Knitting can sometimes curl, which is frustrating. However, there are many solutions to rescue your craft pieces, including adding a border, blocking the work, and using a heavier yarn.
Create a border around your work
Adding a ribbed border around your project can help prevent curling. For scarves or blankets, adding five to ten rows of garter stitch at the start and end, and a few stitches on each side, can really make a big difference.
You can easily block your finished project
Blocking is a useful technique where you dampen or steam your finished knitting project, then lay it flat and pin it into shape. The heat and moisture from the steam relax the fibres, helping the fabric to flatten.
This method works particularly well with natural fibres like wool. Always make sure to follow proper blocking methods based on your yarn type to avoid damaging your good work.
Opt for a heavier yarn like the stylish Aran
Lighter, thinner yarns tend to curl more easily, so using a heavier yarn like Aran or bulky weight can help your fabric to remain flat. The added weight provides more drape, reducing the tension that leads to curling.
If you want to create a new garment or accessory, a delightful array of Aran yarn can be obtained from retailers such as https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/aran-yarn. It is certainly sweater weather, according to People Fashion icon Katie Holmes was pictured wearing a classic patterned sweater.
Choose larger needles for the piece
Using slightly larger needles than recommended can create a looser fabric that’s less likely to curl. Tighter knitting tends to emphasise the tension that causes curling. Keep in mind that this might change the look of your project, so consider swatching first to see the effect.
Mix the stitch patterns
A good tip is to alternate with stitches that don’t curl, such as garter stitch, ribbing, or moss stitch. Mixing these patterns can break up long sections of curling-prone stitches.
By trying one or more of these tips, you can keep your knitting projects smooth and avoid those frustrating curled edges.
