When a patterns instructions call for you to slip the first stitch of each row (knitting in garter stitch), do you slip it knitwise or purlwise? :??
I generally slip the first stitch purlwise and knit the last stitch, but you can really do it either way as long as you are consistent.
[color=indigo]I agree totally. Lots of people say it has to be one way or another, but I slip the first one knitwise and knit the last stitch. As long as it’s consistent, I’ve found it’s knitter’s choice. :happydance: [/color]
I’ve always slipped the first stitch the way the next stitch is knit (kw for a k st, pw fir a p st) but it produced a very loose edge stitch. (Couldn’t be my large needles, could it? <g> ) Then I started slipping pw and sort of wrapping my yarn around that edge stitch to make the next knit stitch, instead of bringing it through the needles like when you move from a purl to a knit stitch. Really firmed up the edge st and maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be done…?
sue
Those of you the slip it purlwise, do you do it that way cuz it’s easier for you to slip it like that or is it because of the result?
Here’s a link that shows what’s called a chain selvedge. It produces a chain/braid type look on both edges. It’s my personal favorite way to do it.
:gah: And I just finished my log cabin blanket!!! ARGH!!! Oh well, now I know for next time.
Do you all do this for everything that you knit? Does it work well with lace?
Thanks for all the help
It works great with anything that will have an exposed edge. A scarf, shawl, etc. With things that need seaming, it is easier to not slip the stitches.
Slipping the first stitch purlwise in lace produces a neat edge but it reduces the elasticity of the edge. So if it is something that needs to stretch then better just to knit it.
I was just cleaning out my Outlook Express mailbox when I discovered the knittinghelps e-mail notice that there’d been responses to this post. How’d I miss that? I’d just assumed it never got replies. :shrug:
Thank you, ladies, for the helpful responses! 