Selvedge edge stitches.
You are most probably familiar with knitting slip stitch selvedge edge. This selvedge treatment has a nice knit stitch chain in the edges. -Neat edge for scarfs or other visible edges. But it is not always the best way to knit selvedge edges. Sometimes these edges become messy and they start to stretch out of shape. The solution to this problem is garter stitch selvedge edge.
In this post I show you how to knit selvedge edges in garter stitch. There are two methods. Both of them work well.
Why garter stitch selvedge edge?
When you knit garments in pieces, you have after knitting one rather unpleasent job to do: Joining seams. At this point the selvedge edges become particularly important. Garter stitch edges make seaming bearable. The edges are tight and straight. And you can easilly see where the tapestry needle needs to go.
The garter stitch creates a purl bumps in the edges. This makes counting rows easier. No more armholes on wrong rows! And really handy when you pick up stitches for front borders or neck borders.
I recommend to use garter stitch selvedge edge always when the edge stays in your finished project on the wrong side in seams or under borders. And of course when the whole garment is worked in garter stitch.
Garter stitch selvedge edge
See in the video here below how the garter selvedge edge is made.
Method 1
Knit row: With yarn in font slip the first stitch purlwise. Purl to end of row.
Purl row: Slip the first stitch knitwise. Purl to end of row.
Method 2
Knit row: Slip the first stitch knitwise. Knit to end of row.
Purl row: Slip the first stitch knitwise. Purl to last stitch, knit the last stitch.
As you can see, Method 2 is easier. But I personally prefer the Method 1. This is because the selvedge stitch becomes a bit tighter when slipped purlwise. Both edges work well. So choose the method you find handy to use.
Next time I will write about picking up stitches. Subscribe to this blog and stay tuned. Wish you happy knitting,
Piia Maria
