How To Knit A Perfect Edge - Finishing Free Technique

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How to Knit a Perfect Edge – Finishing Free Technique
Home/Free Patterns and Tutorials, Tutorial/How to Knit a Perfect Edge – Finishing Free Technique
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How to Knit a Perfect Edge – Finishing Free

Technique
Today I would love to share with you a technique that I learned several years
ago that is absolutely essential for cardigans if you want to avoid knitting the
bands and finishing the raw edges. It also comes in handy for scarves or any
items with open raw edges. It looks like an applied I-cord, but rather than
picking up stitches along the edge and knitting the i-cord on, you knit “I-
cord” simultaneously with the main fabric and don’t have to spend time to
trim the edges after you are done with the project – a huge time saver!
This technique can be used with any stitch pattern. It looks best when knit
next to the textured stitches, but can be used with simple stockinette, it won’t
“pop” as much, but it will do the work – keep the edge of your knitting flat
and neat – from the front, back and the sides. I used it a lot in my “pre-blog
era”, but there are several projects with this technique documented here
– Textured Scarf (I think it was my third or forth blog post!), Journey
sweater (to create side splits) and Grateful Shawl (to create smooth edges
and avoid finishing later).
There are two types of “i-cords” or selvage stitches I use – double and triple.
They look slightly different from each other. Triple is thicker and will be
perfect for cardigan front edges – it will perfectly hold the shape. Double is
great for light garments and for lace. First I will give you the written
instructions and then I’ll break it down for you in step-by-step photo tutorial.
Abbreviations
 Sl – slip.
 wyib – with yarn in back.
 wyif – with yarn in front.
 st/sts – stitch/stitches.
 k – knit.
 p – purl.
Double Selvage
Instructions:
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1 wyib, k1; work in any given stitch pattern to last 2 sts; sl 1
wyib, p1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1 wyib, p1; work in any given stitch pattern to last 2 sts; sl 1
wyif, p1.
Repeat Rows [1-2] for a double i-cord/selvage.
Tutorial
(To see a bigger picture, open it in the new tab)
Right Side Row
Right Side Row. First two stitches form the double i-cord.
Slip the first stitch, holding the yarn in the back.
Knit the second stitch.
Work in any given stitch pattern to 2 last stitches.

Slip the next stitch off, holding the yarn in the back.
Purl the last stitch.
Wrong Side Row
Wrong Side Row. First two stitches form the double i-cord.
Purl next stitch.

Slip next stitch, holding yarn in FRONT.
Triple Selvage
Instructions:
Row 1 (RS): Sl 1 wyib, sl 1 wyif, k1; work in any given stitch pattern to last
3 sts; k1, sl 1 wyif, p1.
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1 wyib, k1, sl 1 wyif; work in any given stitch pattern to last
3 sts; sl 1 wyif, k1, p1.
Repeat Rows [1-2] for a triple selvage/i-cord.
Tutorial
(To see a bigger picture, open it in the new tab)
Right Side Row
Right Side Row. Three first stitches form the triple i-cord.
Slip the second stitch, holding the yarn in front.

Knit next stitch.
Knit next stitch.

Slip next stitch, holding the yarn in front.
Wrong Side Row

Knit the next stitch.
Slip the next stitch, holding the yarn in front.
Work in any given stitch pattern to last 3 stitches. Slip the next stitch
with yarn in front.
Knit the next stitch.
The result
The front of the work:

The back of the work:
As you can see both sides are equally neat and even. One more thing to
remember – if you are adding this edging to a scarf, for example, don’t forget
to add 4 (for a double one) or 6 (for a triple one) extra stitches to your stitch
count.
I hope you will find this tutorial useful for many of your future projects!
UPDATE
I gathered most commonly asked question in the comments and in the emails
and tried to answer them in the best way possible – I created an additional
blog post for it (How To Knit The Perfect Edge. Ribbing and Binding
Off). I am copying my answers here, so you can have everything in one
place.
 What stitch pattern can I use the i-cord edge with?
Basically, you can use it with ANY stitch pattern. But I would say that the i-
cord looks the best next to the textured stitch patterns.
When used next to the stockinette stitch, there are some things to keep in
mind.
 The icord won’t stand out as much against the stockinette as it does
against the textured stitches.
 If knit too tight, it might start pulling the stockinette fabric. Make sure
to swatch before you use it on a bigger project. If you see that the i-
cord is puling the fabric, you will have to watch your tension more
carefully and make i-cord stitches longer than the ones in the main
fabric.
 The edge will stop the rolling of the fabric, but you might have to
adjust the number of stitches in the i-cord. Thinner yarns will require
more stitches to keep the edge in place, with thicker yarns 3-st i-cord
selvage might be enough. The only thing to know for sure what works
best for you is to make a swatch.
The i-cord would look and behave perfectly with garter stitch, brioche stitch
or any slip stitch textured pattern.
 How many extra stitches to add to the stitch count?

Though I mentioned it in the main tutorial post, I still got some questions, so
I decided to cover this question in a more detailed way.
For 2-st I-cord selvage you will add 4 extra stitches to your stitch count. For
3-st I-cord selvage you will add 6 extra stitches to you stitch count.
So, if you have the pattern, let’s say, for the garter stitch scarf that tells you to
cast on 60 sts and you want to add the 2-st i-cord selvage to it, you will cast
on 64 sts and if you are adding 3-st i-cord selavage, you will cast on 66 sts.
 How to add the i-cord selvage to the cardigan bands?

