How To Fix Curling In Knitting (Stockinette Stitch)

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In this blog post, you will see how to fix curling in knitting (stockinette stitch). 

Curling is a common issue that occurs when knitting in stockinette stitch, but there are techniques and tips that can help prevent and fix this problem. 

Understanding the causes of curling and how to correct it can greatly improve the look and quality of your knitted projects. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, addressing curling in your work can enhance the overall finish of your knitted items.

How to fix curling in knitting

Why Is My Knitting Curling?   

Your knitting is curling because the stockinette stitch, which alternates between a knit row and a purl row, naturally tends to curl at the edges due to the tension differences between the stitches. 

The knit side (right side) is tighter than the purl side (wrong side), causing the fabric to curl towards it. 

Additionally, certain yarn types and tight knitting tension can exacerbate this curling. 

Learn how to knit the stockinette stitch here – How To Knit Stockinette Stitch (For Beginners) 

curling in stockinette stitch

Which yarn types exacerbate curling in knitting?

Certain yarn types can exacerbate curling in knitting, particularly when used with stocking stitch.

These include:

  1. Smooth, Slippery Yarn: Such as silk and some synthetics, which lack the grip to hold the fabric in place.
  2. Highly Elastic Yarn: Such as those with a high content of spandex or elastane, which can cause the fabric to pull back on itself.
  3. Thin, Lightweight Yarn: Like lace or fingering weight, which don’t have the bulk to counteract the curling tendency of stockinette stitch.

Using these yarns in combination with stockinette stitch can increase curling, so consider using more stable stitch patterns or adding borders to mitigate the effect.

Does the double stockinette stitch curls?

Double stockinette stitch does not curl like regular stockinette stitch. 

It creates a fabric that looks like stockinette on both sides, with a hidden reverse stockinette layer in between. 

This structure provides added stability and thickness, preventing the edges from curling. 

Double stockinette is achieved by alternating between knit and purl stitches in a way that produces two layers of fabric, resulting in a more stable and flat fabric that maintains the smooth, stretchy qualities of stockinette without the curling.

How To Make Knitting Not Curl?    

To prevent your knitting from curling, you can use several techniques…

Add borders

Incorporate a few rows of garter stitch, seed stitch, or ribbing at the edges of your project.

These stitches lay flat and help counteract the curling tendency of stockinette stitch. 

A seed stitch border will make any project, especially a garment, better. 

Adding a border is the easiest way to avoid curling at the hem or cuffs of your garment and make sure it has the correct drape. 

You can also add a crochet border; you only need a crochet hook.

knitted border

What is a crocheted border?

A crocheted border is an edging added to the perimeter of a knit project to give it a finished, decorative look and to prevent edges from curling. 

This border can be simple or elaborate, depending on the desired effect.  

Borders might consist of simple single crochet or slip stitch rows, while more intricate borders can include picot edges, shells, scallops, or lace patterns. 

Adding a crocheted border not only enhances the appearance of the project but also provides stability and durability to your knitted piece.

Use heavier yarn or bigger needles

Sometimes, a different yarn weight or needle size can reduce stockinette curling.

Knit loosely

Tight knitting can exacerbate stockinette stitch curling, so try knitting with a more relaxed tension.

Combining these methods can help ensure your knitted projects lie flat.

How do you bind off knitting without curling?    

To bind off knitting without getting a curl edge, try these methods:

  1. Garter Stitch Bind-Off: Bind off in garter stitch, knitting every stitch. This helps the edge lie flat.
  2. Ribbed Bind-Off: Bind off in rib pattern (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches) to maintain elasticity and reduce curling.

These techniques can help create a flat, professional-looking edge.

Learn everything casting off here – Cast Off Knitting Methods

How do you uncurl a knitted project?    

To uncurl a knitted project, you can block it, which involves wetting or steaming the fabric and then pinning it into the desired shape until it dries. 

For wet blocking, soak the project in water, gently squeeze out excess water, and lay it flat on a towel, stretching and pinning it to the desired dimensions. 

For steam blocking, use a steam iron or steamer, hold it close to the fabric without touching it directly, and gently stretch and pin the project. 

Blocking helps the fibers relax and set into the correct shape, reducing curl. 

The way to choose to block your knit fabric depends highly on the type of yarn that it’s made of. 

Yarns made out of animal fibers like wool need a different treatment from cotton or acrylic yarns.

Learn everything about blocking and the different methods –  Blocking Knits – How To Block Knitting Guide

blocking the coasters

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out these posts here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to cast-on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitches, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch pattern.  

Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), a knitting needle size guide, and more

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here Handy Little Me – YouTube.  

Happy Knitting!

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