Why Does My Knitting Curl At The Edges? (with solutions to stop it)

Рет қаралды 82,879

6 жыл бұрын

Why Does My Knitting Curl At The Edges?
Once you start knitting the purl stitch and combining it with the knit stitch you may notice something strange happening...Yes, your fabric is curling at the edges, as if it's been sent to taunt and frustrate you!
I'll give you some reasons and some whys to this questions. And I'll show you how you can stop your knitting curling, and give you some ideas as to when it doesn't actually matter too.
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To see other videos on this topic check out:
Beginner Knitting Help Playlist:
• Beginner Knitting Help
Why Is Knitting Too Tight? :
• Why Is My Knitting Too...
Loose Knitting And How To Fix It:
• Loose Knitting And How...
Why Is My Knitting Getting Wider? :
• Why Is My Knitting Get...
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knitwithhannah.co.uk/6-mistakes
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Far Behind, by Silent Partner

Пікірлер: 90

@barbaralima5748 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know if what I did can be considered "appropriate knitting practice", but it helped me, so I thought I would share! I knitted a whole scarf and it curled into a little tube. So, I ended up taking the thread I used and pulling it through a needle and basically sewing a few stitches at the edges of the scarf. This made the edges thicker and prevented them from rolling. It doesn't look as nice as if I had knitted it, but at least the scarf is weareable now!

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

What a great idea for once you'd finished knitting, Barbara. It'll work like one of the solutions in the video or like adding a crochet edge. You'll be lovely and cosy this autumn now. Happy knitting!

@sarahsnider760 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I'm teaching myself how to knit. I couldn't find out why my knitting was curling and I thought I had to be doing something wrong. This is a big help.

@KnitWithHannah Жыл бұрын

You’re so welcome, glad it was helpful. Happy knitting 🧶

@burtv1610 3 жыл бұрын

I'm relieved I'm not knitting incorrectly. I thought I must be doing something obviously wrong like tension problems or how I knit the edge stitches!

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

So often in knitting I’ve been afraid that I’m doing something wrong instead of realising it’s not just me - it’s just made that way! LOL happy knitting! 🧶

@truekuja11892 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this advice, was pulling what little hair was left on my head out trying to figure out why my scarf kept curling and thought it was the cable stitch and not the reverse stockinette being everywhere!

@KnitWithHannah 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, hope it helps! Happy knitting 🧶

@bunnypoop3344 3 жыл бұрын

I’m learning how to knit, and I started knitting a scarf (4 different colors) the other day and got a good length going. One side is all knit and other other purl. I done goofed, the whole thing looks like a tube now 😭 BUUUT, after seeing the seed stitch I really want to try it, so I’m going to take the whole thing apart and redo it. Thank you so so much for showing all these!! They are lovely and you explained everything so clearly 😊

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

So glad was helpful Diana, this video will help you wind the yarn up: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gJZ0g86J0LGroIk.html Seed stitch is a lovely one to use for a flatter scarf. I've just created a new playlist with stitch patterns, take a look at that here if you like (have a giggle at some more of my older videos!) kzfaq.info/sun/PLnqw36aiAI0jkE6Ookq377ahTNEODurdo happy knitting!

@bunnypoop3344 3 жыл бұрын

Knit With Hannah Ahhh you are wonderful!! Thank you so much I appreciate it! 😊

@jojogether 3 жыл бұрын

Watched your video (and subscribed to your channel). I’m so happy to know it’s not something I’m doing wrong. Thanks.

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Jo, yes you’ll come across this kind of thing in knitting. It’s very usually not something you’re doing wrong. Happy knitting 🧶

@Strawberry_1507 Жыл бұрын

My name is Hannah and I've always wondered this. I just stumbled upon this video looking for patterns. I'm glad I found this video

@KnitWithHannah Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful- you’re in on the secrets now! Happy knitting 🧶

@caitraven 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this! I took up knitting and crochet a couple of months ago and the crochet has come on really well. I was struggling with the knitting because everytime I knitted up a swatch to practise it was so curled I put it down and went back to my crochet. Having just watched this I have knitted a swatch of garter stitch and it is perfectly flat! Now subscribed and will be watching more :)

@KnitWithHannah 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Caitlin! So glad the garter stitch worked well for you! 😍 happy knitting!