This question cannot be covered in one post. If you are an experienced knitter
and can easily modify patterns, here are some tips that can help you:
 You can use the i-cord selvage only when the bands are knit
simultaneously with the body or if the bands are knit separately and
then sewn on the body of the cardigan.
 If the stitches for the pattern are being picked up and the band is knit
perpendicular to the main body of the cardigan, then you should use the
i-cord bind off technique.
If you are more confident with following the pattern, The Choice is the knit
that uses the i-cord selvage technique when the band is knit simultaneously
with the body of the cardigan.
 Do you slip stitches knitwise or purlwise?

The stitches are supposed to be slipped always purlwise.
 How to use the i-cord edge when changing colors?

This question cannot be covered in a couple of sentences, I will make sure to
create a separate tutorial for it!
 How to use the i-cord edge with the ribbing?

The i-cord edge is perfect for using with ribbing patterns! As a matter of fact,
I have used it in all my patterns with the split ribbing edge. You can find it in
different variations in Journey, Ivy, Mohair Flor and The Edge.
You can check the tutorial for the selvage i-cord + ribbing here – How To
Knit The Perfect Edge. Ribbing and Binding Off
 How to bind off the i-cord edge?

Binding off the i-cord is not much different as binding off in pattern any
other stitch. For a photo tutorial see this post – How To Knit The Perfect
Edge. Ribbing and Binding Off
RELATED POSTS
How To Trim A Neckline In Sweaters – Perfect Neckline Trim Tutorial
How to Knit Jogless Textured Stripes in the Round
How to Make a Sweater on a Knitting Machine. Hand Knitter’s Guide. Part I.

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By Alina| April 17th, 2016|Free Patterns and Tutorials, Tutorial|136 Comments
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136 Comments
1.
Zeta April 17, 2016 at 10:17 am - Reply
Love love love all your tutorials!
So well written and useful!
Thank you so much for all the new knowledge!
You’re the best teacher
o
Alina April 18, 2016 at 5:52 am - Reply
Thank you so much, Zeta! I am glad you find them helpful

Carole January 9, 2017 at 11:26 am - Reply
Hi, Alina,
I just found your post and this is almost identical to the
edge I came up with this summer. Great minds! Anyway,
thank-you. You wrote it out so much better than I did
and hopefully I can remember it and teach it much better
with the use of your notes. Excellent!
2.
Tracey April 17, 2016 at 10:31 am - Reply
I am going to bookmark this post so it will always be handy, it is wonderful

and so are you!
o
Thank you, Tracey!!!
3.
pat April 17, 2016 at 3:41 pm - Reply
Excellent post. I’m going to practice this and use it in future knitting. Thanks!
o
Always happy to help!!
4.
sustainablemum April 18, 2016 at 4:04 am - Reply
I have used this a few times in projects it’s great isn’t it!
o
It is! I am using it right now in one of my current projects and

I love it!
5.
Andrea @ This Knitted Life April 18, 2016 at 11:41 am - Reply
Perfect timing as I am working on my button band. Will this work with a 2×2
rib, do you think?
o
Yes, it will! Make sure that the purl is right next to this edge –
it will create a beautiful contrast and won’t interrupt the
pattern .
6.
Julie April 18, 2016 at 3:51 pm - Reply
that looks so fantastic, so crisp and clean! I’ll be pinning this for sure.
o
Thank you, Julie! Glad you like it!
7.
steph April 18, 2016 at 6:42 pm - Reply
wonderful! thanks for sharing….i’m definitely going to use this!
o
Great! Happy to hear that!
8.
Becki April 19, 2016 at 12:12 am - Reply
I have Pinned this for future reference, Alina. Your photos are great and your
knitting is so perfect. :^)
o
Thank you so much, Becki!
9.
Mimi @ Sweet Sassafras April 19, 2016 at 10:36 am - Reply
This is a wonderful tutorial! I can’t wait to try this out.
o
Thank you so much! Hope you will be able to use in many
projects!
10.
Annie April 19, 2016 at 10:49 am - Reply
Isn’t that something! That’s a really neat (as in “nice,” yes, but also as in
“tidy-looking”) solution for edges. I’m not working on anything now that
really could benefit from it, but you can bet I’ll be coming back here for the
tutorial as soon as I do.
Come to think of it, besides the time-saving and neatness, this technique
would build a good hardy edge onto a dishcloth, wouldn’t it?
o
Oh, absolutely! It is perfect for dishcloths or blankets for

example, when you just want a mindless knit and don’t want to
bother with the finishing later. Just start with the ribbing using
these selvages (they will blur in perfectly with the rib pattern)
and then continue in any pattern (I would use trip;e selvage for
the blanket). So, when you are done – you are DONE! No
picking up stitches along the edges and the fabric will be flat
and neat!

Dorothy December 27, 2016 at 3:09 pm - Reply
Don’t under stand it sorry would love to know it because

it looked lovely.Dorothy
11.
Evelyn April 20, 2016 at 1:02 pm - Reply
Lovely clear tutorial. I’ve used this technique on a baby bonnet pattern before
but had forgotten about it. Thank you for the reminder
o
Thank you, Evelyn! I am glad you are going to use this

technique again!

