Fancy Edges: With Stitches You Already Know
Sometimes the simplest ideas can turn out the best, and taking what you already know in a slightly different direction can have excellent results. Both these fancy edges take a regular long-tail cast-on and alter it slightly to create dramatic and simple results. Try adding them to socks, sweaters, scarves and hats, or any other project you want to spruce up at the edges.
Twisted Garter Stitch Edge
This technique is worked over garter stitch several rows up from the actual cast-on. Technically, it is the manipulation of a long-tail cast-on with several rows of garter stitch.
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To begin, cast on the same number of stitches that you wish to end with using the long-tail cast-on. Make sure that this number is evenly divisible by the number of stitches you want to have in each twist. The sample shown is worked with a twist every four stitches so the total cast-on number is a multiple of four.
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For sample: Cast on 24 stitches.
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Now work at least 1/2 inch of garter stitch (knitting every row).
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On the next row (right side or wrong side of the work; does not matter), knit 4 (or your number of stitches before a twist) and bring the yarn to the front of the work between the needles.
Twist the right needle tip toward you and then down under the cast-on edge.
Bring the right needle behind the work and back up to continue working, the active yarn follows the right needle around the cast-on edge and back up.
Continue working across, knit 4 (or your number of stitches before a twist).
Repeat the twist with the evenly worked stitches in between for the remainder of the cast on.
Scalloped Knit 10 Together Edge
This edge also a manipulation of the long-tail cast-on, but the process happens on the very first row. Stitches are slipped over the active yarn to create a large decrease, which causes the scallop shape. A yarn over is added and several stitches are knit in between each decrease to further emphasize the scallop shape.
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For this edge you will need the number of stitches you would like to end with plus eight for each scallop worked.
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For sample: Cast on 38 stitches.
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Knit 2, place active yarn over the left needle tip.
Lift the following 10 stitches over the active yarn. At this point the decrease can be smoothed and tensioned to create a nicely shaped scallop.
Loop the active yarn over the right tip to create a yarn over.
Knit the stitch that has all the decreased stitches on it, and knit 2 for the space between the scallops.
Continue making scallops and knitting 2 stitches in between for remaining stitches.
Above you can see that I have knit a couple rows of garter stitch to finish the loops but you could easily start what ever pattern you are using, or try ribbing, stockinette, seed stitch or whatever you like!
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Want to add an extra level of sweetness to the Delilah Dress? Try one of these easy edgings for the cast on!
Helen Rodriguez
I am a show-me type of learner. I wish you had this on DVD so I could watch how its done when I am ready to try it. Thank you
Lynn Spann Bowditch
That Face! What an intelligent, beautiful, delightful, sweet expression!
Meghan Jones
Hi Erin,
You could work the edging, immediately bind it off and then sew it to an already created item – Meghan
Erin
Is there a good way to add these to completed projects?? Thank you!