Tired of your knitted garments lacking the polished, professional look? Elevate your creations by adding sleek side ribbing. This technique transforms the edges of your garments, enhancing their shape and durability. Picking up stitches for side ribbing is a seemingly daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can master this skill with ease. Let’s embark on a detailed journey that will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to execute flawless side ribbing on your next knitting masterpiece.
Before delving into the intricate process of picking up stitches for side ribbing, it’s imperative to lay a solid foundation. Begin by selecting a stitch marker to demarcate the starting point for your ribbing. This will serve as a visual guide as you embark on the task of picking up stitches. Next, familiarize yourself with the anatomy of a knit stitch. Each stitch comprises two distinct loops, known as the front loop and the back loop. Picking up stitches involves carefully isolating and lifting either the front loop or the back loop, depending on the desired appearance of your ribbing.
With these fundamentals firmly grasped, let’s delve into the practical application of picking up stitches for side ribbing. Position your knitting needles parallel to the edge of the knitted fabric. Insert the needle into the first stitch on the edge, and identify the loop that you wish to pick up. Gently lift the desired loop onto the left-hand needle. This process should be repeated along the entire length of the edge, ensuring that stitches are picked up consistently. Once all the stitches have been picked up, you can proceed to knit the ribbing according to the desired pattern. With a little practice and patience, you will be able to incorporate side ribbing into your knitting projects with effortless precision.
Determine the Location for Side Ribbing
Locating the precise points for picking up stitches for side ribbing is crucial to ensure a seamless and visually appealing result. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you determine the optimal placement for side ribbing:
Measuring: Before you begin, it’s essential to measure the width of the ribbing you desire using a ruler or measuring tape. This measurement will determine the number of stitches needed to create the ribbed effect.
Edge Stitches:
In most knitting patterns, the edges of the fabric typically comprise a series of stockinette or garter stitches. These edge stitches play a crucial role in shaping the garment and ensuring its stability. When picking up stitches for side ribbing, it’s essential to incorporate these edge stitches into your count.
Symmetry: Maintaining symmetry is essential to achieve an aesthetically pleasing ribbed pattern. To ensure symmetry, ensure that the stitches you pick up for the side ribbing on one side of the fabric mirror those on the opposite side.
Avoiding Pattern Repeat Breakage:
If the fabric you’re working with features a repeating pattern, such as a lace or cable design, it’s crucial to pick up stitches in a way that doesn’t disrupt the pattern’s flow. Carefully examine the pattern to determine the optimal points where you can pick up stitches without breaking the sequence.
| Ribbing Placement Options | |
|---|---|
| Option 1: | Pick up stitches along the entire edge of the fabric, including the edge stitches. |
| Option 2: | Pick up stitches along the edge of the fabric, excluding the edge stitches. |
Prepare Your Knitting Needles
To pick up stitches for side ribbing, you’ll need to prepare your knitting needles. Here’s how:
Choosing the Right Needles
Choose a smaller size needle for the side ribbing than you used for the main knitting. This will help to create a tighter, more elastic rib.
| Needle size for main knitting | Needle size for side ribbing |
|---|---|
| US 7 (4.5 mm) | US 5 (3.75 mm) |
| US 8 (5 mm) | US 6 (4 mm) |
| US 9 (5.5 mm) | US 7 (4.5 mm) |
Determining the Number of Stitches to Pick Up
The number of stitches you need to pick up for side ribbing will depend on the width of the item you are knitting and the desired width of the ribbing. Here’s a general guideline:
| Width of item (inches) | Width of ribbing (inches) | Number of stitches to pick up |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 | 1-1.5 | 10-15 |
| 6-8 | 1.5-2 | 15-20 |
| 8-10 | 2-2.5 | 20-25 |
Positioning the Needles
To position the needles for picking up stitches, you’ll need to:
- Hold the knitting needle you are working with in your left hand.
- Insert the tip of the smaller needle into the first stitch on the edge of the item you are knitting.
- Pull the needle through the stitch and onto the smaller needle.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have picked up the desired number of stitches.
Identify the Correct Stitch to Pick Up
To pick up stitches for side ribbing, it’s essential to identify the correct stitches along the edge of your knitting. Here’s a detailed guide to help you do it accurately:
1. Locate the Selvedge Stitches:
The selvedge stitches are the vertical columns of stitches that form the edges of your knitting. They are typically the first and last stitches in each row.
2. Determine the Right Side:
Identify the side of your knitting where you want to add the ribbing. The right side is the side that will face outward when the knitted piece is complete.
3. Count the Selvedge Stitches:
Using a stitch marker or your finger, count the number of selvedge stitches along the edge of the knitting. This determines how many stitches you need to pick up for the side ribbing.
