Today, there are many simple ways to knit an elastic band with knitting needles. If desired, even a novice needlewoman can cope with the task; the main thing is to understand the principle and technique of knitting such an edge, without which the finished product will not be able to keep the correct shape and it will be extremely difficult to put on and take off.
The main purpose of the elastic is to make the edge of the product both tight and elastic, otherwise it will be quite difficult to fit your head and arms into such clothing. That is why not only the bottom hem, but also the cuffs and the neck of knitted items are designed in this way. In addition, not a single beret or other headdress can do without an elastic band, so craftswomen have learned to make such an edge not only in a simple way, but also in a circular way.
Dialing methods
The elastic will stretch over the entire area only if the needlewoman can correctly pick up the first row. The classic typing method is definitely not suitable for this. Of course, you can try, but in this case you should be prepared for the fact that the edge of the finished product will not stretch as well as its main fabric, which means that your hands, head and any other parts of the body may not fit into it.
The most popular method of casting on an elastic band today is the Italian one, which involves using one knitting needle instead of two, as provided in the classic version.
Typically, such a set is used to perform the “1 by 1” and “2 by 2” schemes, and it is performed as follows:
Secrets, subtleties, nuances
If you continue to knit in the same way, you will end up with a well-stretching hollow elastic band that can be unfolded like a book. Typically, a double edge is made to decorate the neck of the product and is sewn on manually using a “forward needle” seam. If you continue to knit the elastic according to the standard pattern (classic knit behind the front wall and purl), you will end up with a dense single fabric that will also stretch well along the edge.
This method is most often used to decorate cuffs, the edges of hats and the bottom of knitted items.
The classic “1 by 1” pattern involves casting on an even number of loops. If you want to make a “2 by 2” pattern, then the total number of loops should be a multiple of four and two more edge loops should be added to them (example: 16+2, 24+2, 36+2, etc.). For a circular cast-on, the total number of stitches must also be even. If the row is small, then it must be knitted on three, four or even five knitting needles, as for the cuffs of mittens and socks.
Beautiful schemes
Having figured out how to knit elastic in the classic way, it won’t hurt to study other methods of making an elastic edge that have a more impressive look. As a clear example, we can cite a knitting pattern with French rib, which turns out to be very textured and unusual. Typically, this option is used to design a yoke for a skirt, although the elastic pattern is perfect for making a solid fabric for a hat, sweater, or any other item.
The set for the French rib pattern with knitting needles assumes a number of loops that is a multiple of three, with the addition of one loop for symmetry and two edge loops (example: 27+1+2, 33+1+2, etc.). This type of rubber band knitted as follows:
This elastic band, unlike the classic ones, has a “face” and a reverse side, and this nuance should definitely be taken into account when choosing the optimal pattern.
If, according to the idea, the canvas should be double-sided, then it is better to opt for an equally beautiful Polish elastic band. Polish rib knitting pattern involves performing the following manipulations:
- The number of loops is a multiple of four, with a reserve for two edge loops.
- First row: the edge is removed, one purl and three knit stitches are knitted, rapport (at the end there are two knit stitches and one purl stitch).
- Second row: after the edging, three knit stitches are performed (the first and last behind the front wall, the second behind the back wall), rapport.
- All other rows are performed using the same method.
Those who love all kinds of large patterns and openwork knitting will definitely like the American version. American rib knitting pattern is also not complicated:
- The number of loops is a multiple of three, with two spare ones for the edge.
- First row: purl one, knit two in the classic way until the very end.
- Second row: remove the edge, knit one, yarn over, knit two more knits, regardless of the pattern and pull them through it, eventually removing the yarn over from the knitting needle. Continue like this until the end.
- The remaining rows are knitted in the same way.
American elastic turns out to be very beautiful, but it has one significant drawback, which is its increased density and inability to stretch well.
Closing the last row
Of great importance for maintaining the elasticity of the elastic is not only its correct selection, but also the closing of the outermost row, which is carried out using several methods. So, the easiest way to close a simple “1 by 1” elastic band is to add a so-called “collar” in front of each loop, or simply a yarn over (toward you for the front stitch and away from you for the purl stitch). The process itself goes like this:
- The selvedge yarn is removed, the yarn over is in front of the knit stitch, the knit stitch is knitted, the “collar” is thrown over it and completely removed, the selvedge yarn is thrown over the knit stitch, resulting in only one stitch remaining on the knitting needle.
