I have a pattern that calls for all edges to be worked in “selvage edge” – slip one purlwise at the beginning of each row and knit the last stitch of each row. My pattern also states that this is a good practice in general. Is this something that would benefit any pattern? And – if you modify a pattern that doesn’t necessarily call for it, would you add two extra stitches to the pattern or just replace the first and last stitch accordingly with the slip purl and knit? I’m wondering if a selvage edge helps when it comes to pieceing garments together. Is there any time that you wouldn’t want to use it? I’m just curious. If it gives an item a more “finished” look I think I’d like to try to start incorporating it into all my work.
A selvage makes a very nice even edge especially where the edge of the pattern will show like in a scarf. I’m not sure about using it on edges that need seaming though.
I never use slipped sts for selvage when seaming. It elims half the sts and makes for a less sturdy seam (can also look ‘gappy’ depending on gauge).
cam
And if you were to use them on a pattern that doesn’t specifiy them, don’t add extra sts unless you want more width - like a scarf for instance.
Thanks for all the replies. I think I have a better understanding of the stitch.