I’m working on what’s supposed to be a very basic scarf (just knit stitch all the way), but for some reason my edges look really messy compared to the middle. The sides kind of curl and sometimes look loose or uneven.
I’m using regular straight needles (size 8) and a worsted yarn. I don’t think I’m doing anything “wrong” but clearly something is off
I tried pulling the first stitch tighter but then the next row ends up looking even weirder. Also noticed that sometimes I accidentally split the yarn on the first or last stitch… not sure if that’s part of the problem.
Do you all slip the first stitch or just knit it normally? I’ve seen both mentioned and now I’m confused which one is better for clean edges.
Would really appreciate any tips — I don’t mind starting over if needed, just want to understand what I’m doing wrong before I do!
Welcome to KH. I read ‘understand’ and went to find this video. I learned a lot from it. She’s working in stockinette but the same things apply to garter stitch.
I think I would slip the first stitch purlwise wyif then knit it normally on the next row. Sometimes I prefer to knit the edge stitch, I don’t mind how it looks now I’ve learned to control the tension for neater edges.
There are so many options for edges, lots of decorative ways to treat the first and last few stitches to create a wide variety of looks. Even slipping the first stitch has options of which way you slip it, where the yarn is held and how many you slip.
I like this tutorial from nimble needles about problem edges, it’s a good written explanation with pics and there’s a video link too. It also as links to other tutorials on edge options.
I don’t slip first stitches but I might use something decorative for a certain project.
I do take special care of my edge stitches though. I knit at a reasonable speed but my first 2 or 3 sts and my last 2 or 3 sts I go very slow and pay attention, i really treat them with care.
Both GGs video link and the one i linked explain why pulling the first stitch makes things worse.
Here are a few things I do to protect my first 2 or 3 sts
Lower my arms/hands so that the knit fabric is fully supported in my lap (or a table or on a cushion on the lap if it needs to be higher) and no weight of the project is pulling down on the stitches. This isn’t needed for the first rows because the fabric is just light but as it grows it can really pull on the stitches.
I use my left forefinger and thumb to pinch the first few stitches and draw them up towards the needle even before starting to knit, this is to make sure no weight of the fabric pulls on the stitches, drawing the fabric closer to the needle and taking the weight inbetween my finger and thumb means excess yarn in the first stitch is removed without yanking, only snugging.
I continue to baby those stitches until they are worked and the new stitches are on the right needle.
Rather than dragging or pulling the old stitch off the left needle I kind of withdraw the left needle from the stitch instead.
When i get to the last few stitches i again make sure the fabric is fully supported and ensure the weight doesn’t pull on my last few, and again kinnof withdraw the left needle from the stitch rather than dragging or pulling it off.
It might sound like a lot of faff but it’s all over in a moment really and it’s only those few stitches which need such care.
I don’t think you’re doing anything wrong. These stitches at the beginning and end of the row are just kind of delicate, maintaining even tension in them just is a bit harder and will come in time or with some of the tips and tricks available to try or attractive edges which can be made.
