Knitting Help - Why is My Knitting Curling?
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Why is my knitting curling, and will blocking stop the curling? Two questions knitters often ask me. In this video, I address those questions, show you when curling is a good thing, and explain the difference between stitch combos that curl and those that don't.
Information on things you'll see in this video:
The alpaca hat I show in the video (not my pattern) can be found here, but it doesn't look like the pattern is available anymore:
www.ravelry.com...
The gray cardigan I show in the video is a free pattern and video tutorial, and can be found here:
verypink.com/20...
The gray cashmere swatch is from my Rodeo Drive Poncho pattern and tutorial:
verypink.com/20...
I reference my Stellar Swatching video, which can be found here:
• Knitting Help - Stella...
The basketweave swatch is from my Mimi Hooded Scarf pattern and tutorial:
verypink.com/20...
The sugar cubes swatch is explained in a Fancy Stitch Combo video here:
• Fancy Stitch Combo - S...
The One Row Scarf I reference at the end of the video can be found here (not my design):
www.ravelry.com...
My Ravelry page for the shawl I'm wearing (not my design), can be found here:
www.ravelry.com...
The nail polish I'm wearing is by Julep, color "London".
refer.julep.com...
Oh, Staci! You've broken my heart, by telling me it will never straighten out, but I forgive you. Thanks for giving us great ideas for stitch combos and edges to help. Love the videos and look forward to them every week!
Again I am back seeking for answers. There is so much to learn, fortunately a channel like Yours exists and makes it all much easier. Thank You!
I love your teaching, and generous sharing of related information. Thanks a lot! :D
Finally found real help with curling edges. Also clearly explained with examples of swatches. Thank you so much.
Thank you, video was very helpful. I'm not a knitter, am a crocheter but self taught myself to knit but only baby blankets. Am doing a scarf with 2 braids but edges curled. Had forgotten how to make edge not curl and your video was just so helpful. Thank you again
You have the best videos. I've been knitting for many years but still enjoy seeing you explain "technique" so well! Thanks.
thank you so much. very informative. i can knit quite even stitches most of the time but just don't get it why it always curl. a thumbs up!
Thank you for this video. I would also add that if you've discovered that your knitting curls after you are done, you can still fix the problem by using the "pick up and knit" technique to create a non-curling border all around.
Came here to say this! You can also crochet a border if you are bi-craftual
@@NicoleSudhoff what border would you use for the bottom of a sweater that is knitted in stockinette and rolling up?
I need to look up the pick up and stitch technique
For the bottom of a sweater I would knit in rib, 1x1 or 2x2, but for a blanket or a scarf or something, I would use a crochet border pattern - scallops, double crochets, crochet i-cord...
@@NicoleSudhoff thank you. I am going to try to pick up and stitch a ribbing. I think it will be easy to do since the sides are not closed all the way down.
Excellent tutorial, thx u! I truly hope you will consider doing a video demonstrating the wet block process.
Your Stellar Swatch is so much neater and nicer looking than any finished piece I've ever made, ha! Thanks for the great tips in this video.
Thank you so much :)
I am currently knitting a headband for my child, and wanted to do it on a wired needle, so I didn't have to sow it together at the end.. However, this made the fabric curl, to my great dismay :D So now, I think I'll just turn it into a hat, and remember to use a different type of stitch next time :)
Double Stockinette is a solution to the curling problem. It's a one row repeat, and is worked like this:
Row 1: * K1, Sl1P WYIF *
*Here I sit with pink cheeks (embarrassed!) - I know you were talking about me, LOL!! Beginner knitter, stockinette stitch - yeah, I'll make a scarf! ....4 inches in & my hands hurt plus this thing won't stop curling up into a tube, haha! Thanks for the video - I think I'll try something else. :) :)*
Mine curled even with a border. 4 knit, 12 purl, 4 knit on the right side. So pretty to begin with.
Thank you so much for explaining this curling problem. I just finish a baby scarf in stockinet and had this problem.