- Yarn over from yourself in front of the purl stitch, knit it, throw the “collar” over it and throw the previous one through this loop.
- Everything is repeated until the rubber band is completely closed.
It is noteworthy that when closing the “2 by 2” standard, everything is done in exactly the same way, with the exception of every second knit stitch and every second purl stitch (they are closed in the classic way, knitted together with the previous loop).
Plain and circular knitting can also be closed using a knit stitch (ideal for Italian and tubular casting).
Measuring the thread to cover the edge of the elastic is quite simple - to do this, you need to take a triple supply for the entire length of the fabric and add 10-15 centimeters to it. In this case, a classic “back needle” seam is performed, in which knit and purl stitches are combined in pairs (suitable for the “1 by 1” pattern). It is noteworthy that such methods are practiced not only by experienced craftswomen, but also by beginners, since there is nothing complicated in them, and the result is excellent.
Every needlewoman has at least once encountered the need to knit an elastic band to a product. This could happen when knitting patterns, sweaters, necklines and sleeves of products, scarves and so on. At the same time, many people had a question: “How to knit elastic quickly and easily using knitting needles?” This article will help you understand this issue and provide options that are easily suitable for beginners to knit.
How to knit an elastic band with knitting needles in a step-by-step MK with diagrams and descriptions
There are Polish, double, English, French and simple elastic bands.
Simple elastic bands:
- Elastic band 2x1. For this elastic band, you need to cast on a number of loops divisible by three. To the resulting chain, add two more loops for the edge. In the first row, we knit an alternation of two knit stitches and one purl stitch. Throughout the second row, alternate: one reverse and two front loops. And, starting from the third row, throughout the entire knitting, the patterns of the first and second row are knitted.
- Elastic band 2x2. In this case, the number of loops cast on should be divided by two. We tie two more edge loops to them and knit an elastic band using the following pattern:
In odd rows, two front and two reverse loops alternate, and in even rows, purl loops are knitted above the reverse loops of the bottom row; above the front ones are the facial ones.
- Elastic band 1x1. Throughout all the knit stitches, knit and purl loops are knitted alternately. At the same time, the front ones are located above the front ones, and the purl ones are located above the purl ones.
Of all the types of rubber bands, the English one is the most popular. It has a lush, soft relief. That is why it is widely used in knitting scarves, hats and sweaters.
The 1x1 elastic band has the following pattern:
- An odd number of loops is cast on;
- First row: one yarn over, slip one unknitted loop, throw the working thread over the fabric and one front loop;
- Second row: one cast, removing an unknitted loop, knitting two loops into one front loop;
- Third row: knitting two loops into one knit stitch, throwing yarn over, throwing over one unknitted loop;
- The hinges of the product are closed.
When knitting this elastic band in the round, the sequence of loops changes:
- First row: one front loop, yarn over, one open loop;
- Second row: cast, one unknitted loop, one reverse loop;
- Third row: two loops are knitted together and one loop is not knitted.
For an elastic band measuring 2x2, take the number of loops divisible by 4 and add two more edge loops to them. Next, we knit according to the pattern:
- First row: alternate two front and two reverse loops;
- Second row: one cast of thread, two loops are not knitted and thrown onto the right knitting needle, two knit stitches. We knit the entire row using this pattern. At the end, we make a yarn over and remove two unknitted loops;
- Third row: we knit the cast and loop of the bottom row at a time with a knit stitch, one yarn over, two unknitted loops. The penultimate and last loops are knitted with a cast with facial loops;
- We knit the fourth row according to the pattern: one yarn over, two unknitted loops, a knit loop with a double crochet, one knit stitch.
- All remaining rows are knitted using the patterns of the third and fourth rows.
To knit, cast on an even number of stitches, divisible by four. Add to them two loops for the edge and knit the rows in the following way:
- First row: one front loop is knitted behind the front wall, one loop is not knitted and removed, the working thread is shifted to the front of the fabric. Thus, we knit the entire row;
- Second row: one purl loop, one loop is not knitted and removed, the working thread is thrown over the fabric.
Repeat knitting rows until the end of knitting.
