New to knitting? Learn how to pick up stitches neatly to give your pattern a clean and proper finish! Read along!
So next time, when your knitting reaches an edge, add a few extra stitches and give it a neat finish with pick-up. Once you learn the pick up method, you can easily give neat finishing touches without starting over.
How to Pick Up Stitches?
When you start your knitting journey, you’ll often come across the term “pick up stitches” in instructions. It may sound a little tough, but it’s actually a simple skill that helps you build on your knitting without starting from scratch.
It helps you add borders, button bands, necklines, or sleeves neatly, and is also useful when fixing edges or extending a project.
What Does Pick Up Stitches Mean?
The tiny loops on your needle are called stitches in knitting. Sometimes, while knitting a pattern, you might need to add new stitches along an already finished part. So instead of starting new stitches, you can pull loops from the edge of your knitting and put them on your needle. These loops turn into stitches while letting you continue knitting without any break.
Simple Steps to Pick Up Stitches
Once you master it, picking up stitches is easier than it sounds. By following the few easy steps, you can add new stitches along any edge of your knitting and continue your project.
Place Your Work
- The edge you want to work on should face you, so hold the knitted piece properly. Most of the time, stitches are picked up from the right side for the neatest look.
Insert the Needle
- Depending on the edge, push the needle tip into the edge of the fabric either into a stitch or between stitches.
Bring Yarn Around the Needle
- Wrap your yarn around the needle just as if you were making a knit stitch, preparing to pull the loop through the fabric.
Pull Up a Loop
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Draw the yarn through the fabric to the front and keep the loop on your needle; this becomes your new stitch. To maintain an even edge, make sure the loop is neither too tight nor too loose.
Repeat Along the Edge
- Move to the next along the edge and repeat the same process mentioned above. Keep doing this until you have as many stitches as your pattern requires.
Where You Might Pick Up Stitches?
You can pick up stitches in different areas of your knitting, depending on what your project needs.
- Along the top or bottom edges, pick up one stitch to keep the edge even.
- Need to pick up a few stitches along the sides of rows rather than working entire rows.
- Around curved areas like necklines or armholes, spacing becomes important. Picking up stitches evenly helps the fabric lie flat without puckering or stretching.
Paying attention to where and how often you pick up stitches will give your finished piece a much neater look.
Supplies You’ll Need
Having everything ready will make the process smoother and help you keep your work neat and organized.
- Knitted project
- Yarn
- Knitting needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
Where to Insert the Needle?
If you enjoy knitting, you’ll soon come across patterns that require you to pick up stitches. It may sound tricky, but it’s a simple technique that helps you add borders, collars, and edges neatly without starting over.
For Vertical Edges:
Instead of picking up the stitch straight, try to pick the stitches in between them. This prevents the piece from stretching and keeps the edges neat and well-shaped.
For Horizontal Edges:
Insert the needle under the full stitch or the “V” shape for stability. It gives the stitches a firm base so the edge remains even and stable.
For Curved Edges:
Pick up the stitches carefully and space them evenly around the curve. Good spacing will help the fabric from flaring and becoming unevenly shaped.
Helpful Tips for Even Edges
Getting even stitches might take a lot of time, but with just a few simple things, you will master it easily.
- Try to pick stitches with a smaller needle, then switch to your regular needle. This keeps the edges from coming loose.
- Keep tension consistent, too tight will pucker, too loose will ripple.
- To maintain the uniform spacing, divide the edges into parts using a stitch marker.
- Pick up in the same direction every time.
Why This Skill Matters!
Picking up stitches is one of those small knitting skills that makes a big difference in your finished projects. Once you have learn it, it will help you a lot.
- It adds a professional-look to your border.
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Smoothly knit collars and button bands.
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Extend the sleeves or hems.
- Fix any uneven borders.