How to Avoid Rolled Edges With Your Knitting Projects

It's a problem as old as knitting itself – curling and rolled edges on stockinette or lace! Kelley is working on the Top Notes poncho or cowl by Petra Breakstone, and she noticed a few other knitters experienced a rolled edge with that project. This inspired Kelley to experiment and see what finishing edges she could use to prevent the curling without altering the look of the project. These tricks for preventing rolled edges in knits will work for almost any knit project!

A Basic Ribbed Edge to Help Curling

Kelley started her experiment with a basic ribbed edge like 1x1 or 2x2, which definitely did cut down on the curling! A ribbed edge doesn't work for every project though, especially since it can decrease the width of the edge – which you don't want on a poncho. 

Garter Stitch Edge with EZ Sewn Bind-Off

By switching from stockinette to garter stitch for the edge, you not only get a subtle finishing edge – but it helps to stop the stockinette roll. By binding off with the EZ Sewn Bind-Off, you give the knit just enough stretch to keep the project shape without too much that it curls. 

3x1 Ribbing with EZ Sewn Bind-Off

The Top Notes pattern calls for a 3x1 ribbing and i-cord bind-off to finish, but Kelley felt the i-cord was way too bulky. She decided to experiment and see if doing the easy sewn bind-off along with the 3x1 ribbing is enough to keep the edges from curling. It was! 3x1 ribbing could work for other projects as well, since it doesn't add the same constriction as 2x2 or 1x1 ribbing. 

What edgings or bind-offs have you experimented with to prevent a rolled edge on your knitting?