Picking Up Stitches from a Slipped Stitch Selvedge

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This is a method I’ve taken to using rather a lot with modular designs, especially those that have a bit of sideways Garter Stitch in them.

The Slipped Stitch Selvedge gives a really nice edge to Garter Stitch and creates a distinct and lovely border when the stitches are picked up from the reverse. If you find your selvedge is a little on the loose side then this deals with that, too.

1) On the reverse of the selvedge you’ll be wanting to pick up the vertical loop that sits closest to the chain. It is part of the V chain that sits along the edge.

2) Insert the needle tip behind the loop

3) And slide it onto the needle. Make sure the yarn doesn’t split, and don’t wiggle the needle too much else it’ll affect the tension of the chain.

4) Continue until all of the stitches have been picked up. If the strip of Garter Stitch has been grafted be mindful to not miss any stitches at the graft point.

5) and this is how the chain and picked up stitches look from the right side.

When you’ve picked up all of the stitches, flip your work back over so the right side is facing, then rejoin your yarn and knit as instructed.

I don’t pick up and knit for this method, I only pick up, and that’s because we’re working from the wrong side. You can pick up knit but do bear in mind that it’ll leave a ridge on the right side, and that might not be the effect you’re after. I’ve generally found it neatest to join the yarn after the stitches have been picked up and knit the first row or round - it leaves a little breathing room between the chain and the body of the knitting.

The technique shown in this tutorial is really simple and very effective. I've used this method a few times in my patterns - most recently in my new Campello design and previously in my Swinton and Hadleigh designs in Painted Woolly Toppers for Kids. It creates a wonderful edge along which to rejoin work for multi-directional knitting, and has plenty of uses beyond Hat brims!

Support

As always, if you have a question about this technique or need some help with it, leave a comment below! I’m afraid I’m unable to offer help via email or private message but you’re welcome to post in our forums.

The photos in this post were updated on 30/1/2021.

PICKING UP STITCHES FROM A SLIPPED SELVEDGE ON GARTER STITCH - this is a technique used in my new design Campello for the #stillnesscollection but you'll also find it in my Hadleigh & Swinton patterns in the #paintedwoollytoppersforkids collection. A slipped stitch selvedge in Garter Stitch has a natural bias and will lean towards one side of the work - here we use that to our advantage! Simply insert your needle into the back of the slipped stitch as shown & voila, you've picked up the stitch! You should be able to see that you're picking up the right stitch, as it'll tug & tighten up the V at the front a little. Indeed - it's very useful at neatening up that edge, as a slipped stitch selvedge can be a little lose, in my experience. For the #woollywormhead Hats mentioned above, you're instructed to pick up but not knit - there's a reason for that and this much simpler to do by just picking up! #learnitwithwoolly #instavideo #instaknit #videotutorial #garterstitch #knitstagram #knittersofig #knittersofinstagram #knitty #knitting #knittechniques #knittech

A post shared by Woolly (@woollywormhead) on Sep 25, 2017 at 7:23am PDT