Picking up stitches: Picking up bands isn’t always a straightforward process. A pattern, like the Tryst Cropped Vest, may tell you to pick up and knit so many stitches along an edge, but depending on your gauge—which may not be the same as the original knitters—you may end up with too many stitches and a stretched and wavy edge, or too few and an edge that puckers. Before I invest the time to pick up an entire edge, I like to establish a stitches-to-row formula for picking up along a vertical edge. I usually begin with the recommended rate (3 stitches to 4 rows) along a 4" length of the edge. Then I knit the trim along my picked up edge. When I’m done, I measure the edge. If it still measures 4" and looks smooth and tidy—no waves or puckers—I’m golden. I rip out and pick up the entire edge with confidence. If not, well—there’s no way around it—I have to experiment. If 3 stitches to 4 rows stretches the edge, I try 2 stitches every 4 rows; if 3 stitches to 4 rows puckers, I try 4 to 4. Once I know the best formula, I know that I’ll have a successful band. Here’s another tip—when I’m picking up along a diagonal edge—the V on a V-neck, I usually throw in a few extra picked up stitches to accommodate the longer edge.

Try out this technique: Here are some patterns where you can try out picking up stitches: • Four Seasons Vine Lace Vest • classic one fifty Cardigan • Tryst Cropped Vest

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