Any project with open side edges looks much better when we give its edges a special treatment. It could be as simple as adding basic slip-stitch selvedges. But if you are after a more elaborate look, add Tubular Side Edging described in this tutorial.
This edging forms lavish edges that look the same on both sides of the fabric and work great with most stitch patterns. They are perfect for finishing scarves, shawls, blankets and cardigans.
Edges like these ones are the reason why carefully made designer items look more elegant than cheap mass-produced garments, even though we might not say for sure what exactly improves the look of a project.
Here’s how you can add this gorgeous edging to your knits. If you prefer to learn from a video:
SETUP
This edging is worked over three stitches at each side of the work. If you want to add it to both sides of your project, add 6 extra stitches to the number of stitches you cast on.
The edge-forming steps are the same in every row of the project. There are only three simple steps that we will repeat in each and every row.
STEP 1
Bring the yarn to the front of the work and slip one stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle.
Knit one stitch.
Bring the yarn to the front of the work one more time and slip the next stitch purlwise to the right needle.
These three stitches form one of the edges.
STEP 2
Work in any stitch pattern until you get to the last three stitches of the row.
STEP 3
Knit one stitch.
Bring the yarn to the front of the work and slip one stitch to the right needle. Do it purlwise, without twisting the stitch.
Knit the last stitch of the row.
As you see, in the third step we do the opposite of what we did in the first step – instead of “slip 1 with yarn in front, knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front”, we “knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front, knit 1”. This takes care of the other edge of the fabric.
Repeat these three steps in every row and you will form a beautiful tubular edging at each side of your project.
To add this edging only to the right side of the fabric, work step 1 in one row and step 3 in the next row. To use this method to decorate only the left side of the project, work step 3 in one row and step 1 in the next row.
Because we alternate slipping and knitting stitches, the edging is made of double knitted fabric like the one we create when we use the double knitting technique. That’s why the edge is so luscious, and that’s why it is identical on both sides of the work.
This fabric does not just look great, it also stabilizes the edges keeping them from stretching, and to some extent, even keeping the edges of stockinette-stitch-based patterns from curling.
Free Mini-Course for You
To learn about other ways to keep side edges from curling,
take this free mini-course.
Helpful Reference Book
Getting side edges just right can be tricky. Neat Side Edges book describes twelve simple ways to make the process a lot easier for you.
Add it to your collection of helpful reference books.
SAVE IT FOR LATER:
This and 41 other in-depth tutorials are part of Knitting Collection #6.
