Knitting a Selvedge, or Edge stitch
A selvedge, or edge stitch, is a nice way to make a neat edge on your knitted pieces. There are different kinds of knitted selvedges, and which one you use depends on what will happen to that edge. The word comes from "self-edge" and means an edge that prevents unravelling in cloth. (Selvedge is also the name of an exciting magazine about textile design, check out their site).
Here are a few variations, but try them out before you commit. Some work better for seaming and picking up than others, and some are more attractive than others.
Slip Stitch edge
My favorite slip stitch selvedge, for edges that will be visible, and not sewn, is this one.
On every row: Slip the first stitch purlwise, work to the last stitch, knit the last stitch. This forms an attractive chain up the edge of your knitting, and works best when used with a non-curling border, like garter stitch. For example, this is the edge I used in the Sweet Oak Shawl.
In Ultimate Knitting Bible by Sharon Brant, the slip stitch edge is described a little differently. Sharon Brant says to slip the stitch knitwise on purl rows, and does not say to knit the last stitch.
Garter Stitch Edge
The easiest selvedge, just knit the first and last stitch of every row. Good for side seams, because the garter stitch bumps help you line up your rows. It does make your seam a little bumpy though.
Double Edge
Another one from Ultimate Knitting Bible, this looks really nice, but is best for an edge that won't be sewn. If you have baggy stitches on your right edge on stocking stitch (a common problem, this happens because the tension at the beginning of a purl row tends to be looser) this helps tidy up those edge stitches.
For a snug, garter stitch double edge stitch: On every row: Slip first stitch knitwise through back loop, knit 1 stitch, work to last 2 stitches, knit 2.
For a chain stitch double edge: On every row: Slip the first stitch purlwise, knit 1 stitch, work to last 2 stitches, knit 2.
For some expert advice on edge stitches, check out Techknitter's article.
Comments
| By Guest on Jan 18, 2013 at 1:51 PM | |
| very important,very nice and useable. | |
| By Guest on Dec 2, 2012 at 3:24 PM | |
| thank you | |
| Thank you! | By Guest on Oct 20, 2011 at 8:00 AM |
| I've just picked up a scarf project that I was working on years ago, and I couldn't remember how I had been creating the pretty chain edge. After a few botched attempts to remember, I decided I needed some help. :-) Turns out I was doing what you describe here as the slip stich edge. Thank you so much for the help! I look forward to exploring your website and blog! Laura | Ciao Amalfi! |
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