Hi from Canada Staci, Love the video as always great help...You have assisted me in taking my knitting to an amazing level Thank You, Hope you are safe and dry with all the crazy weather your state has been having....
jeanette Agnew - thanks, Jeanette. It has been scary weather here in Texas for the past week or so! We're all fine. Thank you for checking!
I'm a loom knitter myself, and I am having the curling problem too. I guess I'll have to look up a variety of patterns. Thanks. :-)
I enjoyed your video and information. I also really enjoyed seeing basenjis in the background.
ahh! i did this exact thing xD can you tell i usually crochet? thanks! the curling was driving me insane!! ill have to try the link you shared for the easy scarf pattern :)
*watches video nonchalantly while sipping tea*
"The pattern is by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee who is also known as the Yarn Harlot."
*chokes on tea*
Hi Staci, can you please tell me why my seed stitch (k1, p1 repeat) is curling? Or could you please send me a link to one of your videos that will answer the question? Thanks for your time and efforts.
I have had more than my share of curled up knitted scarves. After watching your video of how to eliminate this problem I picked up my Red Heart medium weight yarn and started what I thought would be a perfect pattern. For the border I used the garter stitch for 6 rows. On the 7th row I used the garter stitch (6 stitches), then the stockinet stitch for 20 and then again the garter for the last 6 stitches. After several rows, I again ended up with the dreaded curling! This particular scarf is/was being knit for Operation Gratitude (items being sent to our military). I used the Americana variegated red, white & blue yarn and a size 9 knitting needle. Please help me figure out what I am doing wrong!
Stockinette is not a great choice for scarves - the potential for curling is great, especially in acrylic yarn. I recommend garter stitch (knit every row), or this free pattern: czcams.com/users/edit?o=U&video_id=Id3N_p-vw8U
well god damn...I looked for this info cause of my Ponch I made by following a pattrern, women's choice , is all made in stockinette ...and the bind off in I-cord...doesn't make much sense when it is curling...guess I have to open it up somehow and see if I can save it ...maybe I should have started with a scarf...but Thank you :)
thank you very much. Im an experienced knitter, but I never asked how to fix this problem. I have a few items to go fix with borders.
Great info. I always thought it was my knitting making it curl.
Very nicely explained.
Thanks 😊
I’m knitting a scarf using the bee stitch, but the tutorial didn’t mention it’d start to curl (it only uses knit stitches and knit one below stitches). I’ve restarted it a few times due to screwing up the pattern and now I truly realize how much it curls. Not sure if I should restart it again or keep going. I’d I restart I might just use the seed stitch instead
Brava. Al fin está dicho claramente: El punto liso se curva, no hay más..
If knitting a super bulky yarn on #15 needles into a stocking stitch blanket with rib border on the top and bottom but not the sides will it block out because of the size?
I have knit a shawl with a double border. The first border is stockinette and so I purposely knit the second border in garter. I bound off and now the entire garter border is rolling up. Do you have any suggestions???
Can I crochet an edge on my loom knitted scarf or should I undo an start over. I’m about 18 inches long.
I know this is an old post, but I have the weirdest question - how are you doing that demo without an overhead camera? It looks like…magic? Anyway, thanks for the tips, this is exactly what I was looking for
It's magic, for sure! :)
I am sorry but is there a pattern for that sweate' Thanks for the video.
I am a little more than beginner knitter (unusually I'm a boy!)and find your videos very helpful:-) Thanks
PS. Who made the animation at the last of you knitting ? It looks just like you !!
Thank you for this. Unfortunately I have finished a blanket for my granddaughter's third birthday today but couldn't give it because I made it without a ribbing or border to keep it from curling. And it IS curling! Having never made anything without a pattern or edge, I went forward in ignorance and now am stumped. I will soak it for a half hour and pin it to dry but the internet information about what to do once it's done is tough and most knitters say that won't work either. It's alpaca and 5 feet long by 3 feet wide. Ugh. What to do now? Anyone have suggestions that might really work? I've been told to put all the stitches on a really long round needle and knit one pearl one for a few rows. Any experience with this anyone?
