KNITTED HEMS

STITCH OF THE MONTH – September 2013

Hems are created when the knitted fabric is folded back and stitched into place. It's used to stabilize the bottom edge so the garment will hold its shape and prevent it from curling or stretching. Knitted hems adds a structural design element to a design.

It's important to do a gauge swatch when incorporating a hem into a design (particularly if the stitch pattern will change after the hem has been worked). It is recommended to use needles one or two sizes smaller than the main garment be used for the hems. 

THE PICOT HEM
The Picot Hem adds femininity and charm to a garment.  This is a popular hem used in patterns for baby garments and accessories.

Picot Hem

(even number of stitches)

Rows 1 thru 4:  St st
Row 5:  K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to end, k1. 

Rows 7 thru 9:  St st
Fold fabric under along the picot row and slip stitch edging into place. 

PURL FOLDLINE HEM
The row of purl stitches adds a sharp fold line to the hem of a garment.

Purl Foldline Hem
(any number of stitches)
Work in St st for 8 rows (ending with a purl row).
Row 1 (RS):  Knit
Row 2:  Purl
Cont working in St st for 8 rows.
Row 9:  Purl 
Row 10:   Cont working in St st beginning with a Purl row for 8 rows.
Fold fabric under along the purl row and slip stitch edging into place.

Abbreviations
Cont     continue
k2tog    knit 2 stitches together
rep       repeat
RS       right side
St st     stockinette stitch
yo         yarn over
WS       wrong side