Beth July 7, 2016 at 12:28 pm - Reply
I just love your tutorial help, I’ve been knitting for years
an you have helped me so much.t. Thank You so much

Alina July 8, 2016 at 3:33 pm - Reply
Thank YOU, Beth! I am happy it helped!
12.
Brenda J Human June 16, 2016 at 7:07 am - Reply
Evelyn, thank you so much, I am so grateful for the Internet and Pinterest for
allowing me the privilege of learning from all you experts. I’ve been knitting
for many of my 69 years but never had so many opportunities to learn to
perfect my garments as I have now. It’s great to be part of the beautiful
creative world. Brenda, Johannesburg, South Africa.
o
Alina June 17, 2016 at 7:34 am - Reply
Hello Brenda!! Thank you so much, for these wonderful

words!! Internet is an amazing place, isn’t?! I am also very
grateful for the opportunity to meet so many interesting and
creative people!
13.
Maria Ines Cordeiro June 18, 2016 at 7:30 am - Reply
I love your neat knitting and finishing tecniques ! Congratulations ! And

would also love to recieve your “lessons” by email, please !
And if you ever come to Uruguay, South America, we will be happy to show
you around our Reserve.
Take a look at the website.
Regards,
Maria Ines
o
Thank you so much, Maria! You can subscribe to the blog via
email in the side bar. I visited your website and it looks
gorgeous!!! I would love to visit it one day, thank you so much
for your generous offer!!
14.
Sue June 23, 2016 at 11:51 pm - Reply
I sent the link to this to everyone in my knitting class. It appears that it will
also stop the rolling that you usually get with stockinette. One question
though. Do I need to cast on extra stitches for this technique?
o
Hi Sue! Thank you so much for spreading the word! Yes, it

will stop rolling. A couple of things to remember with the
stockinette though. The edge will be neat, but won’t stand out
as much as against texture; stockinette will have a row gauge
slightly bigger than the edge, so to avoid pulling the fabric you
need to knit this i-cord slightly looser than usual. Yes you need
to cast on extra stitches – “One more thing to remember – if
you are adding this edging to a scarf, for example, don’t forget
to add 4 (for a double one) or 6 (for a triple one) extra stitches
to your stitch count.” I hope it helped!
15.
Marie Hawkins July 1, 2016 at 7:19 am - Reply
Can you tell I’d you use this technique only on button bands of a sweater and
if so do I add stitches like recommended for scarf or just use the number of
stitches required for button band and add to fronts in lieu of knitting separate
bands.
o
Hi Marie! Ok, I need some more information to answer your

question…
“Do I add stitches like recommended for scarf or just use the
number of stitches required for button band and add to fronts
in lieu of knitting separate bands.” As I understand (correct me
if I am wrong), you want to create faux I-cord in place of a
separate button band? What do you mean by a separate band –
the one that you knit from picked up stitches along the edge
(so the button band stitches are perpendicular to the fronts)? Or
the one that you knit separately and then seam it to the fronts
(the button band stitches are parallel to the fronts)? I am asking
because it will make a difference in how you calculate your
mods.
If you want to skip knitting the band, you will have to make
sure that the fronts of the cardigan will still have the same
width or otherwise they will be of different size, which means
that you will have to calculate how many more stitches you
need to add to the fronts. It sounds so much more complicated
than it is actually is… To help you with that I need to know
your gauge. It is hard to explain in one short comment…
Feel free to send photos of your project at my email, so I will
have a clear idea what you mean and help you with that.
16.
Gail Bresser July 2, 2016 at 5:13 am - Reply
What a neat Idea! It looks like a sturdy edge good for blankets. I am
definitely pinning this one for future reference. Thanks!
o
Alina July 3, 2016 at 9:44 am - Reply
Thank you so much, Gail! I am glad you like it! This technique
is amazing for blankets! You can just knit away and not worry
about trimming the raw edges once you are done!
17.
Sandy July 9, 2016 at 6:04 pm - Reply
Hello,
I love the look of this type of edging. Do I need to add the extra stitches to
the cast on row to accommodate for it? (2 or 3 stitches at each end depending
on which edge I want to do). This is not listed anywhere. Thank you for your
response.
Fellow Knitter
o
Hi Sandy! Yes, you add extra stitches to your stitch count. 2

sts at each end for a double selvage = total of 4 extra sts to
your stitch count; 3 sts at each end for a triple selvage = total
of 6 extra sts to your stitch count. For example, your pattern
says to cast on 40 sts for a scarf; if you choose to use triple
selvage you will cast on 46 sts. I hope it helped!
18.
maria jesus July 10, 2016 at 9:08 pm - Reply
I love it, Beautiful hint thank you so much!
o
You are very welcome, Maria!
19.
Granny July 12, 2016 at 1:21 pm - Reply
Do you slip as to knit or slip as to purl?
o
Thank you for the question! Slip as if to PURL. Slipped

stitched should NOT be twisted. I hope it helped!
20.
Barbara July 28, 2016 at 5:43 pm - Reply
I wish I had seen this sooner! I am doing a long simple lace weight
stockinette stitch cowl and this would be wonderful for the edges. Oh well,
there’s always next time! But thank you for the wonderful tutorial and
instructions. I am bookmarking this for sure.
o
Alina August 7, 2016 at 11:37 pm - Reply
Thank you, Barbara! I am glad you like it!!
21.
Jodi August 4, 2016 at 5:36 pm - Reply
Any advice for the left edge (RS)? It comes out much looser than the right
edge and I can’t manage to get it to match the right…
o
Hello, Jodi! On the left edge we purl the last stitch. Some
knitters tend to purl looser than knit. Maybe this is the
problem? Try to check and adjust your tension on this side
each time. Let me know if it helped!