What about when you use stockinette to boarder a blanket so you can embroider it?
I’m making the checkerboard baby blanket and it is curling. Any idea what I’m doing wrong?
Once you get a little more fabric going, it should stop curling. Also, a little bit of curling will go away once the blanket is washed (this is assuming that you're using the yarn recommended in the pattern. If you're using a different yarn, your results may vary.) Lastly, if your gauge is a little tight, you will get curling, and a larger needle size should fix that.
I am just knitting a purl stitch scarf, using no other stitches because I don't like the look of it.
What's the name of the purpulish one that don't curl please?
I have to tell you that I can't agree with the statement that you made about how if you do a garter stitch border on stockinette stitch it won't curl. I just finished knitting a top for my daughter and it called for a border of garter stitch instead of ribbing, and it was a stockinette body (with a pattern down the middle of 43 stitches) but NOTHING I did could get that garter stitch band to lay flat. I washed the top and blocked it by pinning it to shape and dried it and still it wants to turn up. I am disappointed and I don't even know why this happened.
Oh - a garter stitch border can help, but it is no guarantee that it will keep the knitting from curling. It comes down to lots of different factors, that I explain in the video.
VeryPink Knits Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately the top won’t even fit my daughter, as even after my doing a swatch it ended up two inches smaller across the bust. I just can’t win. I can never keep my tension the same. 😠
Would it be alright to press the scarf with a clean damp tea towel or muslin and a warm iron? Love your tutorials. Elaine
Yes - depending on the yarn. It's always safe to press or steam wool or cotton, but not so safe to apply heat to synthetic fibers. Just check your yarn label.
@@verypinkknits Thank you for Clearing this up for me. I've been unlucky to see on CZcams continental knitters ,so if I subscribe to your channel I will get notifications of British knitting, is that so. Thank you for helping me out. Elaine
I really love your shawl. :) I'm wondering, I knitted a cowl in stockinette (to show off the colourway of the yarn - using a different stitch pattern just competed with the colourway and made the cowl look way too busy), and I wanted the top and bottom edges to curl (like your hat), but I found that these edges kept rolling up way too far. What would you do if you were knitting a cowl like that, to limit the curling of the top and bottom edges?
Just work one purl round (on the knit side) wherever you want the curling to stop.
First how I enjoy your video, is very usefully. Im a beginner knitter and doing a simple towel edging, why curling on the middle?
Your tension might be too tight, or the border might not be wide enough - but it's hard for me to say without seeing the work. I recommend taking your work into your local yarn shop and getting the opinion of someone who can take a look at what is going on.
Thank you for this helpful information. I have a question. Would sewing a garter or ribbed border to a curled edge make it flatten out?
Yes, that should help with curling.
very nice, clear ... I did a st stitch scarf which turned into a TUBE!!! so could I add an edging now, as an afterthought, to save the scarf somehow to flatten it out, I would have to pick up on the edges but what pattern would flatten it? It is VERY long and I hate to discard it.
Yes - that should work! Just be sure to make the border you're adding wide enough to keep the scarf flat.
Dear, what you call the "wrong side" on the purple knitted pattern at 6:08, I like so much actually ;) The pattern looks like little waves on the sea, such a cute pattetn ♡
Staci, I love your videos-you are always so helpful! I'm hoping you can help me with this horrific challenge I'm having! I have knit a predominantly stockinette-stitch afghan with knit-on moss border all around (4 rows top & bottom; 4 stitches each edge). It's done in 100% acrylic Aran weight yarn.
My challenge is that both of the side edges fold (not roll) toward the back at about 1/2" away from border, and the top and bottom edges each fold (not roll) toward the front at roughly the same distance from the border.
Can you think of anything at all I can do to reinforce or redistribute the weight so that the edges don't fold? In your video you say that a moss border will prevent it from rolling, but you don't mention folding.
