Curb Rolling Edges with these Pretty Options

I’ve been working on a number of projects that needed either decorative or non-rolling edges.

This gradient Showy Cable Cowl is next up on the list. I wanted pretty edges that would peek under the other when folded like this. Rolling wasn’t really an issue because of the ribbed pattern. (More on this fun yarn when the project is announced next week.)

As I’ve mentioned to several friends, I may have to explain to my husband that teaching at Jimmy Beans Wool is a negative income job. There’s always some new yarn that’s catching my eye. The last blog post talked about improvements in dyeing technology, and Malabrigo is one of the best when it comes to hand dyes.

This innovative new Caracol yarn caught my eye as the temperature drops in Tahoe. We just had 30 inches of snow over Mt. Rose yesterday. (Yes, really. I know, that’s crazy.)

Yarn Eye Candy by Malabrigo

A decorative cast on and bind off wasn’t necessary with this bulky yarn, but the simple Showy Decrease lines are a stockinette variation and tend to roll. You’ll see this cowl is also folded in half. It’s a nice way to create a non-bulky collar that can be pulled up when you go outside to the chilly weather.

The following cast on and bind off edges combine the two goals – decorative and non-rolling.

Why We Need Non-Rolling Edges

Stockinette can roll, on both the top and bottom and side to side. Today we’re looking at the cast on and bind off edge issue. I have other side solutions coming soon but you can check out the Hatch Stitch Edge now. It’s our most popular blog post ever.

Many patterns fight this roll with instructions that say “cast on and knit 2 rows”. It is effective as you can see in the lower photo, but does it pass the pretty test?

My solution combines a pretty cast on (Resilient Cast On) and bind off (the fantastic new Knotted K2Tog Bind Off) with a few common stitches: slip, seed, garter and knit 1 row below. How they line up is the key to how this edge looks and functions. It’s really hard to get cast on and bind off edges to match, these are pretty close.

A Swatch to See How It Works(you need circular needles for the cast on)

Link to other blog posts about the Resilient Cast On and Knotted K2tog Bind Off for more details (including video tutorials) on these techniques. Links are included below.

** The free PDF download swatch tutorial has repeat details so you can actually knit the swatch. Below is just the concept.

Cast On Edge:

Cast On 3 sts for every 2 working sts with long tail cast on. Multiple of 3 plus 2 in this case for odd result.
Work the Resilient Cast On
(RS) *sl1, p1* (part of the standard Resilient Cast On – removes bulk)
(WS) knit across (garter row to prevent rolling)
(RS) *k1, k1rb* (still just knitting but it breaks up the plain garter bumps)
(WS) *k1, p1* row (transitions into the narrower stockinette gauge)
Continue in stockinette or your stitch pattern. This edge flares a little so use appropriately. I tried it on a hat and it was too loose.

Bind Off Edge:

(WS) *p1, k1*
(RS) *sl1, k1*
(WS) knit across
(RS) *k1, k1rb,
(WS) Knotted K2Tog Bind Off

More Help Please Laura!

OK, so there are a bunch of details in there. None of them are hard on their own but I thought a printable handout and quick video would help. Soooo, just for you, check out the links below for all of that.

Resilient Cast On(includes link to video tutorial)
Knotted K2Tog Bind Off (includes link to video tutorial)
You Tube Overview video of these edges and bind off close up.
Download free PDF with instructions for this swatch
The Malabrigo Caracol yarn and free pattern links are on my website.

7 comments on “Curb Rolling Edges with these Pretty Options”

ann
November 20, 2017

What is K1rb? never seen this in 50 years of knitting. Thanks

Reply
- Laura Cunitz
  November 20, 2017
  
  Hi. It’s knit 1 row below. The pdf tutorial has a photo of how to do it.
  
  Reply
  - Denise
    June 3, 2018
    
    The pdf tutorial has a photo of knit 1 row below on a KNIT stitch. However, in the tutorial for the NonRolling edges you would knit 1 below into a PURL stitch. I can’t figure out how to do that.
    (WS) knit across
    ‣ (RS) k1, *k1, k1rb, *k2
    HELP!
    
    Denise
Patty Risko
March 15, 2018

I just read more in your blog. I use to live in Lake Tahoe south shore. I know it gets cold! I am living in Oahu. Still miss Lake Tahoe. Thank you again for your ideas!
Patty

Reply
- Laura Cunitz
  March 16, 2018
  
  Patty,
  We’ve lived all over the county and love living in Tahoe. As I type (on March 16th) I’m watching snow fall outside adding to the 27″ we got last night. I planned ahead and have lots of knitting to do and no where to go!
  
  Reply
Rebecca Portera
April 27, 2018

I’m knitting a poncho in stockinette and,of course, the edges are rolling. What type edge can I pick up and knit to eliminate rolling?

Reply
- Laura Cunitz
  April 28, 2018
  
  Hi Rebecca, You have a a few options. One simple one would be to add a seed stitch edge. It would need to be heavy enough to stop the edge from still trying to fold, so at least 1.5 inches or 7 rows depending on your gauge. You could also pick and add a more decorative lady boarder but it would need a bit more depth/weight to hold it down. Laura
  
  Reply