Anna April 7, 2017 at 7:49 pm - Reply
I am having this same issue. Adjusted tension with no

success
22.
Terri August 10, 2016 at 8:59 am - Reply
I like the finished look but I don’t understand how to make the button holes
with this finish if it replacing button bands?
o
Alina August 17, 2016 at 12:34 am - Reply
Hi Terri! I usually make open cardis, but you can make button
holes with yarn overs.
23.
Marc August 13, 2016 at 4:28 am - Reply
What a greattutorial! Thanks!

Another way to do the triple selvedge, is to do the same on all rows. This will
also eliminate the risk of having one side come out looser than the other:4
First three stitches: Knit 1, Slip 1, Knit 1
Last three stitches: Slip 1, Knit 1, Slip 1.
(All slips are made purlwise with yarn in front)
Regards
Marc
o
Alina August 17, 2016 at 12:34 am - Reply
Thank you so much, Marc, for this great addition!!! I really

appreciate it!
24.
Francese M Mills August 28, 2016 at 4:27 am - Reply
Hello, Just came across your blog while I was browsing and I love your
tutorial and all the comments.
I wonder, is there a book with all your blogs? ….is ” 48 thoughts on Knitting
a Perfect Edge A Free Technique”
a book title or the title of your blog……if there isn’t a book, have you
considered publishing one with all your
tutorials? I love hard copy. Thanks much
o
Hi Francese! I am glad you liked this tutorial. No, I don’t have

a book with the tutorials. Maybe one day, you never know,
right?
25.
Vanessa September 7, 2016 at 3:19 pm - Reply
Hello Alina
Many thanks for sharing this! Very helpful for me. I have made my first i-
cord thanks to you!! Vanessa
o
Alina September 9, 2016 at 8:35 am - Reply
Yay!! So happy to heart that, Vanessa!
26.
Nathalie September 26, 2016 at 2:57 pm - Reply
Hi… I have made my self a poncho, it’s already done but the edge of the
knitting keeps rolling in…I was wandering if you can help me with that,
since the stitchs are all close…Could you help me with that….Please…
I’m not so good with my english, I hope that you understand what i’m trying
too explain here….hihihiih
Thank you….
Nat.
o
Alina September 27, 2016 at 5:45 pm - Reply
Hi Nathalie! Of course, I will try to help as much as I can!! If

you prefer, we can do it via email (alina@giftofknitting.com)
where you can attach the photos if necessary! First of all, let
me ask you if you blocked your garment properly? What yarn
weight and fiber content did you use? Which selvedge did you
use – double or triple? Please, let me know and I will try to see
what we can do!
27.
Sue September 30, 2016 at 8:58 pm - Reply
Hi! Thanks for the tutorial. I have a question. When you slip a stitch, do you
slip it as if to knit or as if to purl? Thanks!
o
Alina October 2, 2016 at 8:13 pm - Reply
Hi Sue! As if to purl. Stitches should NOT be twisted.
28.
therese parent October 3, 2016 at 8:49 am - Reply
Love your tutorial easy to understand
29.
Doris October 4, 2016 at 9:54 am - Reply
Can I print this instruction off please
o
Alina October 5, 2016 at 7:51 am - Reply
Hi Doris! Of course, you can print this tutorial for your own
personal use.
30.
Quynh October 5, 2016 at 10:49 pm - Reply
Hi Alina,
I have had this bookmarked for the longest time and now would like to use it
but wondered if you could give me some advice. I am knitting a bottom-up
sweater with a 2 x 2 rib bottom edge, and am planning to use a provisional
CO, then come back to the ribbing at the end and knit a split hem, with the 2
stitch selvedge you have suggested.
I’m wondering – in integrating the selvedge into the 2 x 2 ribbing pattern on
the RS, should I do [2 st selvedge], K2, P2….K2, [2st selvedge], or is the
selvedge better worked after a single K stitch?
I hope this makes sense!
Thank you x
o
Quynh October 6, 2016 at 2:25 am - Reply
Actually, my bigger question is this:
When using an i-cord edge (whether it is 2 stitches or 3), how

do you treat these selvedge stitches when it comes time to bind
off? For example, if I am knitting a split hem on a sweater, in
ribbing, and I am using the 2 stitch i-cord selvedge, then when
I come to my tubular bind-off, how do I neatly account for the
extra stitches?

Hi Quynh! Thank you for your questions!
“I’m wondering – in integrating the selvedge into the 2 x

2 ribbing pattern on the RS, should I do [2 st selvedge],
K2, P2….K2, [2st selvedge], or is the selvedge better
worked after a single K stitch?”
I would do the following on the RS: [2 st selvedge], P2,

