How to Make a Smooth Seam Edge When Knitting

With a few simple tricks, you can have a smooth seam edge.

Creating a smooth edge in your knitting makes it easier to seam up the project at the end of the piece. With a few simple tricks you can keep the edges of the piece straight and smooth. Generally, patterns add in a stitch at each end, called the selvage, for seaming the piece together without losing width. These extra stitches at each end of the piece are the key stitches to creating a smooth edge.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Knitting needles

Instructions

1. When working in stockinette stitch, slip the first stitch in each row. This will leave the edges smooth and tighten up the first stitch on each row to make it easier to seam the pieces together.

2. When working in a pattern stitch, keep the first and last stitches in stockinette stitch. This creates an edge called a seam edge, making it easier to see the stitches when seaming the piece together.

3. To create a chain edge similar to the seam edge but a little tighter, knit the first and last stitch on each right side row and slip the first and last stitch as if to purl on the wrong side. This creates a tighter edge than the seam edge and is a better option for loose knitters.

4. When joining in a new ball of yarn, do not join at the edge. Work a couple of stitches in and then join the new yarn. This keeps the join at the edges while leaving the edges smooth and even without any loose stitches which can cause problems when seaming.

References

• "A Treasury of Knitting Patterns"; Barbara G. Walker; 1998