Even the most skilled knitters often have trouble dealing with the curled ends of a scarf. However, no need to worry! There are many ways to make the ends of your scarf look neat and straight, from adding a frame to knitting a selvage. With these tips, you're ready to knit your best scarf.
Step
Step 1. "Turn off" the scarf if the thread type allows
(Usually you can only "turn off" wool yarn or wool blends. However, not with acrylic yarn.) This step involves ironing or steam ironing the knit. Always check your yarn label! Heat the iron to medium-low. You may want to use a higher or lower temperature depending on the type of yarn you are knitting with. Iron the scarf at the bottom, which is where you knit the bottom crochet (purl).
Step 2. Add a frame
Add four more stitches at each end when starting (cast on) and always knit with a seed stitch (K1P1 on the front, and P1K1 on the inside), or a garter stitch (k2 on the front, and k2 on the inside).
Step 3. Knit selvage (a technique of knitting the ends of the fabric by changing the stitch pattern at the beginning and end of each row)
Add 2 more stitches when starting (cast on). Now you'll always be knitting the first stitch, and TUNING the last stitch, making sure to pull the yarn toward you before tucking it in, so it's ready to knit when you return. This step will create a straight "selvage" which will be especially helpful when knitting two pieces to be joined together.
Step 4. Sew the backing hard fabric on the inside of the scarf
Step 5. Use a type of stitch that won't curl to knit your scarf
Some suitable types of stitches are seed stitch, basketweave stitch, and garter stitch. However, never use a stockinette skewer.
Tips
- You can use the steps above to knit another piece.
- Use a spray bottle when you iron. Spray water to speed up the ironing process.
Warning
- Don't iron the crochet from acrylic yarn, or you'll melt the yarn and ruin your hard work!
- Don't iron the scarf until you've finished knitting it, as you'll have to redo it when you're done.
