How do I keep my knitting from curling on the ends?

Question

I am a new at knitting, started about a couple of months ago.
I have knitted 2 scarves: knit 1 row purl 1 row.... and on each one of them the edges curl. This really bugs me I would like to know how to keep it from doing this.

Answer 1

Someone else just asked this too.

It curls because the knit stitch and purl stitch are two different sizes. When one side is bigger and the other side is smaller, it pulls the bigger size making your edges curl. http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter02/FEATdiyknitter.html You need to wet block it when you're all finished. This give you more professional looking results, but it'll also make the scarves a little softer. If you don't do this you will have curled edges, even if you just wash it they'll remain the same. Washing then pinning down and letting it dry, then ironing lightly is the only way to fix this, and this is why wet blocking is so important.

Answer 2

I've been learning a new pattern where they ask you to do a tubular cast on, and this is one that never curls on any edge, but it winds up in a rib pattern to start with, if you can work with that.

Actually the one tutorial here doesn't make you start out in that rib thing, although the instructions in the back of "interweave knits" always do.

Answer 3

Stockinette stitch--k 1 row, p 1 row--curls. Period. To keep your scarf from curling, you need to add a border that doesn't curl. Add an inch or more of garter stitch or seed stitch on each side and each end and that should help. Or knit your scarf in a stitch pattern that doesn't curl.

Answer 4

on the first stitch of every row don't stitch it just slip it on to the needle this will help keep the edges straight

Answer 5

how to keep the rows even

Answer 6

im pretty sure its happening because your stitches arent even just yet. keep practicing it should go away