Quite often, we want the side edges of a stockinette stitch fabric to stay flat instead of rolling in as they usually do. But sometimes, the rolled edge can add an interesting touch to a project.
The trick here is to control the curling so that the edge does not roll all the way to the centre of the project. The rolled edging method does just that.
This edging is a variation of the i-cord edging. Unlike the edges formed by the slipped i-cord edging (described on page 60 of the “Neat Side Edges” book), the rolled edging is attached to the fabric only at one side.
It looks like an open i-cord, forming a lovely roll at each side of the fabric, as if the stockinette stitch started to curl in, but then stopped.
What made it stop? Slipped stitches that we put between our knits and purls.
To add these little bits of rolled fabric to the sides of any project, add eight stitches to the number of stitches you cast on (four stitches at each side of the fabric), and then work two simple rows over and over again.
If you want the sides to roll towards the right side of your project, work row 1 on the wrong side of the work and row 2 on its right side.
Rolled edging looks great next to any stitch pattern. Because we slip every other stitch of the edging, the sides of the fabric have a very distinct look that makes a perfect frame to a project made of seed (moss) stitch, garter stitch and other textured stitch pattern, and it also highlights the simple texture of the stockinette stitch itself.
To download a 6-page PDF with the step-by-step photo tutorial about this method, click here to join the Club 2023.
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If you enjoyed this tutorial,
here’s something else you might find helpful:
“Neat Side Edges” Book
Learn twelve ways to make side edges of a knitted project nice and tidy. Plus, ways to fix side edges, and a way to improve edges of finished projects.
Happy knitting!
