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A close-up photo showing loose, uneven loops along the edge of a knitted fabric, demonstrating a common knitting machine error

Loops at the edges

Sometimes it's the simplest thing that causes problems when you are knitting.

Check out my "rookie" mistake that caused me a headache.

Maintenance tip troubleshooting

Loops at the Edges of Your Knitting

What's Going On?

Have you ever noticed unusually large loops along the side edge of your knitting? These aren't decorative features — they're a signal that something is off.

Large Loops Are NOT Normal

Large, exaggerated loops along the sides of your work are not a normal part of machine knitting. They’re often a sign that something about your technique or settings needs adjustment.

What Causes Large Edge Loops?

  • The most common cause: pulling the carriage too far past the edge of the knitting at the end of each row
  • The carriage buttons or levers may not be set correctly
  • Yarn tension might be too loose for the stitch size
  • Damaged needles at the edges can affect stitch formation

What Can You Do?

  • Practice stopping the carriage just past the last needle — not halfway off the machine. (You'll get a "feel" for it_
  • Double-check your carriage settings before you knit
  • Watch the first few rows closely and stop to investigate any weird edges
  • Consider
    "milking the cow" or pulling up on the working yarn for the first few stitches


Don’t Ignore the Clues

Big loops at the edge are your knitting’s way of asking for help. Instead of ignoring them, use them as a cue to check your technique and settings. It’s often a quick fix that can save your whole project.

Lesson re-learned:

Don't take the carriage too far past the edge of your knitting.

The stitch pattern shown is from the Knit it Now Stitch Pattern Library:
KIN 929 KnitWeave


Frequently Asked Questions

Are large loops at the edge of my knitting normal?

No. Large loops at the edges are usually the result of pulling the carriage too far beyond the knitting at the end of each row.

What’s the #1 cause of large edge loops?

Taking the carriage too far past the last working needle stretches the edge stitch, creating an oversized loop.

What can I do to prevent these loops?

Get into the habit of stopping the carriage just past the last needle, not way off the edge of the bed.

Could anything else be causing the loops?

Yes — loose tension, incorrect part settings, or uneven edge needles can contribute, but carriage movement is the biggest factor.

Can yarn mast tension cause loops?

Yes. If the yarn isn’t properly threaded through the tensioner on the mast, or if it’s too loose, it can cause uneven stitches and large loops at the edge. Always double-check yarn engagement before knitting.

Do I need to restart my project if I see loops?

Not always. If you catch it early, fix your carriage movement and continue. But it’s best to test on a swatch before going too far.


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1 COMMENT
Alexandra M
 Jan 26, 2024
top tips, like always! It is always something really subtle that creates an issue. The more we know, the more we are able to solve!


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