterns. Having said that, I'm not satisfied with the appearance of my selvages. I don't have a clue as to what I should be doing with the last stitch and turn for each row, in order to achieve a nice finish that lends itself to a neat looking seam. Is there something I should be doing, depending on the pattern?
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Punctuatedknitter
Seriously Hooked
819 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2012 : 10:30:15 PM
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Hi Ellerdor!
Without knowing what methods you already use (so forgive me if you already know these), here are some ideas:
My favorite tip that I learned for neat edges is that when the pattern calls for increasing or decreasing at the end of the row, I do the shaping 2 stitches from the edge. This leaves you with an nice uniform edge stitch, which when seamed is less lumpy--and easier to match rows. You can even be decorative--use a K2tog on the right edge (RS facing) so that the diagonal of the K2tog is "pointing" at the edge. If you look closely at a fine-gauge store-bought sweater that is good quality you may see this effect at the neckline and shoulders.
I am working on a complicated Aran right now with seed stitch panels on the ends, and I decided that the first and last stitch of each row, which is going to be hidden in the seam, is always going to be a knit-on-the-RS-purl-on-the-WS stitch. This should also make it easier to make a smooth seam.
You could also slip the first stitch of each row. I only do that with edges I am not going to seam, but some knitters do it with seamed edges too.
Also, I always recommend a book: The Knitter's Guide to Finishing Techniques. It's a smallish book that will fit in your knitting bag, so it's handy as a reference on the go. Among other things, it shows you different ways of increasing and decreasing. |
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achrisvet
Permanent Resident
USA
5986 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2012 : 11:06:45 AM
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It's common to have loose, sloppy edge stitches. Here's how to prevent that.
Knit the first stitch. Insert needle into next stitch, but give the yarn a little tug before wraping the needle. This snugs up the first stitch and gets rid of the slack that makes the sloppy edge. After a while it becomes automatic. |
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Shalee
Permanent Resident
USA
2026 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2012 : 6:40:49 PM
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I agree with achrisvet. I used to have the same problem, sloppy edges! After you get used to doing as achrisvet says, it becomes 2nd nature. Now, a lifetime later, when I feel lousy and my tension goes to H***, my edges still look great!
Sharon in NW PA
I always wanted my own library but I didn't realize it would be all knitting books!
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TinyDogDaisy
New Pal
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2012 : 7:42:29 PM
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| Love achrivest's tip...cant wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing! |
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