I appreciate any help you can give me with this as it is a baby blanket for someone who is, unfortunately, a knitter!!! :-( ~Pam
Pam - this is what stockinette does, sometimes even with a border. Stockinette will sometimes behave better when made in 100% wool, but acrylic is unpredictable. You can try picking up and knitting stitches for a wider border to see if that helps.
Thanks, Staci. I have to learn to stay away from 100% acrylic! I'll try your suggestion.
would it be a good idea to make a circular scarf entirely out of stockinette?
im pretty it wouldnt curl lengthwise because both ends are connected and i want the sides to curl inwards so that it has a more tube-y shape to it.
You can knit a tube, then seam the tube - like a couple of cowl patterns I have available. For a scarf, you could knit a stockinette tube then just seam the ends of the tube to make a scarf - that would not curl.
I like your videos. I also like the scarf you are wearing in this video. Can you share the pattern?
You'll always find a list with links to everything you see in my videos in the video description field, just below the video.
@@verypinkknits I mean the light grey shawl or scarf with bright red strips you are wearing. It looks like a bias pattern. Could you share that pattern? Thank you!
Yes, the name and link are in the video description field.
I love your videos and think they have helped me move from super beginner to sort of intermediate. My pattern says to make a gauge swatch in stockinette. I finished knitting the 5" but it is curling so much I can't count the stitches. Should I just redo my swatch in just garter stitch? If I want to do a border do you just straight knit 4 stitches at the beginning and end of each row (and at beginning and end rows of the piece)?
If you need to check your gauge in stockinette, I don't recommend knitting a swatch in garter stitch. Here is my detailed video on swatching, it includes instructions (in the video description field) for how to make a stockinette swatch with a garter stitch border to reduce curling. czcams.com/video/3kDtLiGoD9E/video.html
I did a garter stitch border around a scarf and the border is curling/folding into the back (wrongside) of the scarf. Suggestions?
Couple of things could be happening, or a combination of things - your gauge is tight, causing the curling, and/or your border isn't wide enough to prevent the curling.
I just starting making a blanket with a super bulky yarn. I've decided to choose the Woven stitch (r1: sl1, ktbl of the 2nd stitch on the needle, then knit the first stitch and take both off the needle. Continue to end of row. r2: sl1 purlwise, purl the 2nd stitch on the needle then purl the first stitch and take both off the needle. Continue to end of row). I've casted on 145 stitches ( the pattern needs an odd number) and am currently 6 rows into it. It's already curling. Any advice?
I’m having a hard time with my scarf. I did 12 rows of seed stitch. 20 rows of stockinette with seed stitch border. Then 12 rows of seed stitch. The bottom hangs great, but the longer it gets, it starts to curl towards the back, right where my seed stitch and stockinette meets. I’m using cotton yarn. Any advice for me?
If your pattern is curling in cotton yarn, it isn't likely to block out flat, either. Knitting with bigger needles might help. I recommend contacting the pattern designer to see how she dealt with the curling.
@@verypinkknits I'm modifying the pattern. She did seed stitch on borders and double moss in the middle. I like the feel of stockinette better and figured with a seed stitch border it wouldn't curl. I was wrong.
I knit a 4 stitch per side border, with body in stockinette, and it still curls. I’m at a loss.
It's likely that your needle size is a bit small for the yarn you're using, as I explain in the video. Tight knitting, even with borders, will curl.
Hi Staci, I am knitting a bag that has ruffles on it. It has 2 rows of a different colour on the edging and then changes to the main colour. What i wanted to ask you is that it is curling upwards and showing the join to the main colour when it curls. I have tried thumb method cast on and traditional cast onto the needle and they both still curl. The second row is a purl row after the cast on. Can you help me here, as on the pattern theirs doesnt curl upward. Thanks Kim
+kim dawson - depending on the yarn you're using, it might flatten out with steam blocking or wet blocking. I'm having a hard time imagining what you're saying...you might do better to contact the pattern designer (Ravelry is a good way to do that), and ask them. There may also be comments on Ravelry on the pattern page from knitters who are experiencing the same thing you are, and possibly some answers there.
