Always purl the first row after picking up stitches?

How-to Questions
1

I have a knitting help book ([I]The Knitter’s Companion[/I] by Vicki Square) that gives the following instructions for picked up stitches:

“When all the stitches are on the needle, turn the work, and purl the next row for the neatest transition possible. With right side facing you again, begin the stitch pattern you plan to work for the border (or sleeves).”

I will be picking up stitches for a collar, so I’m wondering if her directions should be followed in this instance, too. If not, can someone tell me when I should purl the first row and when I should just move right into the pattern stitch after picking up stitches?

Thank you.

2

Are you going to knit in the round or knit flat? I do ‘pick up and knit’ as one step - insert the R needle into the edge stitch (pick up) then wrap the yarn and pull through (knit). Then the next row or round I work it for the WS row in the pattern stitch.

3

The collar is in K2P2 ribbing, but Vicki Square seems to be saying I should purl the first row; then move into the ribbing stitches.

Is that how it’s normally done?

Thanks.

4

Oh, and I’m knitting this section flat.

5

It may be the sts will lay better if you do the first row after picking up, there could be a design reason behind that. Do as the pattern says and see how you like it. If you don’t care for it, take it out and do the row in ribbing instead.

6

Since it is ribbing and will look the same on both sides I think I would just do the ribbing and forget a purl row, but you can try it.

7

if the purl row is a WS row, it will help the collar roll to the outside and lie nicely. there is a design reason for that instruction, I believe.

in my own knitting, I have practiced this habit for a long while on that first row, no matter how the collar itself is knitted. it simply looks neater and more finished. and it is virtually undetectable in the finished garment.

8

MoniDew, thanks for the input based on your experience. Do you do this even on crew necks? I see them called collars by some people. If you say they look better with the first row purled, I’ll have to give that a try. Do you do it in the round too? :thumbsup: