This is one that you’ll use a lot. There’s an easy way to do it though!

How to Pick Up Stitches Evenly on a Horizontal Edge

This one is easy! Just pick up a stitch for every stitch. I suggest picking the row just below the bound-off row. Here’s an example.

See? I told you – easy!

How to Pick Up Stitches Evenly on a Vertical Edge

You’ll typically pick up either 3 for every 4 stitches or 2 for every 3 stitches (whichever looks better).

For our example, we’ll do 3 for every 4.

Same goes with where you’ll stick the needle. For our example, I’m putting it a full stitch inside the edge. But, if you’re working with a very large yarn, you might prefer to do it just a half a stitch in from the edge. If you do it this way, your needle will go through that first stitch (in the middle of it).

Step 1: Stick needle through the first stitch. I find it easier to use a sharp needle for this.

Step 2: Loop the yarn and bring it through the stitch.

Step 3: Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on the next two stitches.

Step 4: Skip the next stitch.

Repeat steps 2-4

Here it is after we’ve picked up 9 stitches (and skipped 2). We’ll skip a stitch before we pick up the next one.

About the Instructor: Jody Richards

Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches. And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).

She’s a serial starter-of-projects and has a serious problem with finishing things without a deadline.

And don’t get her talking about hand-dyed yarns.  You’ve been warned.