Polish gum:
Method one
We cast on the number of loops that are a multiple of four and add two edge loops to them. Even rows are knitted according to the pattern: two front stitches and two back stitches. And odd rows are knitted as follows: one reverse loop, repeat two front and two reverse loops.
The rows must be knitted tightly so that the elastic does not stretch or wear out during washing.
Method two
We cast on the same number of loops and continue knitting in the following way. For the front rows knit: one front loop, one purl, two front loops. For the reverse rows, alternate one reverse and three front loops.
French gum.This type of elastic is usually used on socks, scarves and necklines.
We knit according to the pattern:
- First row: alternating two purl and two knit stitches behind the back wall;
- Second row: one purl, two front and one reverse loop. Alternate until the end of the row.
We continue knitting rows to the required width of the elastic band.
A more clear description of some types of rubber bands can be found in the video below.
Video on the topic of the article
A beautiful embossed elastic band is very easy to knit with knitting needles. , on the front side, voluminous vertical tracks are formed from the front loops and in-depth lines from the tracks of the purl loops.
Relief elastic is knitted in the same way as regular elastic with alternating knit and purl stitches, but in a special way. The wrong side of the pattern looks like a regular elastic band using 1 x 1 knitting needles. The elastic band using knitting needles turns out to be elastic and holds its shape well.
Description of knitting a relief elastic band:
The repeat of the knitting pattern in width is 3 loops + 2 edge loops. Cast on the number of loops in multiples of three to the required width of the fabric plus 2 loops.
Knit row 1 (front row): pick up the first edge stitch, purl, 2 stitches crossed together (insert the knitting needle into the center by two loops and knit them through the far half loops). Next, pick up the top loop with your left knitting needle and knit it again.
Repeat: purl, 2 stitches together with knit stitch, pick up 2nd stitch and knit it again. Finish the row by purling the last edge stitch.
2nd (purl) row : chrome.p. slip, purl, slip the next stitch, moving the working thread before knitting.
Repeat: knit stitch, purl stitch, remove the loop (thread before work), at the end of the row, purl the edge loop.
Every knitter knows that almost every thing begins with knitting an elastic band. Knitted elastic bands can be used not only as a decoration, but also as a main pattern. The fully knitted product in this version also looks beautiful and original.
I would like to bring to your attention 10 of the simplest and most interesting types. Some knitted elastic bands look the same on both the face and the back, while others have their own interesting pattern on the back that can also be used. That's why the photo shows both sides so you can compare. When knitting samples, do not forget about the edge loops. For those who don’t know what this is, I’ll briefly explain: thanks to the edge loops, the edges of the product look more beautiful and even - the first loop of each row is simply removed unknitted, and the last loop is knitted purl-wise.
Elastic band 1×1
To knit a sample, cast on the knitting needles such a number of loops so that they are divided into 2 + 2 edge loops:
1st row: * K1, P1. *, repeat between stars until the end of the row.
2nd row: knit according to the pattern.
Repeat from the 1st row.
Elastic band 2×2
We cast on loops that are multiples of 4+2+2 edge stitches:
1st row: * K2, P2. *.
2nd row: knit according to the pattern.
Repeat from the 1st row.
Tkatskaya
Basically, this elastic is an imitation of factory elastic on things knitted with a machine. But it looks interesting on things made by hand. Moreover, its reverse side looks like a separate beautiful pattern. Therefore, it can be used in different ways.
We cast on loops that are multiples of 2+2 edge stitches:
1st row: * K1, P1*.
2nd row: * 1 slip (thread before work), 1 purl. *.
Repeat from the 1st row.
English (patent)
1st row: * K1, 1 yarn over, slip 1 stitch without knitting *, k1.
Row 2: Yarn over 1, slip 1, * knit 2 together. (this is a slipped loop and yarn over from the previous row), 1 yarn over, slip 1 *.
Repeat from the 1st row.
Semi-English (semi-patent)
We cast on loops that are multiples of 2+1+2 edge stitches:
1st row: * K1, 1 yarn over, slip 1 stitch *, K1.
Row 2: P1, * k2tog. behind the front walls, 1 purl. *.
Repeat from the 1st row.
Elastic band
We cast on loops that are multiples of 3+2 edge stitches:
1st row: *K2, P1*.
