A common knitting question I get (especially as it relates to garment knitting) is: “What’s the best way to pick-up and knit stitches around a neckline?” My answer is…well, it depends!
Just like there are many ways to cast on or bind off, there are also multiple ways to pick-up and knit stitches. Over the years I’ve found myself using different methods depending on the yarn and the fabric I’m working with.
The Two Methods I Use Most Often
There are lots of different methods out there, but there are two in particular that I tend to use most often. The biggest difference between the two methods is where I insert my needle when picking up the stitches.
In one method – let’s call it the “Leg Method” – I pick-up through both legs of a stitch. So for example:
- For horizontal edges (like the back neck or center front): I pick-up and knit through both legs of each cast-on or bound-off stitch.
- For vertical edges (like along each front): I pick-up and knit both legs of the stitch next to the edge stitch (so 1 stitch in from the edge).
In the other method – let’s call this one the “Column Method” – I instead use the column of stitches as my guide. So for example:
- For horizontal edges: I pick-up and knit at the stop of the stitch column, right under the top cast-on or bound-off edge.
- For vertical edges: I pick-up and knit between the first and second columns of stitches.
Neither method is necessarily better than the other. They just create slightly different results and you may choose one over the other depending on the fabric of your garment as well as just your personal preferences over time.
How I Decide Which Method To Use
When I’m working with linen blends or other yarns that create a fabric with a lot of drape, I usually prefer the Column Method. I find this creates a neckline with a little more stability while still looking clean and polished.
With wool yarns, I often utilize the Leg Method. Wool tends to have more elasticity and structure on its own, so this method usually creates a neat neckline without adding bulk.
There are also times when I’ll mix the two approaches, using different techniques in different areas of the neckline if I think it will produce the cleanest result. And there are definitely times where I try one method, take a look, then decide it’s not quite looking right and take it out and try again using the other method.
There Isn’t One “Right” Answer
One of the things I love about knitting is that there are often multiple ways to achieve similar results. And, there are always new methods you learn along the way, so it’s always good to keep an open mind and try out different methods. For me, the “best” pick-up method depends on several factors:
- The fiber I’m using
- How much drape the fabric has
- The stitch pattern
- The overall look I’m trying to achieve
There are no set rules when it comes to picking-up and knitting – as I always say, the goal is just for it to look nice!
See Both Methods in Action
If you’d like to see these techniques demonstrated, I have two video lessons that show the methods I use most often.
Tideline Tank
In my newest video, I demonstrate how I pick-up and knit the neckline for my Tideline Tank. Because it’s worked in a linen blend yarn, I use the Column Method.
Audrey’s Pullover
If you’d like to see my other commonly used method, the Leg Method, check out my earlier video featuring Audrey’s Pullover. In that lesson, I’m also picking-up and knitting a v-neck neckline so it’s a nice comparison to the crew neckline of the Tideline Tank.
For Picking-Up and Knitting Basics
In both the videos above, I’m specifically picking-up and knitting around a neckline. But if you’re looking for demonstrations that show some general pick-up and knit techniques, I also have a lesson where I explain 4 common methods for picking-up and knitting (including the two I utilized in the above lessons). Check it out below!
Whichever method you choose, remember that it’s totally a skill that gets easier with practice. And don’t be afraid to experiment – you can always un-do it and try again. I hope this info has been helpful!
If you have other methods you like to use for picking-up and knitting necklines, I’d love to hear about it!