**Tip:** If your knitting has a decorative border, count the selvedge stitches within the border. Avoid picking up stitches from the border itself, as these will create a bulky edge.
| Knitting Technique | Number of Selvedge Stitches to Pick Up |
|---|---|
| Standard Knitting (Stockinette) | 3 (1 selvedge stitch + 2 knitting stitches) |
| Garter Stitch | 2 (1 selvedge stitch + 1 knit stitch) |
| Ribbing | 2 (1 selvedge stitch + 1 rib stitch) |
Use a Knitting Hook to Lift the Stitch
This method is particularly useful for picking up stitches along a curved edge, such as the neckline or armhole of a sweater. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Insert the Knitting Hook
Insert the hook into the edge of the fabric, between the stitches, at the desired location. Push the hook under the horizontal bar of the first stitch you want to pick up.
Step 2: Lift the Thread
Gently lift the thread that runs under the horizontal bar of the stitch. Hook it onto the knitting hook and pull it through the loop.
Step 3: Create a New Loop
Fold the lifted thread and thread it onto the left-hand needle. You now have a new loop on the needle.
Step 4: Repeat for Subsequent Stitches
Continue inserting the hook under the horizontal bars of the next stitches and repeating steps 2 and 3 to pick up additional stitches along the edge. Be sure to maintain even tension throughout the process to prevent the stitches from being too loose or too tight.
Step 5: Knit the Stitches
Once you have picked up all the desired stitches, you can knit them into your main fabric. Start by knitting the first stitch on the left-hand needle, then transfer the next stitch to the left-hand needle and knit it. Continue knitting back and forth until you have completed the side ribbing.
| Step | Action |
|—|—|
| 1 | Insert the knitting hook under the horizontal bar of the stitch. |
| 2 | Lift the thread that runs under the horizontal bar. |
| 3 | Fold the lifted thread and thread it onto the left-hand needle. |
| 4 | Repeat steps 1-3 to pick up additional stitches along the edge. |
| 5 | Knit the picked-up stitches into your main fabric. |
Transfer the Stitch to the Needle
5. Insert the tip of the left-hand needle into the stitch from front to back, as if you were knitting it.
6. Slide the stitch onto the left-hand needle, making sure it’s facing the correct direction. Note that the stitch should be facing you and look like a “v” shape.
7. Repeat steps 2-6 for each stitch that you need to pick up. As you pick up the stitches, they will be transferred onto the left-hand needle.
8. Once you have picked up all the stitches, your knitting will look like a series of loops on the left-hand needle.
Repeat the Process for Additional Stitches
To pick up additional stitches for side ribbing, follow these steps:
- Insert the working needle into the next stitch on the long edge of the fabric, just below the cast-on edge
- Wrap the yarn around the needle and pull it through the stitch
- Slip the newly created stitch onto the left-hand needle
- Repeat steps 1-3 for as many stitches as needed for the desired width of the side ribbing
- Work the picked-up stitches in rib stitch or any other desired stitch pattern
The table below summarizes the steps for picking up stitches for side ribbing:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the working needle into the stitch just below the cast-on edge |
| 2 | Wrap the yarn around the needle and pull it through the stitch |
| 3 | Slip the new stitch onto the left-hand needle |
| 4 | Repeat for other stitches |
| 5 | Work the picked-up stitches |
Secure the Side Ribbing
Step 1: Turn your work so that the wrong side is facing you and the side edge where you want to pick up the stitches is on the left.
Step 2: Hold the knitting needle in your right hand and insert it into the first loop on the side edge, going from back to front.
Step 3: Hook the yarn onto the needle and pull it through the loop.
Step 4: Slip the new loop onto your left-hand needle.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2-4 for each loop along the side edge, ensuring you pick up an even number of stitches.
Step 6: Once all stitches are picked up, turn your work so that the right side is facing you.
Step 7: To prevent the side ribbing from twisting, follow these steps:
Avoid Common Mistakes when Picking Up Stitches
Picking up stitches is a crucial technique in knitting, especially when creating side ribbing. To avoid common mistakes, it’s essential to follow these guidelines:
8. Pick Up the Correct Number of Stitches
Miscounting the number of stitches to pick up can result in an asymmetrical or distorted ribbing. To ensure accuracy:
- Count the number of stitches on the row below where you will pick up stitches.
- Divide that number by two to determine the number of stitches to pick up along each side.
- Use stitch markers to mark the beginning and end points of the area where stitches will be picked up.
- Refer to a stitch gauge to estimate the number of stitches needed for the desired width of the ribbing.
- Check the pattern instructions carefully to confirm the correct number of stitches to pick up.
By following these steps, you can avoid the common mistake of picking up an incorrect number of stitches, ensuring that your side ribbing has a balanced and professional appearance.
