Knit Hem
Like so many knitting techniques, there are multiple ways to make a knit hem. The video tutorial, below, shows one favorite method: picking up and knitting together. In the video, we show you how to make a hem both along a cast-on edge, as well as a bind-off edge.
Ready to knit some hems? Our Classic Hemmed Crewneck gives you the chance to work hems along both the cast-on and bind-off edges!
Another Method: Start with a Provisional Cast On
Here’s another common method for working a knit hem along a cast-on edge. The following photos are taken from our Classic Mittens.
Use scrap yarn and a provisional cast-on to begin. Work until the piece is double the length of the hem you’d like.
When you’re ready to make the hem, fold up the cast-on edge to align with the working stitches. The wrong sides of the fabric should be facing each other, and the cast-on edge should almost always go behind the working stitches.
Pull out the provisional cast-on, picking up the live stitches with a spare needle.
Holding the working needle and spare needle parallel to each other, knit 1 stitch from the front (working) needle together with 1 stitch from the back (spare) needle.
Repeat to end of round (or row).
Put It to the Test
Put all you’ve learned here to the test with our Over-the-Top Top, which features hemmed edges… but with the purl side out!
I really enjoyed the tutorial. While I have been knitting for a long time, it is great to review and learn something new. Thank you very much. I like your patterns.
This is amazing……..I’ve been carrying around an old sweater, asking what kind of hem this is for years………you just answered my question. Why didn’t anyone in these knit shops recognize it? Thank you.
Great Information you released today. I love both sweater examples and know that the only way to finish them is with the knit hem. I will be incorporating this hemming method whenever I can. You folks do a GREAT job.
Great tutorial! Can’t wait to try this
Does the provisional cast on method give you a stretchier hem? I just made a sleeve with the first method, picking up stitches under a regular long tail cast on edge and the row where they are bound together is noticeably unstretchy!
Thanks!
Hello!
The provisional cast on is a very stretchy cast on method. It’s a really good technique for garments if you want them to have clean edges and still be stretchy and comfortable.
Best,
Carly
bj
je cherche depuis des annees le modele de la veste sonia rykiel, modele veste courte des annees 70/75,svp, si quelqu’un a ce modele cela me ferait enormement plaisir de re tricoter ce modele et me rajeunirais un peu…..
j’ai des difficultes pour tricoter maintenant mais avec la volonte j’y arrive
merci d’avance pour vos recherches de tout coeur avec vous
Morning,
I am currently in Kathmandu and have purchased some beautiful Yak wool to make the “Classic Sweater”. Since I am traveling I do not have all the exact cable sizes….but have a system I believe will work. Can I hem the body of this sweater after I finish it? Or is there a tutorial on doing a hem in the round with 200 plus stitches?
Thank you for your help.
Deb
Hi Deb,
Thanks for reaching out, and what a lovely memento of your trip this will be! When working the hems on the Classic Hemmed Crewneck, you will only be picking up one stitch at a time from the cast on edge, so you should be able to work the hem without any extra needles or tools. If you prefer, however, you could whipstitch the hem in place later.
I hope that clears things up, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you Julianna for your quick response. I will hem my sweater at the end as my cable is only 32” and my stitches are soooo scrunched! You get the picture!
Thank you again for answering my question.
Deb?
Hi,
I would like to know if whip stitching the edges together for a folded hem would give a flatter edge than knitting the two edges together. I am considering using a folded stockinette hem on a bottom-up sweater. The hem transitions into helical one-row stripes in stockinette. Knitted in the round. I’ve been trying to find a way to make a stockinette hem without the dreaded curling. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes whip stitching the edges will give you a flatter hem, especially if you block the sweater after! A folded stockinette hem would be a great option for a bottom up sweater!
I hope this helps, and please let us know how this works out for you!
All the best,
Gianna
Thanks so much! I will definitely block when finished,