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| Garter stitch fabric, a bit loose and wavy, before edging |
However, even tight, well-executed garter stitch fabric may face this problem, stretching into ruffles when worn.
Today's post shows an easy edging which cures existing problems and prevents future ones.
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| Tight (back) and loose (front) garter stitch fabric, edged |
This edging can be applied with a knitting needle, although it is easier to do it with a crochet hook, as shown. This technique is called "slip stitch" and creates a neat little chain around the garment. The chain constrains the edge. Once edged, the garter stitch fabric can still stretch, but won't ruffle. |
As far as appearance, chain edging garter stitch offers a simple design element, in an understated sort of way.
Here's how, in 3 steps.
Step 1: Insert the crochet hook (or knitting needle) through the edge of the fabric from front to back. Take a note of just WHERE on the stitch you are inserting--as long as the hook inserts into the same part of every stitch, the result is a pleasant, consistent edging. I think it looks best to insert a bit off the very edge, leaving a bit of the original garter edge showing above the chain as in the photos, but it's knitter's choice--some prefer chain right along the fabric edge.
Once the hook (or needle) is through the fabric, catch the running yarn and draw up a loop. Now, go to the next row of your garter stitch fabric and again insert, catching the yarn on the hook or needle. The below illustration shows the hook inserted through the fabric, from front to back, catching the running yarn, and about to pull the second loop through the fabric edge--the first loop was pulled through the same manner.
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| Step 1 |
Step 2: The second loop has been drawn through the fabric. There are now two loops on the hook on the front face of the fabric.
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| Step 2 |
Step 3: The last step is to draw the second loop (the one more towards the business end of the hook/needle) THROUGH the first loop (the one more towards the handle).
As the steps are repeated and the new loop n drawn through the one before, a pleasant-looking chain forms along the edge of the garter stitch fabric. The chain only shows on the front face of the fabric--there is a neat "stitched" look on the back of the fabric.
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| Step 3 |
As to tension, use makes master. If too tight or too loose, change needle or hook size til you get an edging firm but not unyielding. It's very easy to pull this edge out and re-do, so mess around a bit--you'll know when you've got there.
Happy knitting --TK
PS: Here's a Ravelry project showing both front and back of this edging.
You have been reading TECHknitting blog on chain edging for garter stitch fabrics
