Knitted Edgings
Shared by Nancy Russell of Snug Harbor Artisans

Roping

Knit a band of stockinette using an odd number of needles. Place the center stitch out of work for the length of the band. Pick up 4th, 5th, and 6th ladders from the right and hang onto three needles. Knit 10 rows with roping color. Pick up the first three ladders from the band and hang these to the right of the knitting. Bring 3 left stitches to hold position and set hold button. Knit 10 rows on 3 needles at right. Hang 3 ladders from left side onto machine. Cross stitches just knitted over those in hold and hang on new group of 3. Return second group back to working position and put 3 on left in hold. Knit 10 rows. Continue this "leap frogging" pattern for the length of the band. Pick up last ladders, hang stitches and bind off.

Mock Roping

For single layered fabrics: leave 4th needle from edge out of work for entire length of garment. If increases or decreases are to be made, do these to the inside of the edge group of stitches, maintaining the set up.

For faced fabrics: leave 3rd stitch from edge and corresponding facing stitch out of work.

Knit I cord and lace through ladders over garment edge, skipping 5 ladders between laces.

Both contrasting roping and main color roping are effective. Secure ends with yarn tails.

Piecrust edging

Pick up 3 ladders on the right side. Knit 4 rows. Pick up next 3 ladders (6 stitches total) and knit 4 rows. Transfer the 3 righthand stitches to the 3 on left. Pick up 3 more ladders on the left side and knit 4 rows on these 6 stitches. Continue pattern as established until end of edge. In the case of circular edgings, when you have run out of ladders, bring right side around forming circle and knit last sequence. Bind off.

Piping with attached facing.

Cast on 7 stitches. Set machine pattern to knit all 7 stitches right to left and on left to right passes, knit the first 4, and slip the last 3. Set machine KC and part buttons. Knit 1 row to select needles and begin pattern. After removing from machine, give a good lengthwise tug to set stitches and steam.

Icord piping for pocket edges

Knit a length of I cord to match pocket opening. Hang cording on machine crosswise. Ewrap pocket stitches on machine. With tension set one full setting looser than main tension, knit one row to pick up cording. Knit pocket facing extension and finish on the machine as a hung hem, or off the machine with slipstitch.

 

Nancy Russell/SNUG HARBOR ARTISANS

718 Old Homestead Highway Swanzewy, NH 03446

603 352-3593

Back to Tips and Techniques

Home