Experiment with Different Binding Options
The choice of binding option can significantly alter the appearance and function of your side ribbing. Here are some popular options to consider:
1. Single Crochet Binding
This simple technique involves crocheting a single crochet stitch around each bind-off stitch. It creates a stretchy and durable edge that blends seamlessly with the knitted fabric.
2. Double Crochet Binding
Similar to single crochet, the double crochet binding creates a more prominent and decorative edge. Each bind-off stitch is crocheted with two double crochet stitches, resulting in a thicker, ruffled appearance.
3. I-Cord Binding
This technique involves creating an I-cord with the bind-off stitches. The i-cord is then sewn or crocheted along the side edge of the fabric, resulting in a neat and professional-looking finish.
4. Buttonholes
Incorporate buttonholes into your bind-off row to easily fasten garments. Bind off a specific number of stitches for each buttonhole, then work a series of yo and k2tog stitches to create the opening.
5. Lace Edge
For a delicate and feminine touch, try a lace edge. Bind off a few stitches, then work a series of yarn-overs, knit stitches, and decreases to create a decorative border.
6. Twisted Ribbing
Give your side ribbing a playful twist by alternating twisted stitches with regular stitches. This creates a subtle yet eye-catching texture that adds dimension to your garment.
7. Stockinette Stitch
For a clean and classic finish, bind off with stockinette stitch. This simple technique creates a smooth and unadorned edge that complements a wide range of knitting projects.
8. Seed Stitch
The seed stitch binding creates a bumpy texture that adds interest to your side ribbing. Bind off with alternating knit and purl stitches to achieve this effect.
9. Cast-On Edge
Instead of binding off, you can create a cast-on edge for a seamless transition between the body of the garment and the side ribbing. Cast on a new set of stitches along the side edge, taking care to match the gauge and tension of the existing fabric.
Troubleshooting Tips for Picking Up Stitches
Ensure You’re Picking Up the Right Number of Stitches
- Count the existing stitches on the edge of the fabric and ensure you’re picking up the same number.
- If the resulting ribbing is too loose or tight, adjust the number of stitches you’ve picked up accordingly.
Check for Skipped Stitches
- Gently pull on the stitches you’ve picked up to check for any that might have been skipped.
- If you find a skipped stitch, carefully insert your knitting needle into the hole and pick it up.
Keep the Stitches Evenly Spaced
- Try to pick up the stitches at regular intervals along the edge.
- Uneven spacing can lead to uneven ribbing and stretching or puckering.
Use the Right Needle Size
- The size of your knitting needle should be appropriate for the size of the stitches you’re picking up.
- A needle that’s too large will create loose stitches, while a needle that’s too small will make it difficult to pick up the stitches.
Don’t Twist the Stitches as You Pick Them Up
- Hold the stitches on your needle loosely and avoid twisting them as you work.
- Twisting can cause the ribbing to buckle or curl.
Be Patient and Take Your Time
- Picking up stitches can take time and practice.
- Don’t rush the process, as it’s important to do it carefully to avoid mistakes.
Use a Stitch Holder or Cable Needle
- If you need to put the stitches on hold temporarily, use a stitch holder or cable needle to keep them in place.
- This will prevent them from unraveling or getting lost.
Fix Erroneous Stitches Promptly
- If you make a mistake while picking up stitches, don’t be afraid to undo it and start again.
- Trying to knit over a mistake will only lead to further problems.
Practice on a Scrap Piece
- Before attempting to pick up stitches on your actual knitting project, practice on a scrap piece of yarn.
- This will help you get the hang of it and avoid making mistakes on your finished work.
Be Patient and Don’t Give Up
- Picking up stitches can be challenging, but it’s a skill that’s well worth learning.
- Don’t give up if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually master it.
How to Pick Up Stitches for Side Ribbing in Knitting
Picking up stitches for side ribbing is a technique used to add a decorative and stretchy edge to a knit fabric. Side ribbing is often used for finishing the edges of garments, such as sweaters, hats, and scarves. Here are the steps on how to pick up stitches for side ribbing:
- Identify the edge of your knit fabric. This is the row where you want to add the side ribbing.
- Create a row of knit stitches along the edge. Insert your knitting needle into the first stitch on the edge, pull through a loop of yarn, and knit it. Repeat this process for each stitch along the edge.
- Turn your work. Once you have created a row of knit stitches, turn your work so that the wrong side is facing you.
- Pick up the first stitch. Insert your knitting needle into the first row of purl stitches, from the back to the front, and pull through a loop of yarn.
- Knit the stitch. Pull the loop of yarn through the loop on your left-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5. Continue picking up stitches from the purl rows, one stitch at a time, until you have picked up the desired number of stitches.
- Knit the ribbing stitches. Once you have picked up all the stitches, turn your work so that the right side is facing you. Knit the stitches in the ribbing pattern (e.g., rib 2, knit 2) for the desired height or length.
