How to Keep Knit Fabric from Curling During Sewing Effectively

Are you frustrated with your beautiful jersey knit fabric curling at the edges? Knit fabric edges tend to curl because of the natural tension in the stitches. This curling is especially noticeable in the stockinette stitch, where the structure pulls the edges inward. 

You might find it frustrating when your fabric refuses to lay flat. But don't worry; there is a practical tutorial on how to keep knit fabric from curling and rolling.

Using specific techniques, such as stitch patterns, edge treatments, or blocking, can keep your knits looking smooth and professional.

Key Takeaways

• Use stabilizing stitch patterns like a garter or seed stitch to prevent curling during knitting.
• Incorporate edge treatments, such as borders or hems, to give your fabric extra weight and structure.
• Choose thicker or textured yarns, like wool or cotton, to reduce the likelihood of curling edges.
• Adjust your knitting tension by using looser stitches to help the fabric lay flatter.
• Apply blocking techniques after knitting to reshape and flatten curled edges effectively.
• Consider temporary solutions like spray starch or fabric glue for quick fixes on curling edges.

Why Knit Fabric Edges Curl?

The Structure of Knit Fabric

Knit fabric has a unique construction that sets it apart from woven fabrics. Instead of interlacing threads, it's made by looping yarn together. These loops create a stretchy and flexible material, making knit fabrics comfortable. However, this same structure causes the edges to curl.

In stockinette stitch, the most common knitting pattern, the front (or "right side") shows smooth knit stitches, while the back (or "wrong side") displays purl stitches. This imbalance between the two sides creates tension. The knit side pulls inward, and the purl side pushes outward, making the edges curl toward the knit side. This natural behavior is part of the fabric's design, but it can be frustrating when you want your project flat.

Factors That Contribute to Curling

Several factors can make curling worse. Knowing these will help you figure out how to stop knit fabric from rolling in your projects.

1. Type of Stitch Pattern: Stockinette stitch is the main culprit behind curling. Its unbalanced structure makes it prone to rolling at the edges. Other patterns, like garter stitch or ribbing, are more stable and less likely to curl.
2. Yarn Type: The type of yarn you use plays a big role. Smooth, lightweight yarns tend to curl more than thicker or textured yarns. Stretchy yarns, like those with a high percentage of synthetic fibers, can also increase curling.
3. Tension in Your Knitting: Tight stitches create more tension in the fabric, which can exaggerate curling. If you knit with a looser tension, the fabric may relax more and curl less.
4. Edge Treatment: Projects without any edge treatment, like borders or hems, are more likely to curl. Adding a stabilizing edge can counteract the natural pull of the fabric.
5. Fabric Size and Shape: Smaller pieces of knit fabric, like swatches or narrow scarves, tend to curl more because the edges have less weight to hold them down. Larger pieces may still curl, but the effect is often less noticeable.

How to Keep Knit Fabric from Curling During Sewing or Knitting

Use Stabilizing Stitch Patterns

Choosing the right stitch pattern can make a big difference in keeping your knits flat. Some patterns naturally resist curling, so incorporating them into your project is a smart move.

Garter stitch, for example, is one of the best options. It creates a balanced texture because every row alternates between knit and purl stitches. This balance helps the fabric lay flat without curling at the edges.

Another great choice is seed stitch. This pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches within the same row, creating a stable textured surface.

Ribbing, especially wider ribbing like 2x2 or 3x3, can also help. While ribbing adds stretch, it provides enough structure to prevent the edges from rolling.

Apply Edge Treatments

Edge treatments are another effective way to stop curling before it starts. Adding a border to your project can provide the extra weight and structure needed to keep the edges flat. 

For projects like scarves or blankets, you might want to add a selvage edge. A selvage edge involves slipping the first stitch of every row instead of knitting it. This technique creates a clean, flat edge that resists curling.

If you're sewing with knits, consider hemming the edges with a small zigzag or stretch stitch. These stitches allow the fabric to maintain flexibility while keeping the edges neat.

