Perfect Edging
Neat button bands finish off the appearance of every knitted cardigan and make them more
comfortable to wear. The front parts must not be made longer or shorter by the bands. They
shouldn't pull them together or stretch them. Button bands should give the edges a
long-term trim and stabilise them.
Preparation
Simple rib patterns (K1, P1 or K2, P2) are particularly good for button bands. Choose
something that goes with the basic pattern or the same as the cuffs.
Start with the band where you will later sew on the buttons. This way you can judge the
right width by laying on the buttons and calculate the distances between the buttonholes
on the other side.
For women's cardigans the buttons are on the left side (when you're wearing the cardigan)
and for men on the right.
For the button bands you should use needles a size smaller than for the basic pattern.
Many tightly knitted stitches give a more elastic edge than a few loose stitches.
And this is how it goes
Start picking up the band stitches in the casting on or casting off row. Pick up (knit)
the cross stitch between the edge stitch and the first stitch. Don't start with the
pattern until the second row. Arrange the pattern in such a way that on the right side
there is a purl stitch next to the edge stitches - this way the rib pattern is more
clearly defined.
Cast off the stitches loosely on a right side row. A good method is to knit two together
and then cast off the stitches loosely. For this you should use needles a size larger than
those used for the basic pattern.
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| In K1 P1 knit two together before casting off. |
In K2 P2 the two purl stitches are purled together. |
With a bit of practice you'll soon find how tight or loose the cast-off
edge should be so that it stays elastic.
Another tip
If you crochet (crab stitch) the narrow edge of the band at the bottom the finish will be
even better.
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