When I knit one side and purl the other on a piece of work I'm doing, if I keep knitting, then purling, I end up with the edges curling towards the center on me, and it makes it harder to work with. Is there something I am doing wrong? I have had it suggested that I knit the first two stitches and last two stitches of every row, that didn't work, suggested to not knit the first stitch, that too didn't work. Any suggestions on what I could do to fix this would be GREATLY appreciated! :) Thanks! :)
2006-10-23 19:09:01 · 5 answers · asked by Kendra 5 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
I can do just about any pattern, cabling, braiding, purling, you name it, just this pattern is a very simple on, and I love the clean lines on it, and so would like to keep the plain look.
2006-10-24 03:43:33 · update #1
This is because the knit stitch and the purl stitch are two different sizes, though slight, even if you use the same needles.
When you're done with your piece you need to wet block it. http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter02/FEATdiyknitter.html I recently did this with a purse where all I did for stitches was knit & purl and it worked great. The purse edges do not curl and it's also a bit softer than before. I recommend that you do this for more professional looking results to your piece.
**Added Details**
Well I'm surprised I got a thumbs down since my answer was the most accurate. You have to wet block with any knitting project whether it be a scarf or a sweater, it's not just the knit and purl stitch by itself. Perhaps I should have made that clear... The curling is more noticeable with the knit and purl stitch more than most other stitches. If it's as noticable with other stitches then you are knitting too tight.
2006-10-24 02:25:35 · answer #1 · answered by H.L.A. 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You are making 'stockinette' stitch, which naturally curls to try to create a circle while you knit. You can't do anything about it, except put paper clips or binder clips on your work to hold its shape while you work.
When you're all finished, you can block it by pinning it down and steaming it lightly, but it will curl back up within an hour after you take it out of the pins.
Knitting the beginning and end of each row works, but you need to to six or ten stitches, not just two. I don't recommend it. Slipping the first stitch prevents the 'raggedy edge' look, but does nothing for curling.
You can use paper clips or binder clips. That's about it.
2006-10-25 12:54:46 · answer #2 · answered by nora22000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stockinette stitch--k 1 row, p 1 row--curls. Period. To keep your work 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 piece in a stitch pattern that doesn't curl, like garter st, seed st, basket weave, etc., etc..
Slipping the first st doesn't prevent curling and the border has to be wide enough to overcome the tendency to curl.
Blocking is a good idea along with the border, but a pure st st piece will eventually curl again. Ironing is only recommended if you're using a natural fiber like wool or cotton. High synthetic content like acrylic may melt if you put a hot iron to it.
2006-10-24 10:08:26 · answer #3 · answered by bogiebogie 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's not going to curl if you do a rib pattern or almost any pattern other than a stockinette stitch one, which is apparently the kind you want. I would switch to a not so obvious pattern if you can afford the time to learn one or just make one up.
There's also something called a tubular cast on that I notice seems to keep edges from curling, but it is a much looser edge than the typical cast on.
2006-10-24 04:46:17 · answer #4 · answered by sandra_panda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
normal...you have to finish it and then press it with a cloth..are you making a scarf?? if so it may never go away..could be the wrong yarn and needle combination..or try looser stitches and larger yarn and needles..it happens
2006-10-24 02:14:29 · answer #5 · answered by Button Face 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