K2….K2, P2 [2st selvedge]. Purl sts look better next to
the i-cord selvage, because the contrast is much more
profound than next to the knit sts. Plus, it will create a
beautiful symmetry, as the i-cord will look like a part of
the 2×2 rib pattern.
“When using an i-cord edge (whether it is 2 stitches or
3), how do you treat these selvedge stitches when it
comes time to bind off? For example, if I am knitting a
split hem on a sweater, in ribbing, and I am using the 2
stitch i-cord selvedge, then when I come to my tubular
bind-off, how do I neatly account for the extra stitches?”
I always bind off in pattern, that is to say I knit the

selvedges as established and cast them off.
For example, 2 st selvedge.
(RS): Sl 1 wyib, k1, pass the first st on the needle (the
slipped one) over the second st on the needle; continue
binding off as usual up to last 2 sts; sl 1 wyib, pass the
previous st over the slipped stitch, p1, pass the previous
st over the slipped stitch.
3-st selvedge:
RS: Sl 1 wyib, sl 1 wyif, pass the first st on the needle
(the first slipped one) over the second st on the needle
(the second slipped one), k1 pass the first st on the
needle over the second st on the needle; continue binding
off as usual up to last 3 sts; k1, pass the previous st over
the slipped stitch, sl 1 wyif, pass the previous st over the
slipped stitch, p1, pass the previous st over the slipped
stitch.
I hope it makes sense to you It looks way more

complicated than it is actually is in knitting
31.
Roberta October 12, 2016 at 10:46 am - Reply
Hi, thank you for sharing this technique! I would like to use it instead of i-
cord selvedge on my garter stitch shawl, because I think it will be stretchier,
and I’m wondering if you know of a bind-off that gives a similar look.
Thanks in advance
o
Hi Roberta! Check this

pattern/tutorial http://giftofknitting.com/grateful-shawl-
asymmetric-triangular-shawl-free-pattern/ – there you will find
a step-by-step tutorial of the i-cord bind off! Let me know if it
helped, please!
32.
Elisabeth Huellstrung October 17, 2016 at 5:36 pm - Reply
I want to thank you ever so much for sharing this post!!!! I can do skilled
projects but my awful edges hold me back. I can’t wait to try this!
Blessing Liz
o
Alina October 17, 2016 at 5:42 pm - Reply
Thank YOU for visiting, Elisabeth! Let me know if you have

any questions, I’ll be happy to help!
33.
Mammothy October 25, 2016 at 1:47 pm - Reply
Thank you so much for sharing this technique. I am using it for the button
band of my Honeycomb Aran Cardigan. I find that it is for some odd reason
shorter than it is supposed to be. (although these are technically selvage
stitches, double height). And I wonder if it is possible to make a 4stitch or 5
stitch “i-cord” as well?
Find me on Ravelry
o
Thank YOU for visiting! Yes! It is possible! I am using 4-st I-
cord right now for a cardigan. Once you understand the
principle, you can experiment with the number. Also the
number of sts will depend on the yarn you use, some yarns will
look great with 2 sts, some need 4 or even 6 sts. I will find you
on Ravelry!!

Mammothy December 18, 2016 at 1:31 pm - Reply
My Honeycomb Aran Cardigan is finished and is

looking GREAT with the i-Cord border.
I would recommend using 5 or 6 stitches for larger
projects.

Mammothy December 18, 2016 at 1:35 pm - Reply
I actually changed the instructions a bit

k, s1purwise,k,s1purwise TURN k,s1purwise, purl
for more stitches that would be
(pattern) s1purwise, k, s1purwise, k, s1purwise
TURN k, s1purwise, k, s1purwise, k (pattern)
I used this technique to make a proper i-cord for
the little hat for my son (also on my ravelry
profile).

Alina December 19, 2016 at 6:38 pm
Thank you so much for this extra info!! I just

took a look at your cardi – it’s really
beautiful and so well-documented! I hope
you will use this technique in many of your
projects!
34.
Johanne December 18, 2016 at 8:53 am - Reply
I am new to knitting and am very interested in learning this technique so

thank you for sharing. I have a basic question. Do you replace the first and
end stitches of the pattern with your pattern or do you add stitches on both the
beginning and end of the project?
o
Alina December 19, 2016 at 6:48 pm - Reply
Hello, Johanne! Thank you for visiting! That’s a great