+VeryPink Knits Thanks Staci for your help. Yes I thought I mighten have explained it well enough. I will try raverlry. I have steamed the edge and it does help a bit. Thanks again. Kim
The lion brand yarn you used in the grey crop cardigan. The organic cotton is not available. Do you have a recommendation?
Yes, all of the information is available on my website: verypink.com/2014/10/22/cropped-raglan-cardi-tutorial/
Could you demonstrate how to slip the first stitch of a row to create a border that doesn't curl? Thanks!
Hmm...I never actually seen a slipped stitch border that keeps a piece of stockinette from curling, so that's not really possible. But I give more info in the video on what do to when your knitting is curling.
Hi! I need some advice about the curling. So I just tried to knit the So Faded sweater, and the pattern says it pick up the stitches for the collar at the end. The back of the neck is higher, so while I was knitting the body, it curled a lot. I managed to pick up the stitches and knit the collar, but it still curls. Is there a way to fix this? Or should I have picked up and knitted the collar much earlier?
Also, if I didn't want to do the rolled hem nor the ribbed hem for a sweater and it's bottom up, which cast on should I do so it doesn't roll or have a rib?
Rosalie - I'd contact the pattern designer for specific advice on your sweater. Regarding the bottom of sweaters, without a border, stockinette will always curl, regardless of the cast-on.
Hi! I'm doing a harry potter scarf and I really want to use a stitch like stockinette because the effect just looks better. I was wondering if there are patterns that appear similar to stockinette but don't curl?
Yes - you can search Ravelry for patterns like this, I've just done a search for you and found a pattern that is knit in-the-round (so it is stockinette on both sides), and a Harry Potter scarf: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harry-potter-prisoner-of-azkaban-scarf-2
Thank you so much!
Thanks for this video I needed it 2 headbands ago 😀😀😀
I'm a beginner and I'm making a garter knit scarf (just knit) , and it's curling. How do I prevent this?
Garter stitch shouldn't curl - you probably need to go up a needle size (or two, or more).
Thanks for such an informative video. Would crocheting an edge to a stockinette stitch help with the curling?
Unless you did several rows/rounds of crocheted edging, it probably won't be enough to help keep a piece of stockinette flat.
Hello, Stacy! Thank you for this lovely video. Anyway, I'm halfway on knitting my ribbed scarf (8 stitces × 4 purl) and the edges of my scarf began to curl badly :(.
Any tips on how can I treat this curling? Like is blocking or ironing this scarf possible to make it flat? My yarn is made of 100% wool fyi.
Thank you for your help! :)
I think she said maybe to add a border. :)
How many rows of garter stich are needed to prevent curling of stockinette from the bottom of a sweater?
I can't really answer that - it totally depends on your yarn and gauge. For most projects, I'd probably start with 5-7 ridges (10-14 rows/rounds) to see if that is enough.
Garter stitch how to make
Would a single crochet stitch at the bottom of a sweater help with the rolling?
It might - it might not be enough. Lots of factors come in to play...the fiber in the yarn you're using, how tight the fabric is, the stitch in the fabric. If your pattern doesn't make it clear, you can always test out a border.
Thank you, your videos are superb, 💕 I
Thank you very much, it helped
Can you make a video for a shawl? I was looking for a pattern for one and no one explains things as good as you do.
Alisha Virani - I have several shawl, scarf, and cowl tutorials. You can see them all here: verypink.com/category/scarves/
Staciii! Good stuff. I remember watching someone explain once about how it's due to the loops pulling on one another. When it's stockinette and all knit stitches on one side, they're all pulling in the same direction and that's when curling happens. Garter, on the other hand, has them alternating so it like... balances out. I think it's so cool to keep learning about construction. Anyway. I think you know what a fan I am by the regular commenting, but is there *any* way I can convince you to drop in a pattern or project on the masculine side? Or at least something gender neutral? You have so many great patterns but most of them I have to give away after I finish them lol.
Oh and Texas is huge so I don't know if you're under fire but I heard Mother Nature is P.O.'d down there. Stay safe my dear.