@natb4086 5 жыл бұрын

Really well explained. Thank you!

@KnitWithHannah 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Natalie! you're welcome, so pleased it was helpful :D

@mer8546 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video! Saved my knitting! ❤

@KnitWithHannah Жыл бұрын

You're welcome, Mer. Happy knitting! 🧶

@annettepoulson8213 2 жыл бұрын

Great! Very clear and comprehensive Thanks

@KnitWithHannah 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Annette, thanks, glad you like it! Happy knitting! 🧶

@kavitamahajan247 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. nicely explained.

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome! happy knitting!

@nightsky8007 3 жыл бұрын

Super helpful, thanks!

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! I’m so glad this was helpful, happy knitting 🧶

@angelabrook2454 4 ай бұрын

Thank you Hannah!

@KnitWithHannah 3 ай бұрын

Happy knitting 🧶

@debbiebrunsch3871 3 жыл бұрын

That was very useful. Thankyou. Please could you do a tutorial on decreasing and casting off when knitting moss stitch as I get myself in such a pickle with it.

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Debbie, I’m so glad this was useful! Casting off moss stitch can be done as normal or with ribbing casting off, like this: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qsWBg9l3zLi8lJs.html

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

I will add moss stitch decreasing to the list. Happy knitting! 🧶

@debbiebrunsch3871 3 жыл бұрын

@@KnitWithHannah that will be fab, thankyou. I tried knitting a baby cardigan in moss stitch but every time I decreased i kept knitting/purling the wrong stitch so the continuing row was wrong. Ended up not doing it. I love watching your videos and you explain everything clearly and slowly so a beginner like myself can follow . Thankyou. Have a good Christmas 🎄

@ooohlaa13 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice and clear instruct. I am wanting to knit a band around a large stockinette st wall hanging its in 6 US needle worsted weight 24" x 26". It is currently on a very large circular and I have picked up stitches on all 4 sides, hopefully I did it ok so there is minimal puckering???. I am wondering what do I do when I get to a corner? Surely if I just do the same as the rest it will not lay flat. Any suggestions? What kind of edging is best for attaching to st st on a large piece I am thinking either seed st, double seed or garter but not sure of the knit engineering of this, I am not good at mechanics, just good at design but your videos are a great help, surprised I didn't find you sooner, been knitting and you tubing for many years!.

@KnitWithHannah 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Barbara, I usually increase with 'make one' at the corners for this border technique. I mark a corner stitch and increase on both sides of each on every other round on garter stitch. This will flatten it out. I have a 'make one' tutorial in the jargon demos and recently did a picking up stitches video, if you want to double-check that too. Do share a photo over on FB or IG, I'd love to see - I'm Knit With Hannah everywhere. :D Happy knitting!

@ooohlaa13 4 жыл бұрын

@@KnitWithHannah you are most generous and gracious!!! thank you will do ... been knitting 50+ years and continue to learn everyday from wonderful tutorials like yours.

@KnitWithHannah 4 жыл бұрын

@@ooohlaa13 Knitting is so full of learning opportunities, I'm learning daily too. :D

@ooohlaa13 4 жыл бұрын

@@KnitWithHannah agreed, and so is the rest of life if we pay attention ... I continue to learn to refine the simplest things in life, like how to serve my cats their food more efficiently as they are jumping on me with voracious appetites ... or a better way to wash a window, etc. etc. Thanx for your help, subscribed.