question. It depends on the pattern. In 90% cases I do add
stitches to my stitch count, because an i-cord looks good with
almost all stitch patterns. But if the pattern has its own
“border”/edge, I don’t want to “overload” it and would
substitute it with the i-cord edge – in this case make sure that
the width of the piece won’t be affected dramatically. Hope it
helped!
o
Barb April 24, 2017 at 10:10 am - Reply
I see you said that you cast on extra stitches, so does that mean
you add 2 extra or 4 extra?
o
Barb April 24, 2017 at 10:17 am - Reply
I see that you said you add stitches to the stitch count for the
icord, my question is how many? Do you add 2 extra or 4
extra?
35.
gentry December 18, 2016 at 11:53 am - Reply
I came across your tutorial and it is perfect! I am making a blanket for my
daughter and thought i would use the triple, but I wanted to ask first if you
thought it would work since the blanket has several color changes?
thanks! love your work.
o
Alina December 19, 2016 at 6:53 pm - Reply
Thank you so much for the feedback! You can use this
technique with colors, but the i-cord will end up covered in
stripes. It’s the personal preference, of course, but usually I-
cord is used to visually “frame” the work and stand out. When
covered in stripes, it will get “lost” a little bit, if you know
what I mean… But! It will still do the job of keeping your
work from rolling in. Try it on a small swatch and you can
decide whether you like it or not.
A little note: Change the color AFTER the first slipped stitch.
Hope it helped
36.
sara December 26, 2016 at 1:41 pm - Reply
Thanks so much for sharing your technique. I am always looking for ways to
make my edges look nicer and this is perfect.
I read all the comments to see if you addressed this but could not find any so
my question is, since i knit a lot of dishcloths is there any way to work the
cast on and cast off rows to duplicate the i cord look or do i just have to go
back and do an I cord after completed so that all 4 edges match?
o
Alina December 27, 2016 at 7:41 am - Reply
Thank you, Sara! You can do the following – use the i-cord
cast-on (http://newstitchaday.com/how-to-knit-the-i-cord-cast-
on/), then work in pattern (with this i-cord edge), then use i-
cord bind off (http://newstitchaday.com/how-to-knit-the-i-
cord-bind-off/). At the end you will have i-cord edge sts and i-
cord bind off sts left (for example, if you used 3 st i-cord, you
will have 6 sts in total – 3 on your LH needle and 3 on your
RH needle, you will graft these sts together for an impeccable,
seamless i-cord “frame”).
You can see my Grateful shawl free pattern
(http://giftofknitting.com/grateful-shawl-asymmetric-
triangular-shawl-free-pattern/), which I started with an i-cord,
then continued knitting using this edge technique and bound
off in i-cord as well. The result is – finishing free shawl with a
neat i-cord edge all around.
Hope it helped! Happy holidays
37.
Julie January 23, 2017 at 7:46 am - Reply
At last I’ve found the correct method! Just spent 48hrs trying to get my 2
edging stiches right. Thank you!
o
Alina January 23, 2017 at 8:56 am - Reply
I am glad it helped, Julie!!!
38.
Robyn February 7, 2017 at 1:07 pm - Reply
I really like how you show people how to knit, would you mind sharing my
blog with other people please?
o
Alina February 10, 2017 at 9:12 am - Reply
Thank you, Robyn! You can always comment on any post and
live a direct link to your website!!! I will definitely take a look
at it!
39.
Elly February 10, 2017 at 12:03 am - Reply
HI Alina,
I was so excited by this technique that looks so lovely. I have tried and tried
to follow the instructions, and my swatch does show the I-cord on the front,
but not the back! Don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I always slip the first
stitch straight off but can’t get the yarn to the back until after it is slipped off.
So I don’t understand that part. I’m really stumped. Can you help me? I’d
love to be able to do this. Thanks a lot.
o
Hi Elly! Do you mind telling me, please, which stitch pattern

you are using next to it and what yarn weight? Sometimes the
i-cord doesn’t stand out that much against the main stitch
pattern, if the yarn is too thin or doesn’t have enough stitch
definition.
As for slipping the stitch – the yarn position for the first
slipped stitch of the row is not that important, the only thing
you should be careful is – not to twist the slipped stitch. Also
try to knit the i-cord stitch pretty tight to “pull” them together.
Also for how many rows have you tried it? The i-cord starts
showing after several rows in knitting.
Please, let me know how it worked out – you can also send me
the photos of your work at alina@giftofknitting.com – this
way it will be easier to see what is wrong!
Hope it helped!!

Hi Alina, Garter Stitch, Worsted Weight, stitches very
evident. Slip stitch not twisted. I will carry on with
swatch, trying to pull the i-cord stitch tighter. Right now
the cord works on the front, but nothing shows at the
back. If still not successful, I’ll send you photos. Thanks
for working with me!

Still trying. Not sure about one instruction.

At the end of row 2 [sl 1 wyif, p1] do I slip 1 (note, my
working yarn is at back) then bring yarn forward and
purl 1? Or do I bring yarn forward, slip 1, and purl 1?

Mammothy February 12, 2017 at 2:40 pm - Reply
Hi Elly,
maybe a little diagram will help:

s – slip K – knit
sKsKsK are the last 6 stitches on your needle from
right to left.
turn
now knit: KsKsKs from left to right (or knit the
upper diagram from right to left).
You are basically knitting a lot of salvage stitches,
so keep them very loose!
I hope this helps. You can of course remove or add

any number of sK combinations.

Alina February 13, 2017 at 6:29 pm
Thank you so much for joining! But I am
confused a little bit, haha As far as I
understand Elly is using the double selvedge,
so there are just two stitches for an i-cord on
each side.
“sKsKsK are the last 6 stitches” – why there
are 6? Sorry if I misunderstood

Alina February 13, 2017 at 6:24 pm - Reply
Hi Elly! Sorry for a tardy reply. Sl 1 wyif means

“slip one stitch with yarn in FRONT”, which
means that you bring yarn forward, then slip 1, and
then purl . Try to open the photos in full size in the
new tab – there you should see all the details. And
again, feel free to write me an email with photos.
40.
Ali February 11, 2017 at 5:15 am - Reply
Thank you! This is wonderful!
41.
Teresa February 20, 2017 at 10:25 am - Reply
Would love to receive your posts.
o
Hi Teresa! Thank you so much! You can subscribe to the blog

