Get a Professional Look When Picking up Stitches
Helpful hints for picking up stitches
Have you been putting off trying a new knitting pattern because you have to learn picking up stitches? Many knitters do. This is a confusing knitting technique, but it doesn't have to intimidate a savvy knitter like you! Follow these helpful hints for a professional finish.
Picking up stitches
When your knitting project calls for a border, a neckband, or collar, the stitches you need are usually "picked up" from the edge of the knitted fabric. Stitches can be picked up from horizontal, vertical and curved edges and sometimes a combination depending on the knitting project.
Hint #1
Pick up stitches with a crochet hook or a knitting needle that is 1 -2 sizes smaller than the needles you have used for the garment.
Hint #2
One of the most difficult parts of picking up stitches is keeping the stitches even. This is simple to do and get a professional looking finish. Before you start, mark the edge of the knitting at 2" intervals. You can mark by using either pins or short pieces of yarn.
Hint #3
Sometimes when you are picking up stitches, you need to pick up more stitches than you require. This prevents holes from appearing in your garment. Pick up the additional stitches and then decrease them in the next row.
Hint #4
If you are making a band or collar that is a different color than the rest of your garment, pick up stitches that are the same color yarn used in your garment. When you get to the first row, change to the new color.
By following these helpful hints, you won't have any problem picking up stitches and getting that professional look you love.