@leahbella99 4 жыл бұрын

Would it help if I added tassels at the end? I'm making a blanket and I've already gotten so far I don't want to start over :(

@KnitWithHannah 4 жыл бұрын

A fringe around the edge would be good to weight the sides, certainly. Or you could 'pick up stitches' and knit a border around the edge. A video for that is here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b7R3Zq-im8m1k3U.html

@josiefiddler4512 4 жыл бұрын

My pattern said to cast on and knit two rows garter stitch then start stocking stitch. It’s curling up. It is the back of a chunky knit cardigan. Would I be best to do more garter stitch rows before starting stocking stitch? Loved your video. Many thanks.

@KnitWithHannah 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Josie, Yes, if you're willing to have a slightly thicker hem a few more rows would be best. It'll be a nice feature which you can repeat on the front and sleeves if you like. I'd go for 5 or 8 rows for thicker yarn, maybe 10 for thinner yarn, to give it the weight. Happy Knitting!

@josiefiddler4512 4 жыл бұрын

Knit With Hannah many thanks for that, will give it a go 😀

@sjaneeaves1555 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great video! I’m knitting a cardigan with squares of different stitches that will be sewn together with a back stitch seam. So each panel has a mixture of squares of moss stitches, stocking stitches, bee stitches etc. The squares of stocking stitches have been curling significantly, and I hoped it would sort itself out when I sewed the panels together, but it just ended up curling over and looking awfully bumpy at the seam where stocking stitches were. Do you think this problem will resolve itself as i sew together more of the cardigan with the ribbing bands at the edges, or is it a hopeless case? Is there anything I can do make it look better after I’ve already knitted most of it? Should I be using a different type of seam? Thanks again for all the help and advice in this vid! :)

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

The mattress seam - or invisible seam might be better for this: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fqqgpt2m2Z_Gmok.html And once you've added the ribbed edges it will sit flatter too. There's a knit and natter later this Wednesday - 26th august if you'd like to join us - it might be easier for me to completely diagnose if I can see the pieces and how it's looking now. knitwithhannah.co.uk/invite

@sjaneeaves1555 3 жыл бұрын

Knit With Hannah Wow thanks so much! I’ll definitely be looking into that video, an invisible seam seems like it could be just what i need! I’ve continued sewing panels together with back stitch, and since it’s such a large piece i have started to find that it’s laying a bit flatter, looking more balanced :) I think you’re right too that the ribbing will really help with holding everything down ! But the invisible seam might be the perfect thing for the sleeves, as i’ll want those to be less bulky and curled. Thanks for your response and advice, and again for all the helpful videos, it’s made things a lot clearer for me in my knitting ❤️

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

@@sjaneeaves1555 that sounds like a good idea for the sleeves. happy knitting!

@shweetys8567 2 жыл бұрын

I have a question, I started a blanket but instead of sewing individual squares together I was going to seam long rectangles together, like seaming scarfs together. If I seam together two scarfs that are curling will the seam make them lay flatter? I did the knit 1 purl 1 stitch (garter?) on the short edges so those are laying flat just fine! Thank you!

@KnitWithHannah 2 жыл бұрын

The seams will certainly help. Once there’s more weight across the multiple sections the middle will be flatter. Happy knitting 🧶

@graleh 3 жыл бұрын

Is it possible to fix it afterwards? I have already knitted my piece and don't want to tear it. Is it possible to add borders afterwards?

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, yes, you can add extra stitches afterwards, either by knitting another piece and sewing them together or by 'picking up stitches'. This video has a full tutorial of picking up stitches: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b7R3Zq-im8m1k3U.html happy knitting!

@JacobKinsley Жыл бұрын

Do most (well made) patterns take curling into account? I'm just curious if this is something I'll have to look out for.

@KnitWithHannah Жыл бұрын

Generally speaking, yes. You’ll find professional patterns will have borders or edges that reduce curling, if the stitch pattern doesn’t stop it. You won’t need to take this into account if you’re sewing pieces together, like for a jumper or cardigan. Happy knitting 🧶

@nightfright0 Жыл бұрын

is there any way to fix the curling from a loom knitted scarf? loom knitting is the only knitting I've done and it curls like mad

@KnitWithHannah Жыл бұрын

Hi, unless you’re purposely switching between ‘knit’ and ‘purl’ on the loom this is unlikely to be possible. I’d certainly investigate some tricks if I were you. I bet some loom knitters have wondered the same thing. I have seen scarves knitted in tubes though, not flat. So they’re kind of double-sided. That might be the solution. A seam on the end or tassels/pins to hold the ends together perhaps.