Choose the Right Yarn and Tools

The type of yarn you choose greatly affects how your fabric behaves. Smooth, lightweight yarns tend to curl more than thicker or textured ones. If you're struggling with curling, try switching to a bulkier yarn or one with a bit of texture. Wool and cotton yarns often work better than synthetic blends because they have more grip and stability.

Your tools matter, too. Using needles that match your yarn's weight can help maintain even tension. Circular needles are a great option for larger projects because they distribute the weight of the fabric evenly, reducing the pull that can cause curling. If you're knitting tightly, consider going up a needle size to loosen your stitches. Looser stitches create less tension, which can minimize curling.

Adjust Tension

Tension plays a huge role in how knits behave. If the stitches are too tight, the fabric pulls inward, curling the edges even more. Looser stitches, on the other hand, allow the fabric to relax and lay flatter.

1. Start by examining how you hold your yarn. If you're gripping it tightly, try loosening your grip. This will allow the yarn to flow more freely through your fingers. 
2. You can also experiment with your knitting needles. Switching to a larger needle size creates looser stitches, which can help minimize curling.
3. Pay attention to your knitting rhythm. If you're rushing or feeling stressed, your tension might tighten. Take breaks and knit at a steady pace.
4. If you're using a knitting machine, check the tension settings. Machines often have adjustable tension dials. Lowering the tension setting can reduce the likelihood of curling edges.

How to Fix Curling Edges After Sewing or Knitting

Blocking Techniques

Blocking is one of the most effective ways to fix curling edges after knitting. It helps reshape your fabric and encourages it to lay flat.

1. To start, soak your knit piece in lukewarm water for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing it.
3. Lay the fabric flat, like a blocking mat or a clean towel.
4. Use your hands to smooth out the edges and shape the fabric to your desired dimensions.
5. For stubborn curls, pin the edges down using rust-proof pins or blocking wires. This keeps the fabric in place as it dries.
6. If you're working with delicate yarn, use a pressing cloth to protect it. You can also lightly steam the fabric with an iron, holding it just above the surface without pressing down. The heat and moisture will help relax the fibers, reducing the curl.

Blocking works best with natural fibers like wool or cotton. Synthetic yarns may not respond as well, but it's still worth trying.

Temporary Solutions

Sometimes, you need a quick fix for curling edges, especially if you're short on time. Temporary solutions can help hold the edges in place until you can apply a permanent fix.

1. One option is to use spray starch. Lightly spray the edges of your fabric and press them flat with your hands. Let it dry completely before handling the fabric.
2. Another option is to use fabric glue or double-sided tape. Apply a small amount along the edges and press it down onto a flat surface. These adhesives are easy to remove later and will not damage your fabric. 
3. Consider discreetly pinning the edges down if you're wearing or displaying the project. Safety pins or decorative brooches can keep the fabric in place without altering its appearance.

Using these temporary fixes, you can keep your knits looking neat until you're ready to address the issue more thoroughly.

Conclusion

Knit fabric edges naturally curl, but you can manage this with the proper techniques. To prevent curling during knitting, use stabilizing stitch patterns like a garter or seed stitch. For better results, add edge treatments or choose yarns with more stability.

If curling happens after knitting, fix it with blocking, borders, or temporary solutions like spray starch. These methods help you create flat, polished projects that look professional. With a little effort, you can keep your knit fabric smooth and frustration-free.

Learn more fabric knowledge on the Longan Craft Blog, and dive into the fabric world with Longan Craft!

FAQs

1. Why does stockinette stitch curl so much?

Stockinette stitch curls because its structure is unbalanced. The knit side pulls inward while the purl side pushes outward, causing the edges to roll.

2. Can I stop curling without blocking?

Yes! To prevent curling without blocking, you can use stabilizing stitch patterns, add borders, or adjust your tension during knitting.

3. What's the best yarn to reduce curling?

Thicker yarns or those with texture, like wool or cotton, work best. Avoid smooth, lightweight, or stretchy synthetic yarns, as they tend to curl more.

4. Is spray starch safe for all fabrics?

Spray starch works well for most fabrics, but test it on a small area first, especially with delicate or synthetic yarns.

5. Can I fix curling on a finished project?

Absolutely! Try blocking, adding a border, or using temporary fixes like fabric glue or weights to flatten the edges.