Description ~ On the Edge

Borders and edgings differ from trims in that they are very often worked separately, usually in a different direction.  The main knitting is then picked up from this border or edging and worked upwards.  This separation means more possibilities for variations of materials, gauge, stitch, etc.  Then there's the problem of how to join the same border or edging along vertical sides, curved edges, and garment tops.  Get to know more possibilities for adding interest to knit garments or even "dressing up" store bought items with bits of knitting.  Also included are novelty add-ons.

Materials Needed ~ On the Edge

• Swatches as prescribed by homework.
• Set of double pointed needles same size as needles used in # 1 or 4 of homework, circular needles 1 or 2 sizes smaller.
• Several other colors of worsted weight yarn.
• Tapestry needle.
• Crochet hooks of several sizes.
• Scissors.

Homework ~ On the Edge

With light-colored, worsted weight yarn & appropriate needles for medium tension, cast on 12 sts.

• Work patterns E, F, G & H (each should measure about 3"), bind off.
• With same yarn & ndls as above, cast on 12 sts. Work pattern I, bind off. Cast on 4 sts and work pattern J, bind off.
• With same yarn & 2 DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES of same size as above, work 4" of I-cord, bind off.
• With same yarn & ndls as # 1, cast on 20 sts & work in Stockinette for 4 - 6", bind off.
• (verbal instructions are given, there are charts upon request)

• Pattern E:

  • Begin on RS row.
  • Row 1- k 2, p 2, k 4, p 2, k 2.
  • Row 2- p 2, k 2, p 4, k 2, p 2.
  • Row 3- k 2, p 2, place next 2 sts on cable needle or cn and hold in back of work, k next 2 sts, k 2 sts off cn, p 2, k 2.
  • Row 4- rep row 2.
  • Rep rows 1 - 4 four more times for 20 rows total, then k 2 rows St st.

• Pattern F:

  • Begin on RS row with Contrasting Color yarn or CC, do not end off Main Color or MC but leave it at side of work.
  • Row 1- k across.
  • Row 2- sl first st p-wise, k to within last st, sl last st p-wise.
  • Change to MC again and rep rows 1 & 2, change to CC and rep rows 1 & 2. Continue to alternate 2 rows each color until 20 rows have been worked, end off CC, k 2 rows St st with MC.

• Pattern G:

  • Begin on RS row.
  • Row 1- * k 1, sl 1 wyib, k 1; rep from *.
  • Row 2- p across.
  • Rep rows 1 & 2 nine more times for 20 rows total, then k 2 rows St st.

• Pattern H:

  • Begin on RS row. Work in Garter St throughout.
  • Row 1- k 2 tog to dec, k 10.
  • Row 2- sl first st as if to p, k across.
  • Row 3- dec first 2 sts tog, then k across. Row 4- rep row 2.
  • Rows 5 thru 16- rep rows 3 and 4, end with 4 sts.
  • Row 17- k & p in first st to inc, k 3.
  • Row 18- rep row 2.
  • Row 19- inc in first st, then k across. Row 20- rep row 2.
  • Rows 21 thru 32- rep rows 19 and 20, end with 12 sts.
  • If desired, rep rows 1 thru 32 once more. If not, bind off.

• Pattern I:

  • Work in Garter St throughout. Begin on RS row with Contrasting Color yarn or CC, do not end off Main Color or MC but leave it at side of work.
  • Row 1- k 2 tog to dec, k 9, k & p in last st to inc.
  • Row 2- k across.
  • Change to MC again and rep rows 1 & 2, change to CC and rep rows 1 & 2. Continue to alternate 2 rows each color until 36 rows or 6" have been worked, end off CC, bind off with MC.

• Pattern J:

  • Begin on RS row. Work in Garter St throughout. Cast on 4 sts.
  • Row 1- k 2, k & P in next st to inc, k last st, 5 sts total.
  • Row 2- sl first st as if to p, k to within last st, sl last st as if to p.
  • Row 3- k to within last 2 sts, inc in next st, k last st.
  • Row 4- rep row 2.
  • Rows 5 thru 16- rep rows 3 and 4, end with 12 sts.
  • Row 17- bind off first 8 sts, k 1, inc in next st, k last st, 5 sts total.
  • Row 18- rep row 2.
  • Rows 19 thru 32- rep rows 3 and 4, end with 12 sts.
  • If desired, rep rows 17 thru 32 once more. If not, bind off.

• To work I-cord:

  • Cast on 3 or 4 sts on one double pointed needle or dpn. * With another dpn, k across. DO NOT TURN WORK, always have RS or k side facing you. Slide all sts to right-hand end of dpn. String strand of yarn across back of work and rep from * until cord measures about 4", bind off. Tug on cord slightly lengthwise. This cord is similar to that made by "knitting knobbies" and looks like small, circular tube.