by email – it’s in the side bar.
42.
Melissa February 21, 2017 at 5:58 am - Reply
This looks great! I am relatively new to knitting, and I expect I will find d
this very helpful! Very clear instructions and images.
o
Thank you, Melissa! Let me know, if you have any questions!
43.
Rosa helena arango February 22, 2017 at 2:27 pm - Reply
Gracias lo podrían traducir al espanol
44.
Anna April 3, 2017 at 12:13 am - Reply
Thank you, Alina! What a beautiful edge! I am soon starting a shawl project,
so I found you just in time! I was even more lucky to see your answer to
someone else, on how to make it four-sided!
I have one question though, in your example pieces the work seem to be
purled on both sides. How is that done?
45.
Sandra Drouin April 16, 2017 at 7:51 pm - Reply
Exactly what I was looking for!!!! Thank you for all your wonderful work.
46.
Erin Ambrose April 27, 2017 at 10:27 am - Reply
Hi there! I’m wondering if you think this would work with Linen stitch &
this may be a stupid question – but do you add the 2 extra stitches on each
side to your cast on quantity?
47.
Die Spinne May 3, 2017 at 10:51 pm - Reply
Love this tutorial! Thank you!
48.
Vickie May 23, 2017 at 12:49 pm - Reply
Hi Alina. Wonderful tutorial and thank you so much. Currently I’m working
the button band of a cardi and I was wondering how I would make a
buttonhole. It would be a matter of maybe knitting a couple of rows of the i
cord and then re-attaching it to the side. But I was wondering if you had any
tips for doing it?
Once again thank you so much for the tutorial. Your pictures are so clear and
you explain it perfectly! I’ve bookmarked your site, it’s just lovely.
49.
Phyllis Smith June 9, 2017 at 7:27 pm - Reply
I have knitted an 18″ doll evening gown with train. If I pick up stitches on the
bottom of the gown and train, would you suggest using your finishing stitches
to keep the bottom from rolling?
50.
Maggie June 21, 2017 at 1:01 pm - Reply
I came across your knitting page this morning whilst searching the net for
info to help me with my knitting due to a medical problem that has
developed. I have arthritis and my tension has changed (its looser than usual),
its been so frustrating to have my knitting looking droopy and messy, this
method has certainly helped me with the edging of my garments. Thank you
very much.
51.
kay October 21, 2017 at 7:55 am - Reply
I stumbled across your blog and have learned SO much,

Now I’m trying to sign to receive your blog, but keep getting error message
Can you please help me sign up
52.
kay October 21, 2017 at 7:57 am - Reply
Below is the message I am receiving
The email address has opted out of subscription emails.

You can manage your preferences at subscribe.wordpress.com
53.
Helen Mays October 22, 2017 at 9:04 am - Reply
This is lovely. how can this be used to carry yarn for stripes. My edges look
crazy luckly I,m just starting my project and I dont have a problem restarting
if I should do the 3 stitch Icord edge.
Thanks
Helen
Stchntyme on Ravelry
o
Moira Brauer November 14, 2017 at 8:43 pm - Reply
Wow, I wish I’d found this sooner! So I’ve just finished a

striped chevon baby blanket and wonder if now I could stop
edges from rolling even with just main colour. What do you
think?? Thanking you in anticipation.
o
Mammothy January 25, 2018 at 6:28 am - Reply
I’m sure you could make the yarn run through the ‘pipe’…
never occurred to me I may try it sometime. Find me on
ravelry.
54.
Niamh November 5, 2017 at 10:54 am - Reply
Hi, this is the best tutorial I have found for the icord. However I wanted to
ask, should the slip be done knit wise? And I assume I’m moving the thread
to the back to knit? I’m new to knitting so need that little extra help.
o
For all slip stitches keep the yarn in FRONT of the slipped purl
stitch. Slip them purlwise, because they will be knitted on the
way back
55.
Moira Brauer November 14, 2017 at 8:42 pm - Reply
Wow, I wish I’d found this sooner! So I’ve just finished a striped chevon
baby blanket and wonder if now I could stop edges from rolling even with
just main colour. What do you think?? Thanking you in anticipation.
56.
Heather Baird November 21, 2017 at 12:16 am - Reply
This is really helpful, it’s made a beautiful edge. Question, if I am working

increases at the selvedge edge, what would you think is the best increase
stitch? I’m trying to get the left and right edges looking the same. I can get
the right side increase looking pretty good but the left side is not great.
o
Work the increases before the border stitches. They will look
great.
57.
Karen E McGrath December 16, 2017 at 9:38 am - Reply
LOVE this finished edge!! Thank you so much. I didn’t read all the way to
the end, and was wondering about cast offs. Frogged the work and added on
the 4 stitches.
It looks so clean.
58.
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59.
Teresa January 18, 2018 at 8:14 am - Reply
Should I add extra cast on stitches if I am making a baby blanket?
o
Add 2 stiches per edge for a smaller border, or if the border

should be totally separate from the design, add 4 to 6 stitches
60.
Liz January 24, 2018 at 1:30 pm - Reply
Would one or both work for a afghan? The pattern that I am following is a
wrap and not a blanket, but technically has an edge to it already, would I just
add on of these to it or do you think I should change it? It is the Natural Leaf
Wrap on Ravelry.
o
It works for ANY knitted edge. Look me up on ravelry to see

the cardigan I made, using this edge for the button bar
61.
Liz January 25, 2018 at 12:40 pm - Reply
Got it. For a blanket which would you suggest? the double or triple? Or
would either work?
o
Knit a small sample with one size on one end and the other on
the other end. Then you can decide which size fits your project
and yarn best.
62.
Elaine February 2, 2018 at 1:47 pm - Reply
I am wondering if this method would work well with a shaker or fisherman

rib stitch scarf?
63.
ELaine February 2, 2018 at 1:52 pm - Reply
I would like to know if this method would work for a Shaker stitch scarf.
64.
Tara Wiley February 6, 2018 at 9:41 pm - Reply
WHEW! I love to knit it relaxes me but I’m so disgusted by my edges I was

