[pegtiger]

I didn't realize that if you pearled on a row it would curl the project when done. If I have finished a prayer shawl that curls, would it help to crochet an edge all the way around the shawl, or should I just leave it to curl?

 

[Niele da Kine]

I always design shawls so the curled edge is a "feature" since it's gonna wanna curl anyway. Stockinette stitch is a classic for wanting to curl. You could try putting a picot edge or other crochet edge on it. The nice thing with knitting and crochet is that you don't have to follow the pattern if you don't want to.

If you like the curled edge, leave it be. If you don't like it curled, then either do some ribbing (always knit or always purl the first few stitches in each row) Or you could do Moss stitch, which is K1/P1 doing the opposite on what's on the row below. Moss makes a nice flat edge.

 

[Cyber Granny]

It would help to crochet an edge to make a flat edge, and to stop the curl.

 

[Sine]

Knit stitches are a little bit shorter and narrower than purl stitches so the stockinette stitch (K one row, P the next and repeat) curls.

 

[Norma B.]

I always design shawls so the curled edge is a "feature" since it's gonna wanna curl anyway. Stockinette stitch is a classic for wanting to curl. You could try putting a picot edge or other crochet edge on it. The nice thing with knitting and crochet is that you don't have to follow the pattern if you don't want to.

If you like the curled edge, leave it be. If you don't like it curled, then either do some ribbing (always knit or always purl the first few stitches in each row) Or you could do Moss stitch, which is K1/P1 doing the opposite on what's on the row below. Moss makes a nice flat edge.

I love the moss stitch and use it frequently on edges instead of ribbing. It's a nice flat, contemporary look!

 

[Jessica-Jean]

Stockinette is an unbalanced stitch.

Stockinette works perfectly for:
stockings,
socks (but you need ribbing or something to keep the cuff from curling),
hats (but you need ribbing or something to keep the edge from curling),
mittens (but you need ribbing or something to keep the wrists from curling),
gloves (but you need ribbing or something to keep the wrists from curling),
pullovers (but you need ribbing or something to keep the wrists, neckline, and bottom edge from curling).

Notice! All of the above examples are items that curl around a body part. None are scarves, blankets, or even cardigans.

Stockinette curlsPERIOD

IF you knit extremely loosely, possibly - just possibly - it will lie flat on its own. Otherwise, it curls from all edges.
Yes, you can try using a non-stockinette stitch border. You can add a crocheted border. However, it doesn't always work. Sometimes the stockinette is so determined to curl, it simply flips the neat, flat border entirely to the other side!!

If the fiber is a natural/non-synthetic product, you can block the curl into submission ... until the next wash, when the blocking must be repeated.

If the fiber is synthetic, you can try 'killing' it. Google for how to block acrylic or killing acrylic. Just beware that the fabric will undergo a permanent change. Once cooked, it's forever. Too much heat is fatal to it.

 

[SouthernGirl]

stockinette will curl and sometimes even when you have an edging

 

[junebjh]

Knit stitches are a little bit shorter and narrower than purl stitches so the stockinette stitch (K one row, P the next and repeat) curls.

I never knew that! Of course there had to be a reason.

 

[junebjh]

Knit stitches are a little bit shorter and narrower than purl stitches so the stockinette stitch (K one row, P the next and repeat) curls.

I never knew that! Of course there had to be a reason.

 

[pegtiger]

Thanks all, I think I'll just leave it to curl a little. It is finished except for the edging had I chosen to add one. I'll know next time to include a knit edge around it.

 

[Arachne]

Fellow KPer Amyknits (bless her!) posted an edging for stockinette stitch that prevents the curl.

 

[Teatime4granny]

Cheryl Burnett has some really good videos about knitting. She has helped me so much.
Here is the link to the dreaded stocking knit curl

Just do a copy and paste and you can get to the link

 

[pegtiger]

Thanks, I've tried to copy and paste and haven't gotten it to work yet, I'll keep trying.

 

[pegtiger]

Try to search for this, but couldn't find it.

 

[MASHEPP]

Fellow KPer Amyknits (bless her!) posted an edging for stockinette stitch that prevents the curl.

This didn't work for me when I tried it. I edge with either ribbing, moss, seed or garter.

 

[mtnchild]

You need to remove the "S" in https in order to make it a link . The "S" is a "security" feature in any address that deals with money or very personal information. It will never appear as a link for clicking. Yvette

Cheryl Burnett has some really good videos about knitting. She has helped me so much.
Here is the link to the dreaded stocking knit curl

Just do a copy and paste and you can get to the link

 

[Norma B.]

Cheryl Burnett has some really good videos about knitting. She has helped me so much.
Here is the link to the dreaded stocking knit curl

Just do a copy and paste and you can get to the link

Dear Granny, Thanks so much for this link! Not only informative but entertaining without being silly. As long as I've been knitting I didn't know the REASON for the edges curling. Sometimes I like the curl but NOT if the yarn is bulky---way too big a roll! Who needs more around the hips? :roll:

 

[pegtiger]

I googled and found the you tube. Thanks so much. After reading several ideas, some that contradicted each other, I decided the easiest, quickest thing for me to do would be to crochet an edge around it. I was almost finished and decided to rip it all out and reverse the side that showed on the front, liked it better!