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Knitted-On Border Tutorial by Catherine J. Hall |
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There are times when you
need a specialized border for a knitted piece. This easy garter stitch border has been
around for a long time, and is popular with many knitters and designers. It appears to be sewn on, when in fact it
is knitted directly onto the knitted item.
It can even be applied to your last row of stitches in lieu of binding
off. The border, if worked on 7 or
more stitches, will flatten out even the most curly piece of stockinette
stitch knitting when applied to the ends or sides. In addition, it provides stability while
remaining flexible. This makes it
perfect way to end a piece where a too-tight bound off edge would be
disastrous, such as on a shawl or other lacy garment. The border is also a fine one for edging a
cardigan or a shrug. Remember that you will be
knitting back and forth on as many little rows as you have stitches on the
edge to be bordered, so allow a little time.
Once the first few rows are done, you will move along quickly and be
rewarded with a smooth, decorative, flexible border. Try it, and see for yourself why it was one
of Elizabeth Zimmermann's favorite methods. Border Instructions: K = knit st = stitch sts = stitches p-wise = as if to purl sl = slip stitch from left
to right needle tog = together If you are using this border
in lieu of a bound off edge, start there.
Leave the last row of sts on your needles, or put them on a stitch
holder. If you are going to edge another
area of your knitting, place it beside you with the edge you will knitting
into on your left side. Now, choose a needle size
appropriate for the yarn that you are using.
Use the needle that you used for the garment, or one in a smaller size
for a tighter border. Step 1 - Cast on the number
of sts for the width of your border.
This border can be as wide or as narrow as you want, just remember
that you will need at least 7 sts if you want your border to flatten curly
edges or sides. Step 2 - K into the cast on
edge of the border until there is one st remaining. K this last st tog with the first st of the
original piece (this st will either be the first st to be bound off if you
are applying the border in lieu of a bound off edge, or it will be the
outside st on the bottom row of the side of the piece you have on your left
side. If you are applying the border
to a cast on edge of the original garment, pick up the first st and work
across, just as you would on a bound off edge). Step 3 - Turn work. K across to end. Step 4 - Turn work
again. Sl 1 P-wise, K until 1 st
remains, K last st tog with the next outside st on the original piece. Step 5 - Repeat Steps 3 and
4 until you have applied the border to the entire side. If you are done after this one side, bind
off border sts loosely. Step 6 - If you want to turn
the corner and knit down the next side of the garment, K back and forth as in
Steps 3 and 4 three times when you reach the end of one side, always knitting
the last st on Step 4 tog with the same corner st. Then continue along the next side of the
garment, knitting tog 1 edge st with each border repeat. Step 7 - After knitting
along all sides of the garment, you can attach the end of the border to its
cast on edge with kitchener st.
Remember, if you are at a 90-degree corner, follow instructions for
Step 6. Then, instead of binding off,
cut your yarn, leaving a length of yarn for a tail. Now use that end to weave the cast on sts
to the ones to be bound off, which leaves a neat join. You are finished! Take a minute to admire your work. The outside edge should be neatly finished
because the slipped stitch at the beginning of Step 4 gives it an even
appearance. You can knit or crochet an
additional border into those outside stitches if you like. Try a scallop, or leave as is. These neat stitches also make it simple to
sew two bordered pieces together. When
the garment is finished and all ends are woven in, block the piece as
desired.
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