Get a Clean, Stretchy Knitted Edge for Summer Tops — Easy 8-Row Border Pattern
The knitted edge stitch is an excellent choice for summer tops: it creates a clean, slightly stretchy, and polished finish that prevents curling and adds durability to lightweight garments. Use this simple border along hems, armholes and necklines to give your summer knits a professional look without bulky ribbing.
Knitting materials and tools:
- Straight needles, size 4 (US 6 / UK 8)
- Caron Simply Soft (4) – 100% acrylic
Common abbreviations of knitting stitches:
- k – knit
- p – purl
- k2tog – knit 2 together
- sel s – selvage stitch: always slip the first stitch purlwise, work to the last stitch, knit the last stitch
Knit easy border pattern for summer tops:
Cast on an odd number of stitches. If your pattern calls for an even number, you will always knit (k) the last stitch before the selvage stitch.
Row 1: sel s, [k1 (through the back loop), pull up a loop going underneath left needle] – repeat till the end, sel s.
Row 2: sel s, [slip next stitch holding working yarn in front, k1 (through the back loop)] – repeat till the end, sel s.
Row 3: sel s, k2tog all the way across, sel s.
Row 4: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
After this row adjust the knitting based on your pattern or simply knit in stockinette stitch.
Row 5: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 6: sel s, purl all stitches, sel s.
Row 7: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 8: sel s, purl all stitches, sel s.
Tips: Work a small swatch to check tension before adding this border to a garment. Because this border produces a neat, slightly stretchy edge, it's especially well-suited to lightweight summer yarns and simple silhouettes. Finish by weaving in ends and blocking lightly to shape the edge if needed.