Will this keep my edges from curling?

What NOT to do.
by Jackie E-S

Mary, who knits baby afghans for Project Linus, asked this question about the Elegantly Simple Baby Blanket. My answer and her subsequent "ah! ah!" moment can help you better understand how you can control edges from curling in your other projects.

QUESTION —

If I slip the first stitch as if to knit, will that help in keeping the edges from curling?

ANSWER —

The Elegantly Simple Baby Blanket pattern already includes detailed stitch instructions for the recommended type of selvedge stitch method to avoid curling.

Just work the edge stitches as given in the pattern. i.e. slip the first stitch of each row as if to purl and with yarn held to front; knit the last stitch of each row.

This gives you a chain stitch edge that has enough elasticity in the lace pattern to avoid both buckling and curling.

If you substitute a slip stitch as to knit, the edge stitch will be twisted and tighten up, causing your edges to more likely pull in vertically and cause the fabric to buckle.

Mary's "ah! ah! moment" REPLY —

Thank you so much for all your help. I now know why the edges on my knitting afghans curl.

Do you have a Question about knitting technique or skill? Please email me and I will consider it for an upcoming Q&A.

Visit the Project Linus website.

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