How Do I Prevent Curling?

• Knitting using the stockinette stitch will almost always curl at the edges. Choosing a stitch that does not curl, such as a garter stitch, will prevent curling at the edges. Knitting a border around the edges of your project with a seed stitch or ribbing will prevent stockinette stitch from curling at the edges. Knitting in the round using double-pointed or circular needles will reduce the tendency for the knitted fabric to curl.
  
  

Using Blocking to Eliminate Curling

• If the finished knitted fabric is curling at the ends, blocking the project will reduce the tendency to curl. To block, fill a tub with lukewarm water just deep enough to fully cover your project. Fully soak your project, and gently remove it from the water. Place it on a flat surface and use towels to press water out of the yarn. Pin the edges down so that they stay flat, and let dry. This may take several days to fully dry.
  
  

Using Fleece to Stop Curling

• If blocking does not work or is not suitable for the yarn in the project, sewing in a fleece backing will stop curling. Machine sew or hand sew a fleece backing that is the same size as the project. Sew wrong sides together, leaving enough room to turn the project right side out on the fourth seam. Finish the remaining seam by hand.
  
  

Salvaging a Project That Has Curled

• A scarf that is curling can be made into a purse similar to this.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  If blocking or using a fleece backing is unsuitable, consider turning the project into something else. A scarf can easily be turned into a small purse, bag or other object by folding the scarf in half lengthwise and seaming the sides. Folding the scarf in half width-wise and seaming the edges will create a less-wide scarf that does not curl.