Knit the chain edge stitch

Gründl Knitting School

How to Knit a Chain Selvedge – Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

How to Knit a Chain Selvedge – Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

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Have you reached the end of your row and are wondering how to turn your work? We’ll explain step-by-step how to knit a beautiful edge using simple selvedge stitches.

What is a selvedge stitch?

A selvedge stitch refers to both the first and the last stitch of a row.

Why are selvedge stitches important?

To achieve a uniform knitted piece, we recommend knitting selvedge stitches. Selvedge stitches create even edges. Additionally, selvedge stitches add stability to the knitted piece – the edges no longer curl up as easily.

What types of selvedge stitches are there?

There are various types of selvedge stitches. We have listed an overview of four popular selvedge stitches here:

Which selvedge stitch for which purpose?

Which selvedge stitch you should use for your knitted piece depends on both its shape and the stitch pattern of the piece. For example, for jackets, shawls, and scarves – knitted items that you want to wear open and where the edges are visible – decorative selvedge stitches like the chain selvedge are suitable. You can find the recommended selvedge stitch for your knitting project in the respective pattern instructions.

What is a chain selvedge?

A chain selvedge is a selvedge stitch that creates a chain-like edge. The appearance of a chain selvedge resembles right-knitted stitches arranged one above the other. These lean to the sides. If you want to knit a project that looks beautiful on both the back and the front, a chain selvedge is recommended. This provides a neat finish to your project. Another advantage of chain selvedge stitches is that this type of selvedge stitch adds stability to the knitted piece. Chain stitches create good tension in the knitted piece, so it doesn't twist or curl.

How do you knit a chain selvedge?

Beginning of a row

To knit a chain selvedge, the first stitch in each row is worked as a knit stitch. You hold your work in your left hand as usual – with your right hand, you hold the empty needle.

Once you have knit the first stitch, you continue knitting the row according to your pattern up to the last stitch.

Now comes the second part you need to create a chain selvedge. Bring the yarn to the front of the last stitch and slip the last stitch onto the right needle as if to purl. Great! That was the whole trick. Now you can turn your work and start again from the beginning.

End of a row

Once you have knit the first stitch, you continue knitting the row according to your pattern up to the last stitch.

Now comes the second part you need to create a chain selvedge. Bring the yarn to the front of the last stitch and slip the last stitch onto the right needle as if to purl. Great! That was the whole trick.

Now you can turn your work and start again from the beginning.

Knit your first scarf – at the Gründl Knitting School

You can download the free pattern here and simultaneously order the matching yarn in the colours of your choice.