 |
| http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twist-panel |
Corners and Curves
If
bands are being knit continuously around both vertical and horizontal edges at
the same time, mitres will be required at the corners. On inner corners, pick
up the stitches in the normal way. Be sure to create one stitch in the exact
corner, to act as an axis stitch. Work decreases on subsequent alternate right
side rows on either side of the axis stitch or use a two stitch center decrease
method. On outer corners establish an axis stitch at the corner and using the
knitters preferred increase, work an increase on either side of the axis
stitch. On subsequent alternate right side rows repeat the increases. On the
cast off row, work the stitches snugly at inner corners and loosely at outer
corners.
Perfect Edges and Corners
The corners
where bands meet the garment edges should always be as square as possible. To
ensure they are, there are a few tricks to use. Depending on the stitch pattern,
work an extra stitch on rib patterns to allow for the roll under of stocking
stitch. Start and end with two knit stitches on a k1, p1 rib or three knit
stitches on a k2, p1 rib. Picking up and knitting into the corner of the work,
instead of in the first stitch may also improve the results. Ignoring the
pickup ratio for the first and last half inch and picking up a stitch for every
row could also resolve the problem, if the bands are pulling in. If they are
flaring out, reduce the number of stitches overall. If the last corner on the
cast off row sticks out, finish the last three stitches with a k2tog before
fastening off the end. A single row of crochet chain along the bottom or top edge
of the band may fill in the edge if it is curving up. Use the yarn tails to
work the crochet. Blocking will improve the corners to a greater or lesser
degree depending on the fibre being used. Swatch to answer, which of all these
options, will work best on the project.
Some Final Tips
- A band which flares out on the edge only may be corrected by working some decreases in the cast off row.
- The more intersections of knitting segments on the bands the more likely there will be problems squaring things up.
- One method may work better for a knitter over another depending on their specific knitting technique and on the fibre the project is created from.
- Tiny clear plastic snaps can be sewn onto the knitting if there is an unacceptable gaping, or at the top corners of bands for extra support.
- The choice of cast off on band edges is important to the final results. Test casting off on both right and wrong sides to compare finishes.
No comments:
Post a Comment