Knit the 2nd row and all even rows according to the pattern.
3rd row: * K2. cross to the right, purl 1. *.
Repeat from the 1st row.
Nodular
We cast on loops that are multiples of 4+2 edge stitches:
1st row: * 1 yarn over, knit 2, yarn over both loops *.
2nd row: * P2, k2. *.
Repeat from the 1st row.
Corrugated elastic band
1st row: * K1, P3. *, 1 person.
Row 2: P1, * K1, P1. *.
Repeat from the 1st row.
Serrated
We cast on loops that are multiples of 5+2 edge stitches:
1st row: * P1, k1, p1, k2. cross left *.
2nd row: * P2, k3. *.
Repeat from the 1st row.
Faceted gum
We cast on loops that are multiples of 4+1+2 edge stitches:
1st row: * K2, P2. *, 1 person.
2nd row: * P2, k2. *, 1 p.
Repeat from the 1st row.
I hope that this article about knitted elastic bands was useful to you and you can choose an elastic band to your liking.
French gum
French rib knitting is double-sided. French rib is used in knitting clothes for women: hats, scarves, sweaters, coats. The “French elastic” pattern turns out to be very voluminous.
Fabric knitted with French rib resembles fine corrugated fabric, so it is often used when knitting clothes for children, and specifically, skirts for girls.
Knitting pattern
When casting on for knitting French rib, the number of loops should be odd.
1st row - alternate knit 2, purl 2. If, when knitting, a row ends not with one purl, but with one front loop, then when knitting the next purl row, start with two purl ones.
Row 2 - knit 2, purl 2.
3rd row - repeat the pattern from the 1st row.
When knitting French rib, the method of knitting the purl loop plays an important role.
If you knit purls with granny stitches, then when knitting knit stitches, the first loop is knitted behind the back wall, and the second knit stitch is knitted behind the front wall. Make sure that the loops do not cross.
If you knit purl loops in the classic way, then both front loops are knitted behind the front walls.
In the video I showed how to knit a French rib, if you knit the purls “grandmother’s way”
Shaped elastic band
1st row: edge stitch, 2 knit stitches, one purl stitch, three knit stitches, one purl stitch, until the end of the row we alternate three knit stitches and one purl stitch, finish the row with a purl stitch, two knit stitches, an edge stitch.
2nd row: edge, two knit, one purl, three knit, one purl and knitting is repeated alternating three knits and one purl. We finish the row with one purl, two knits, and an edge stitch.
The pattern is repeated from the first row. It turns out to be such a convex rubber band.
Convex elastic band
The number of loops must be a multiple of 4, plus 2 edge loops.
First you need to knit two rows of 2x2 elastic (starting with the front ones).
3rd row: *Knit 2, 1 yarn over, 1 loop is re-slipped without knitting, 1 yarn over, 1st loop is re-slipped without knitting*.
4th and all other rows: * 1 is knitted together with a knit yarn over, 1 yarn over is knitted again with a knit yarn over, 1 yarn over, 1 is re-knitted without knitting, 1 yarn over, 1 is re-knitted without knitting*.
Convex elastic band
The number of loops must be odd.
1st row—knit 1, purl 1.
2nd row - knit the front loop into the head of the loop of the previous row, purl the top loop.
Knit the 3rd and subsequent rows as the 2nd row.
Elastic band "Rope"
The number of loops is a multiple of 4.
For the sample, cast on 22 loops.
1st row - knit 2, purl 2.
2nd row and all even ones - according to the drawing.
Row 3 and all odd rows - knit 2, crossed to the left, purl 2.
Repeat from the 2nd row.
Elastic chain
Legend
I- facial
—
- purl
1-3
- insert the end of the right knitting needle into the gap betweenknit the second and third stitches and pull the encircling loop towards you. Hold this loop on the needle with your index finger and yarn over. Then knit the remaining 3 loops in the girth together, picking them up by the back walls.
Spiral elastic band
Legend
I - front
- - purl
1/1 - slip 1 loop onto an additional knitting needle while working, knit 1, then knit a knit stitch from an additional knitting needle.
The number of loops is a multiple of 4 plus 3 for symmetry plus 2 edge loops
Additionally:
" Knitting elastic bands - more than 40 types" -
