No-Roll Machine Knit Scarves

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It's a fact: Knitting curls. (no, you aren't doing anything wrong )

As we machine knit, our stitches are uniform and flawless, which makes the curl more more pronounced.

The "dreaded" curl frequently surprises and discourages new machine knitters.

There are numerous ways to get around the curl,
including stitch patterns, edge finishes, and construction methods.

1 Stitch patterns

Keys to no-roll stitch patterns:

Loosen up!
Knit at a loose tension and incorporate needles-out-of-work

Yarn Choice:
Choose a yarn with a bit of rayon (or bamboo) for drape

2 Edge Finishes

Crochet
(quickly tame the curl with single crochet, double crochet or consider something fancy)

Hand manipulate the edges as you knit.
Reform stitches for garter stitch, seed stitch or ribbing.

Add I-cord (or variations) to finish.
Classroom: I-Cord on the Machine

Knit-as-you-go I-cord edges

Finish the edges as you knit the scarf

Knit-as-you-go I-cord edges

3 Construction Methods

Alternate "right" and "wrong" sides
Stockinette and Reverse Stockinette

Knit double and seam
Use the seam as a design element as in this single bed No-Roll Scarf

Use a Garter Carriage
Employ knit and purl stitches

Knit a ribbed fabric
1x1, 2x2 etc ribbing, Fisherman Rib , English Rib | Half Fisherman Rib , Tuck Rib , Racking

Knit in the round on the ribber
Tubular Knitting

What is your favorite method to "tame" the curl? Please comment below

1 COMMENT

Jacqui H
Dec 6, 2022

If I want plain stockinette or something like stripes or fairisle, I make it double wide and sew it into a tube. I usually only use fairly fine yarns, but I like that there is never a wrong side. I use my linker but I have also sewn one up with the sewing machine and it was just fine.