Adding a knitted edge is a popular way to finish a blanket, providing a decorative and often weighted border. The core process involves joining the knitted border directly to the existing edge of the blanket. As mentioned in the reference, this is achieved by "knitting it together," which typically means integrating the stitches of the new edge with the existing fabric of the blanket.
Here’s a general breakdown of how this is usually done:
Methods for Adding a Knitted Border
There are a few common techniques for attaching a knitted border to a blanket. The reference's phrase "knitting it together" most directly aligns with the method of picking up stitches and knitting the border directly onto the blanket.
1. Picking Up Stitches Along the Edge
This is perhaps the most common method and directly relates to "knitting it together."
- Preparation: Ensure the blanket edge is neat. If it's a knit or crochet piece, the stitches or rows provide clear points to pick up stitches. For fabric, you might need to prepare the edge with a seam or binding first.
- Picking Up: Using your knitting needles and yarn, insert the needle into the edge of the blanket and pull a loop of yarn through, creating a new stitch on your needle. Repeat this process evenly along the entire edge (or one side at a time). The key is to pick up a consistent number of stitches per inch or per existing row/stitch.
- Knitting the Border: Once stitches are picked up along one side, you turn your work and begin knitting your desired border pattern (like garter stitch, seed stitch, ribbing, etc.) using these newly created stitches. You continue knitting until the border is the desired width.
- Corners: Special techniques are often needed for corners to ensure they lie flat and look neat, such as increasing stitches at the corners as you knit the border rows.
- Finishing: Once the border is complete on all sides (or one side, then repeated for the others), you cast off the stitches and weave in any yarn ends.
2. Knitting a Separate Strip and Attaching
Another method involves knitting a long strip in your desired border pattern and then sewing or knitting this strip onto the edge of the blanket.
- Knit the Strip: Knit a long strip of fabric in your chosen pattern and width. It should be long enough to go around the perimeter of the blanket, or at least one side.
- Attach the Strip: Align the knitted strip with the edge of the blanket. Using a yarn needle, carefully sew the strip to the blanket edge using a stitch that creates a secure yet flexible join. Alternatively, you can use knitting needles to perform a knitted seam that joins the strip to the blanket edge. This step is another interpretation of "knitting it together" – joining two pieces with a knitting technique.
Why Add a Knitted Edge?
- Finished Look: Provides a polished, complete edge to the blanket.
- Durability: Protects the blanket edge from fraying or damage.
- Weight: Can add a nice drape and weight, especially with certain stitch patterns.
- Decoration: Offers an opportunity to add color, texture, and pattern contrast.
| Method | Description | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Picking Up Stitches | Knitting directly onto the blanket edge. | Knit new stitches into edge |
| Knitting & Attaching a Strip | Knitting a separate piece and joining it later. | Sew or knit strip to edge |
Regardless of the method, the goal is to seamlessly integrate the new knitted fabric with the existing blanket. The reference highlights the final stage of this process as "knitting it together" to form the finished edge.
