How to improve the tension on the edges in knitting + video

Today, I’m sharing with you some tips that will help you to improve the tension of the first and the last stitch, to avoid ugly sloppy edges.

This tutorial is part of the Practical Knitting Help collection, where you’ll find clear solutions for everyday knitting problems.

This is what I always do to ensure perfect edges when knitting (all my secrets):

Tips to Improve the Tension in Your Knitting

Tip #1:

Starting on the first row, don’t stretch the first stitch too much: When inserting the needle, don’t push it, knit the first using just the tip, so the first stitch isn’t overly stretched out.

And knit the rest, as usual.

When you get to the last one, (if you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll have noted that I knit/purl the last one from the first row, through the back loop. Why? Because this one normally tends to end up too large.

Insert the needle into the back loop, not into the front as you usually do. This simple step will tighten up the stitch.

Tip #2:

Continuing on the second and future rows, after knitting/purling the first stitch (without stretching it too much), give a little tug to the working yarn. It will ensure the proper tension. Knit the rest as usual.

Tip #3:

When you get to the last stitch, follow tip #1: Don’t stretch it too much either. You don’t want to open the last stitch and get a huge loop there! Insert just the tip… of the needle, and then either knit/purl.