@user-ox6cq1wi3u 6 ай бұрын

Thank you it helps ☺️

@KnitWithHannah 6 ай бұрын

You're welcome 😊 happy knitting 🧶

@milkglassfairy7641 2 жыл бұрын

Ugh I’m knitting a scarf using bamboo stitch… and the edges are curling😭 the bottom is fine because I added ribbing. I guess the wrong side rows are all purled so that doesn’t help… ah well! Hopefully it’ll be fine when it’s done lol.

@KnitWithHannah 2 жыл бұрын

it can easily be the look that you're after, if you wear it like it' supposed to be that way, no one else will know! Happy knitting!

@catinadensmore1074 3 жыл бұрын

I'm using square 3 method and my sides still roll. Is there any way to fix the problem without having to start over?

@KnitWithHannah 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Catina, it will depend on the weight of your yarn and the size of your knit on how much the first few methods work. The other option is to pick up stitches and add further rows to the edges: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b7R3Zq-im8m1k3U.html Or you could knit a second piece and sew them back to back. What are you knitting?

@beccastevenson7527 8 ай бұрын

I’m new to knitting and I made a scarf with garter stitch edges, top bottom and sides but it still curled like crazy, should I have just added a bigger side border to make it more balanced? How would I prevent this in the future?

@KnitWithHannah 7 ай бұрын

Probably a larger border or even some knitted rows making occasional stripes in the plain centre. I love my all knitted scarves, knit stitches are the best! Happy knitting 🧶

@beccastevenson7527 7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much @KnitWithHannah! I will try that for my next knitted scarf!

@harshajain1539 5 жыл бұрын

I knit the whole Cardigan and all the edges are curling in like mad. Can I pick up stitches along the edges and knit a sort of border. Will that help.

@KnitWithHannah 5 жыл бұрын

hi Harsha! Yes, picking up stitches and creating a border will help a lot. It need only be a few rows deep and you'll notice the difference. Happy Knitting!

@lillianmanuel4956 4 жыл бұрын

@@KnitWithHannah I'm in a similar situation. I'm I pretty new knitter and I only know how to do the knit one side and purl the other. I'm making a scarf for my friend for Christmas and I don't have time to undo everything and would like to know how to make a boarder to fix the curling, like the original commenter suggested

@KnitWithHannah 4 жыл бұрын

@@lillianmanuel4956 Hi Lillian, to make a border there are a couple of options, but if you've ever done crochet that might be the quickest and easiest to add a border as it will be one stitch at a time. If not, then you'll have to pick the stitches up all the way along the edge of the scarf and have a long row of stitches on which you can knit four or five rows. Another option is to pick a stitch at the end of the row as you knit a short border along the needle - which I can't really describe here. I would always suggest for new knitters that knitting it longer and making the curling and length features of the scarf is the best option. Maybe add tassels to the ends in a different colour and don't even mention that it wasn't meant to curl. I've even created patterns in the past where the curling of a scarf was part of the charm. Sorry I can't help any further here in the comments. If you'd like to join my membership I can help in the live video knit and natter next week. Happy Knitting, Hannah

@a.humphries8678 2 жыл бұрын

Would adding fringe keep ends of a scarf from curling?

@KnitWithHannah 2 жыл бұрын

It would help a bit, certainly. Definitely worth a try kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aJaKp5x9r8WbqXU.html Other option is to add a tassel like I show here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ndNidbd-kpfQpH0.html

@Saraah_cha 5 жыл бұрын

Could I iron out the curls? I’m halfway through a scarf and I don’t know if I’m motivated enough to take it all out

@KnitWithHannah 5 жыл бұрын

You'll have a similar result to blocking, which is that it won't hold very well without curling again at some point (likely sooner than later). By the way, if you do ever use an iron on knits, be sure to just run the steam over the fabric, rather than press with the flat head. If you scarf is really curling I'd just be tempted to make it as long as you feel motivated to keep knitting (or as long as you can until it get's cold out!). That way it will wind round your neck more times and the curling won't notice so much - it will be more of an interesting feature than a problem.

