Master the Art of Whipstitched Hem with This Knitting Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Purpose of the Tutorial
3. Materials Needed
4. Step 1: Reaching the Turning Point
5. Step 2: Creating the Turning Ridge
6. Step 3: Knitting the Hem
7. Step 4: Whip Stitching the Hem
8. Step 5: Finishing Touches
9. Tips and Tricks
10. Conclusion

Knitting a Turned Hem: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Welcome back to my YouTube channel! In this tutorial, I'm going to show you how to work a turned hem in stocking stitch, creating a neat folded edge. Whether you're working on a top-down sweater or any other knitted project, this technique will give your garment a professional finish.

Purpose of the Tutorial

The purpose of this tutorial is to guide you through the process of knitting a turned hem in two colors. By using contrasting colors, the technique becomes more visible and easier to follow along on camera. However, keep in mind that you can use the same color for both sections if you prefer.

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the tutorial, let's quickly go over the materials you'll need for this project:

• Yarn in two contrasting colors
• Knitting needles of an appropriate size for your yarn
• Yarn needle for sewing up the hem

Now that we have everything we need, let's get started!

Step 1: Reaching the Turning Point

To begin, you'll need to reach the point in your knitting where you want to create the turning point for your hem. If you're working on a top-down sweater, this would be the point where your sweater has reached the desired length.

Step 2: Creating the Turning Ridge

To create a natural fold for your fabric, we'll be working a turning ridge. While not strictly necessary, it helps to create a crease that makes folding the fabric easier. In this tutorial, we'll be knitting two rows in a contrast color to create the turning ridge. If you're working in the round, you would knit one round plain in the contrast color before the purl row to create the ridge.

Step 3: Knitting the Hem

Now it's time to knit the actual hem. Knit as many rows as you want your hem to be deep. For this demonstration, we'll knit four rows in stocking stitch. Keep in mind that the depth of your hem will depend on your preference and the pattern you're following.

Step 4: Whip Stitching the Hem

In this step, we'll be whip stitching the hem to secure it in place. This method prevents the hem from flipping up, creating a neat and flat finish. Thread your yarn needle with your chosen yarn color, making sure it doesn't show through on the right side of the fabric.

Begin by sewing through the live stitches on one side of the fabric, matching them to their counterparts on the other side. Take care not to pull off any stitches accidentally. It's a good idea to place markers along the hem's circumference to help you stay on track. Continue whip stitching until you reach the end of the row.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once you've completed the whip stitching, you can weave in any remaining ends associated with the hem. This step ensures that all loose ends are hidden and your fabric looks clean and professional. Fold up the hem to see the neat folded edge and admire your finished work.

Tips and Tricks

• Consider using smaller knitting needles for the inner hem to create a tighter fit.
• Use markers to keep track of your stitches when whip stitching the hem.
• Always weave in your ends before folding the hem to secure them.

Conclusion

Knitting a turned hem adds a polished touch to your garments. By following this step-by-step tutorial, you can create a professional-looking edge that elevates your knitting projects. Experiment with colors and styles to make each hem unique. Happy knitting!

Highlights

• Learn how to work a turned hem in stocking stitch
• Create a neat folded over edge for a professional finish
• Knit the hem in two colors for better visibility
• Whip stitch the hem for a flat and secure edge
• Weave in ends for a clean and polished look

FAQ

Q: Can I use the same color for both sections of the hem?

A: Yes, you can use the same color for both sections of the hem if you prefer. The contrasting colors are used in this tutorial for better visibility on camera.

Q: How many rows should I knit for the hem?

A: The number of rows you knit for the hem depends on your preference and the pattern you're following. In this tutorial, we knit four rows for a shallow hem, but you can knit more rows for a deeper hem.

Q: Can I use a different stitch pattern for the hem?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different stitch patterns for the hem. However, keep in mind that some stitch patterns may affect the folding and finishing of the hem. It's best to test the stitch pattern on a small swatch before applying it to your project.