Do I have to block my knitiings before I sell them?
Your videos are my first go to for techniques! Thank you! I actually want curling, but only to a point. How do I stop the curl at a certain point? I just made the beautiful Tegna pullover from Boyland Knits out of Madelinetosh Pashmina, and the neckline curls by design. But I bound off the stitches and then picked up and knit 8 rows on a smaller needle. It’s curling so much that it’s showing the inside seam where the stitches are picked up from the bound off neckline. I’m wondering if I were to do one row of purl stitches right after the picked up row and then 7 rows of knit, if the purl row would stop it????
I'm not familiar with this pattern, but usually working a purl row on the knit side, wherever you want the curling to stop is effective.
Thank you so much! I’m going to try it.
Can I save a piece that's curling by picking up the BO and adding a border?
+Jennifer Little - it's probably worth a try...but if a stitch is going to curl, you usually need a pretty hefty border on all sides, not just the BO.
+VeryPink Knits It's an infinity scarf knit on circular needles. Do you think 6 rows of a rib stitch on both the top and bottom will do the trick? It's a lacy pattern for the body of the scarf with 4 rows of garter already on either end.
+Jennifer Little - there is no way I can answer that, other than to say that it's worth a try. It will depend on the stitch, the yarn, and the gauge - all individual to your project.
Thank you
Hello! Do you have a video or pattern for the red and gray piece that you’re wearing?
I don't have a tutorial for that, it's not my design, but you'll find a link to the pattern on Ravelry in the video description field, just below the video.
Thank you very helpful
how to I make the boarders with knit stich and inside Stockinette Stitch?
This link and video will answer that: verypink.com/2014/12/10/stellar-swatching/
The Link for the Alpacha hat goes to a cardigan
Very informative! As a beginner, this really helped! :)
Do you still knit?
I like the curl
This video has been the most helpful!!! Now I am getting even more excited for this project :D !!!! Does it matter if the garter stitch border is done during the project compared to added on once the project is done? Would they both flatten it out just the same? I am not a beginner knitter but I am planning on making an afghan and realised it mentioned the dreaded stockinette stitch. Your reply would be very much appreciated! Thank you! >_
It wouldn't make much of a difference if you knit the border as you go, or added it later.
Thank you for replying!!!! :D
Wait so what is stock knit? What’s the pattern I should avoid like the plague ?
Stockinette stitch is knit on the right-side, purl on the wrong-side. It is not a great choice for a flat scarf or blanket because it curls up so badly.
VeryPink Knits oh my goodness thank you so much for answering.
Love the scarf you are wearing. Pattern?
You'll always find all of the info and links about everything you see in my videos in the video description field, just below the video.
VeryPink Knits thank you. I just needed to open my eyes and read. lol. And it's a shawl not a scarf. Regardless, it's lovely and thank you for sharing. I also signed on to the website.
To avoid curling on edges do a slip stitch on first stitch every other row.
I don't recommend ever slipping stitches unless the pattern calls for it, it can cause more tension issues, and won't necessarily correct any curling, especially in stockinette stitch.
@@verypinkknits Oh my. I'll revisit my work, it honestly looks pretty good and no curling. I slipped the stitches purlwise so they look tidy - but you're definitely more expert so I'll do more experimenting.
+Gertie Shaw 🔛🔛
*thank* *you*
My scarf has a border but still curls - am I just a doomed knitter? :)
No, you probably just need a longer/wider border.
What is blocking?
verypink.com/2010/07/27/blocking-not-a-video/
Permanent surprise.
Hello, Stacy! Thank you for this lovely video. Anyway, I'm halfway on knitting my ribbed scarf (8 knit × 4 purl) and the edges of my scarf began to curl badly :(.
Any tips on how can I treat this curling? Like is blocking or ironing this scarf possible to make it flat? My yarn is made of 100% wool fyi.
Thank you for your help! :)
Ivana Taslim - you can try applying some steam and patting it out flat, that should work with wool. When you're finished with the scarf and you wash it and set it out flat to dry, that will also take care of the curling.