ready to give it all up! You saved me….bless you.
Tara
65.
Liz Franklyn February 10, 2018 at 9:52 am - Reply
Have always wanted to know how t get a “neat edge” but now at age 82 I
know – can you advise me how not to have a “loose stitch” when casting off
perhaps you would advise me via my E Mail Thankyou Liz
66.
Bay February 20, 2018 at 3:12 pm - Reply
Hi! I’m new to knitting and super frustrated by how messy the edges look…
This looks SO good, but when I try to follow the instructions, and purl the
last stitch on the “right” side, while keeping the yarn in the back, I just get a
knot. Isn’t purling requiring the yarn in front? Or do you mean keep it in the
back after purling the stitch?
o
Mammothy February 20, 2018 at 10:56 pm - Reply
I always slip the last stitch and knit the first. Turns out
perfectly for me.
Keep in mind that you are knitting a pipe by skipping those
stitches that belong to the other side
67.
evie hammond May 24, 2018 at 10:15 pm - Reply
It’s common courtesy to mention “slip as if to knit,” or “slip as if to purl.” It
can make a huge difference.
And one thing you didn’t mention or deal with, is the fact that your edging
will be shorter than the piece your knitting. Slipping stitches means that for
every 2 steps forward, you’re taking one step back, thus leaving the edge
shorter and not as stretchy as the rest of the fabric you’re knitting. This can
cause serious problems when you’re using anything other than garter stitch,
which is sort of accordion pleated.
The usefulness of this edging is limited, though in the rare cases you can use
it, it is a lovely stitch. It’s perfect for an edge where you’re going to be
picking up stitches — for example, for a sleeve.
68.
Terry July 7, 2018 at 2:20 am - Reply
I’m really thrilled to try your I cord edges. I’m making a baby blanket with
10 rows of seed stich on all 4 sides. I was wondering, since it’s actually
adding 2 stitches to each side, should I begin by adding two rows of plan
knitting to the cast on and bind off rows before starting the seed stitch
border?
Thank you so much for sharing.
Terry
69.
SMITH Suzie Brigette July 8, 2018 at 12:23 am - Reply
Do you have this anywhere on a video ? The end result looks fabulous.
70.
Jullie July 9, 2018 at 12:42 am - Reply
Beautiful. Will definitely try it. Thank you very much.
71.
BestAlexander August 18, 2018 at 11:26 pm - Reply
I see you don’t monetize your page, don’t waste your traffic, you can earn
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72.
Theresa August 20, 2018 at 1:51 am - Reply
Thank you thank you thank you. I’ve been looking for the perfect edging that
could be incorporated into patterns instead of adding on. Yours is a very
perfect fit. Again thank you.
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How to Knit a Perfect Edge – Finishing Free

Repeat Rows [1-2] for a double i-cord/selvage.

Right Side Row

Knit the second stitch.

Work in any given stitch pattern to 2 last stitches.

Purl the last stitch.

Wrong Side Row

Purl next stitch.

Work in any given stitch pattern to 2 last stitches.

Purl the last stitch.

Repeat Rows [1-2] for a triple selvage/i-cord.

Slip the first stitch, holding the yarn in the back.

Slip the second stitch, holding the yarn in front.

Work in any given stitch pattern to 3 last stitches.

Knit next stitch.

Purl the last stitch.

Wrong Side Row

Slip the first stitch, holding the yarn in the back.

Slip the next stitch, holding the yarn in front.

Purl the last stitch.

The front of the work:

 How many extra stitches to add to the stitch count?

 How to add the i-cord selvage to the cardigan bands?

 Do you slip stitches knitwise or purlwise?

 How to use the i-cord edge when changing colors?

 How to use the i-cord edge with the ribbing?

 How to bind off the i-cord edge?

How to Knit Jogless Textured Stripes in the Round

How to Make a Sweater on a Knitting Machine. Hand Knitter’s Guide. Part I.

 8K+Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)8K+

Thank you so much, Zeta! I am glad you find them helpful

I am going to bookmark this post so it will always be handy, it is wonderful

Thank you, Tracey!!!

Always happy to help!!

It is! I am using it right now in one of my current projects and

Thank you, Julie! Glad you like it!

wonderful! thanks for sharing….i’m definitely going to use this!

Great! Happy to hear that!

Thank you so much, Becki!

This is a wonderful tutorial! I can’t wait to try this out.

Oh, absolutely! It is perfect for dishcloths or blankets for

Don’t under stand it sorry would love to know it because

Thank you, Evelyn! I am glad you are going to use this

Thank YOU, Beth! I am happy it helped!

Hello Brenda!! Thank you so much, for these wonderful

I love your neat knitting and finishing tecniques ! Congratulations ! And

Hi Sue! Thank you so much for spreading the word! Yes, it

Hi Marie! Ok, I need some more information to answer your

Hi Sandy! Yes, you add extra stitches to your stitch count. 2

I love it, Beautiful hint thank you so much!

You are very welcome, Maria!

Do you slip as to knit or slip as to purl?

Thank you for the question! Slip as if to PURL. Slipped

I am having this same issue. Adjusted tension with no

What a greattutorial! Thanks!

Thank you so much, Marc, for this great addition!!! I really

Hi Francese! I am glad you liked this tutorial. No, I don’t have

Yay!! So happy to heart that, Vanessa!

Hi Nathalie! Of course, I will try to help as much as I can!! If

Hi Sue! As if to purl. Stitches should NOT be twisted.

Love your tutorial easy to understand

Can I print this instruction off please