@Saraah_cha 5 жыл бұрын

Knit With Hannah thank you so much!

@iwantafrapp 2 жыл бұрын

Someone said they used a squirt bottle with water on their blanket and stretched with their fingers. Has anyone else tried this? I can't add stitches or anything else to the (finger knitted) blanket I have made. It was already amazing that I even finished it lol (brand new with all of this and it was my very first attempt).

@KnitWithHannah 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, yes this is called blocking: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bcWJmq2l26q7f2g.html It could help for a while, but it may take a few washes before it's happy to sit flatter. Happy knitting! 🧶

@iwantafrapp 2 жыл бұрын

@@KnitWithHannah Thank you for the reply and your video link! Your videos are very helpful and calming at the same time. Which is nice because you would think knitting would be calming in itself- but for beginners, I need a spa day after lol.

@nancycruz1223 4 жыл бұрын

I need help I just started and I made a scarf and it curled up on the sides . What can I do to fix it ? I am new at this .

@KnitWithHannah 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Nancy, It's a difficult fix once you've finished knitting. There's the option to knit it longer, or knit a second one, so the curling becomes a feature and you wear it more times around your neck to keep warm. Another option is to pick up stitches around the edge - which is going to be a bit fiddly for a beginner. A video for that is here if you'd like to see what you think: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b7R3Zq-im8m1k3U.html I'd also consider using this as a learning stage in your knitting and feel that you're happy to leave it as an amusing anecdote, and knit a second one with the skills you've mastered. A scarf where you knit every row would suit a beginner perfectly - I've a video showing one here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ndNidbd-kpfQpH0.html Happy knitting!

@janm2473 Жыл бұрын

What about when you're knitting with circulars, and casting on for a cowl? My edge curls...

@KnitWithHannah Жыл бұрын

It's curling for the same reasons as the flat knitting does on the cast-on edge. The stitches just aren't even. So a ribbing or stitch that is more even will be better. I've also been happy to embrace the curling as if it's part of the intended knit. Happy knitting 🧶

@janm2473 Жыл бұрын

@@KnitWithHannah Thank you.for responding, Hannah. I appreciate that very much. Have a good day!!

@jz7044 5 жыл бұрын

I'm around 60-70 cm in and it's curling like crazy on me. Should I undo five days worth of work or should I just keep it in mind for the next time? I'm going to try out the moss stitch on my next scarf.

@KnitWithHannah 5 жыл бұрын

Hi @Sakuragane_San ! I presume you're knitting a scarf, yes? If so, you likely have no more than 30 stitches on your needles, so I'd think about a couple questions. 1. How long will it take you to knit the whole scarf and what percentage of the knitting have you already done? 2. Once it's finished will you wear it if it's curling, or will you set it aside and not really be inspired enough as it's curling? This could be a feature that you're proud of because you love the yarn so much, or you decide that reusing the yarn with a moss stitch pattern will be preferable. Whichever you choose you can own it... you're knitting it, you're creating fabric with a ball of yarn and a pair of needles! Happy Knitting!

@jz7044 5 жыл бұрын

@@KnitWithHannah Thank you for replying. I'm actually knitting two scarves for a Christmas Gift Exchange with my friends. I'm on my first one so I'm kinda getting back in the groove after putting knitting aside for nearly a year. Kinda stumped me when it started curling and decided to check the internet. Glad I did, and this video is very helpful, thank you. I'll just make it longer so there be more to wrap with. Have a nice day~

@KnitWithHannah 5 жыл бұрын

@@jz7044 That sounds like a great solution! Knitting longer will certainly make it more wrappable and cosy. :D