When we want to make lovely side edges on a project, we should remember to work side stitches in a certain way that guarantees that the edges will be uniform and nice-looking. These important stitches even have a special name – selvedges.
There are a number of ways to work selvedge stitches with each way creating a different look. Some of these ways are described in this tutorial.
The way described in this tutorial is the easiest of them all. It is also very popular, and there is a reason for that – this way to work selvedges is easy to remember, it creates beautiful sides that are stretchy enough not to jam the fabric, and it works great with any stitch pattern.
Let’s see how it works.
If you are a visual learner, here’s a quick video tutorial that shows every step explained below.
To make this type of selvedges, cast on 2 extra stitches. For example, if your pattern tells you to cast on 50 stitches, cast on 52.
Then slip the first stitch and purl the last stitch of every row.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
1. With the yarn at the back of the work, slip the first stitch purlwise (insert the right needle into the stitch from right to left).
2. Work all stitches in the pattern of your choice, and stop when you come to the last stitch.
3. Purl the last stitch.
Repeat the same steps in every row (both right side and wrong side), and you’ll get a beautiful chain of stitches at each side of the work.
If the chain of stitches is too loose and you want to fix it, pull the yarn a bit after you work the second stitch of every row.
Each of the “links” of the chain is created every two rows. That’s handy when you need to count your rows. Simply count the links of the chain and double the number.
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!
