How to Flatten Knitting Curling

Knitting projects, especially those crafted with stockinette stitch, often suffer from the frustrating issue of curling edges. This curling can distort the appearance of your work and make it difficult to achieve a polished, professional look.

In this guide on how to flatten knitting curling, we’ll explore various methods to effectively flatten curling in your knitting, ensuring that your creations lay flat and maintain their intended shape. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a beginner, these tips will help you enhance the finish of your knitted masterpieces.

What is Knitting Curling?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand what exactly causes knitting to curl.

Curling in knitting is a result of the natural tendency of knitted stitches to contract and pull towards each other. This happens because the stitches on the “right” side of your work (the side that faces out) are shorter than those on the “wrong” side (the side that faces you). When these two sides are not balanced, as in the stockinette stitch, tension between them is created, which results in curling.

Benefits of Flattening Knitting Curling

Apart from the aesthetic appeal, there are other benefits to flattening knitting curling. Curling can affect the fit and shape of your knitted pieces, making them smaller or tighter than intended. If you’re knitting a garment, this can cause discomfort when wearing it or even render it unwearable.

Flattening curling also makes blocking easier. When your knitting is flat, it’s easier to stretch and shape it into the desired dimensions during the blocking process. This ensures that your finished project stays true to size and doesn’t shrink or warp over time.

9 Methods on How to Flatten Knitting Curling

Step 1: Blocking

Blocking is the process of stretching and shaping your knitted piece to its intended dimensions. This is an essential step in flattening knitting curling, as it helps to relax the tension between the stitches.

To block your knitting, you can either wet block or steam block it. Wet blocking involves soaking your project in lukewarm water for about 20-30 minutes, then gently squeezing out excess water and pinning it down on a flat surface to dry. Steam blocking uses a steamer or iron with steam capabilities to lightly dampen and shape your work.

Step 2: Changing Needle Sizes

Sometimes, simply changing the size of your needles can make a big difference in preventing curling. If you’re using larger needles, try switching to smaller ones for the edges of your knitting. This can help balance the tension between the two sides and prevent curling.

You can also try using a needle size smaller for your purl stitches, as they tend to be looser than knit stitches and contribute to curling.

Step 3: Adding a Border

Adding a border of garter stitch or seed stitch can help reduce curling by providing a stable edge. These stitches are tighter and have more texture compared to stockinette, which helps balance the tension on the edges.

To add a border, simply knit several rows in garter or seed stitch before beginning your main pattern. You can also add a border at the end of your project to prevent curling in already completed pieces.

Step 4: Slip Stitch Edge

A slip-stitch edge is another effective way to combat curling in knitting. This technique involves slipping the first or last stitch of each row instead of knitting or purling it. This creates a tighter, more stable edge that helps prevent curling.

To slip stitch your edges, simply insert your needle into the first stitch as if to knit, but instead of knitting it, just slip it onto your right-hand needle. Continue with your regular pattern on the remaining stitches in that row.

Step 5: Using Ribbing

Ribbing is a textured stitch pattern that alternates between knit and purl stitches. It creates a stretchy and sturdy fabric that can help reduce curling in knitted pieces.

To add ribbing to your project, alternate between knit and purl stitches for several rows before switching back to stockinette stitch. This will help balance the tension in your knitting and provide a stable edge.

Step 6: Double Knitting

Double knitting is a technique that creates a double-layered fabric, with one side being the mirror image of the other. This creates more stability and can prevent curling in knitted pieces.

While this technique may be more advanced, it can be worth learning for complex projects or garments where curling is an issue.

Step 7: Using Circular Needles

Circular needles are versatile tools that can also help reduce curling in knitted pieces. Since they have no seams, there’s less tension between stitches, which helps minimize curling.

To use circular needles for flattening knitting curling, simply knit your project in the round instead of in rows. This will help balance out the tension and prevent curling.

Step 8: Adding a Crochet Edge

If you have basic crochet skills, adding a crochet edge to your knitting can also help flatten curling edges. Similar to garter stitch or seed stitch, the texture and tighter stitches in crochet provide more stability on the edges.

To add a crochet edge, simply pick up stitches along the edge of your knitting and single-crochet around them. You can also use different types of crochet stitches for added texture and stability.

Step 9: Using Blocking Wires

Blocking wires are thin, flexible wires that are used to shape knitted pieces while blocking. They can be particularly helpful in flattening curling edges by providing tension and stability during the blocking process.

To use blocking wires, thread them through the edges of your knitting and pin them down to shape your work. This helps to keep the edges flat while drying, preventing curling.

Following these methods on how to flatten knitting curling can help you successfully flatten knitting curling and create more polished and professional-looking projects. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your specific project and yarn choice. With practice, you’ll be able to prevent curling in your knitting and achieve beautiful, flat pieces every time. So don’t let curling discourage you from knitting; just use these methods and continue creating your beautiful projects! Happy knitting! 

Tips

• If you’re a beginner, start with simpler techniques like changing needle sizes or adding borders.
• Wet blocking may be preferred for natural fibers, while steam blocking is better for synthetics.
• Practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first few projects still have some curling. With time and experience, you’ll get the hang of it.
• Blocking may not completely eliminate curling, but it can greatly reduce it. Don’t be afraid to use multiple methods together for the best results.
• Remember to always follow the recommended care instructions for your yarn and project, including blocking and finishing techniques. This will help maintain the shape of your knitting over time.
• Experiment with different stitch patterns and needle sizes to see how they affect curling in your projects. Every yarn and stitch combination is unique! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I Use These Methods on All Types of Yarn?

A: Yes, you can use these methods on most types of yarn. However, some may be more prone to curling than others, so it’s important to experiment and find what works best for your specific project and yarn choice. 

Q: Can I Use These Methods for Knitting in the Round?

A: Yes, you can still use these methods for knitting in the round. Simply apply them to the edges of your project instead of rows.

Q: What If My Curling is Still Not Fixed After Trying These Methods?

A: If your curling is still not fixed after trying these methods, it could be due to a variety of factors such as tension issues or yarn choice. Consider seeking advice from experienced knitters or consulting online forums for additional tips and techniques specific to your project.  Overall, don’t get discouraged and keep practicing! 

Q: Do These Methods Only Work for Flat Knitting?

A: While these methods are primarily focused on flattening curling in flat knitting, some may also work for other types of knitting such as in the round or double knitting. However, it’s important to note that different techniques may be more effective depending on the type of knitting and yarn being used.  Always experiment and find what works best for your specific project. 

Conclusion

Flattening knitting curling may seem like a daunting task, but with these methods on how to flatten knitting curling, you can achieve smooth and even results in your knitted pieces. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Happy knitting! Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering any new technique in knitting. 

So don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work perfectly the first time around – keep trying until you find the solution that works best for your project. And most importantly, have fun with your knitting and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful with your own hands. Happy crafting!