Trouble keeping my edges neat on a simple scarf

General Knitting
1

Hi everyone,

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 :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

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!

Thanks in advance

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On something like a scarf, slipping the first stitch can really help neaten the edge. Just don’t forget! I usually put a marker to help me remember.

I don’t slip the first stitch on anything that will be seamed together, because it makes the seam less stable with only half the stitches.

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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.

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