picking up

[nannapam]

have come to end of knitting the pieces for a lovely little moss edged cardigan. it's very simple with one button at the neck edge - one from Debbie Bliss cashmerino 2.

the thing is, because it's so simple I want to make sure that the moss stitch edge at the neck is perfect.

any tips for picking up the exact amount of stitches and how to make it look the best possible?

np

[Miss Minnie]

I don't have any tricks.. but would love to hear if others do.

I either use the number specified in the pattern-- if I think it looks right  or more frequently do my own setout of stitches and I use a crochet hook to precicely 'dig in' and grab the yarn thread.

Firstly I pick all the stitches up pretty loosely, then go along and tighten each one up on the (circular) needle evenly before I do that first row. Not to make them too firm but just to make them all the same-- otherwise the line will look wobbly.

The other thing I consider is a first row of all knit (or purl) before launching into rib or moss... because I think the eye can be drawn to that threshhold between neckband and pullover and I want a smooth line. Sometimes this doesn't seem right-- (wouldn't want the neckband to 'float' around the top.. )

So in the end its a bit of a judgement call really..
cheers
mm

[nannapam]

am going to take my time and not be afraid to unpick and re-do if I think it doesn't look right.

same as ever, really.

it's just that you can take so much care on the pieces and then somehow lose it on the finishing.

hey ho.

thanks

np