I’m bringing this forward from its first posting in 2012, because it is an important example of good v bad.
I came across this book in the library & had to bring it home to photograph because of the glaring error in edge tensions ….. Let these pics be a lesson of what not to do!
The M1 exercise ‘Basic Welts & Edings’ asked you to work four samples of commonly used edging onto Stocking St main knitting. The welted part was knitted on 2 sizes smaller needle than the main knitting (e.g. 3.25mm and 4mm for DK yarn) because it needs to be, to keep it elastic & resilient.
In the M1 ‘Basic Stitches’ exercise the sample strip shows that Garter St & Moss St are wider than Stocking St. The photos below show what happens if you use the same needle size throughout – the welt/edging bulges out rather than sitting straight and the stitch definition is uneven. All the knit patterns in this book use the same needle size for both edgings & main knit – they would not pass a C&G assignment because they are not technically correct.
I decided to have a browse through some (free) Ravelry patterns to see if this was happening & was surprised how many patterns were like this. So, remember that just because things are in a book or on Ravelry it doesn’t mean they are right.
Buttonhole bands & welts should always be worked on smaller needles (unless you are specifically looking for a grungy look of course) so they are elastic & resilient to withstand wear, this goes for cushion openings too.
Book cover This is the bottom edge of leggings, see how the Moss St band spreads out The rib is spreading already & it hasn’t been worn yet, and the stitch definition of the ribbing isn’t good Is this neat? Will it survive pulling on & off & stay in shape? The dreaded bowing out front band syndrome & wobbly outer edges
Hems also need to be worked on smaller needles or they flare out
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