How to Stop Stockinette Stitch from Rolling: My Non-Rolling Edge for Cotton Knits
- anouskaiap
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 26
If you’ve ever knit in stockinette stitch, you’ll know the frustration when the fabric curls in on itself and refuses to lay flat. This post shares my solution: a non rolling stockinette edge that works especially well for cotton knits.
I’ll show you the simple technique I accidentally created, it works similar to a slip stitch edge for stockinette that creates a neat finish without extra bulk, but has an added decorative, yet minimal, twist! Whether you’re searching for a non rolling knit edge or just tips for neater edges in stockinette stitch, this guide will walk you through step by step.
In this post, I’m sharing my go-to non-rolling edge technique, a pretty edging method that’s featured in my soon to be released pattern The Olive Top, and you'll find info on:
Why Stockinette Stitch Rolls
Stockinette stitch naturally wants to curl, so rest assured... you're not doing anything wrong! The tension between the knit and purl sides creates an imbalance that causes the unfinished stockinette stitch edges to roll forward along the vertical edges and upward on the cast-on and bind-off edges.
This curling tends to be even more obvious when knitting with less elastic yarns like superwash, cotton yarns or linen. Cotton and linen also just so happen to be what we choose for summery knits that often have unfinished stockinette stitch edges. So that curling is inevitable!
Yes, blocking your knitting might tame it temporarily, but what you really want is a structural edge that prevents the curl as you knit, enter the non-rolling edge!
How to Create a Non Rolling Stockinette Edge
This technique is worked flat, but it can be adapted for knitting in the round without much difficulty. This technique is intended to be worked on a cast off edge, for other techniques to prevent rolling, see the following section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Steps 1-5 should be worked on the right side of your work.
Slip 1 stitch knit-wise to the right-hand needle. This stitch acts as an anchor stitch.
Roll your work on the left needle forward and pick up the purl bump, on the wrong side of your work, two rows below the stitch you have on your left-hand needle.
Tip: When picking up the stitch, ensure it is not twisted. It should be mounted correctly on your left-hand needle.
Knit the picked-up stitch as normal. Work it just like a regular knit stitch.
Pass the slipped stitch over the stitch you just worked. Like casting off, this secures the edge and creates a small tuck that prevents curling.
Repeat steps 1–4 for as many edge stitches as desired.
Cast-off using the standard cast off method on the next row which is a wrong-side row.
Tips for a Beautiful Edge, Every Time:
Practice with a swatch first. Despite being a relatively straight-forward edge to knit it can still be tricky to get the hang of the motion, so practice on a couple of swatches before diving straight into working your edge!
Use sharp needles if your yarn 'splits' easily like cotton tends to do. It is essential when picking up the purl bump or passing your slipped stitch over (PSSO), and it ensures that the edge is worked cleanly for a perfect finish.
Always block your finished piece lightly to let the edge settle into shape and even out any larger loops that formed while you were passing your slipped stitches over.
Work your cast off loosely, trying to maintain the original stitch width, so that the fabric does not distort or misshape.
Want to Try It on a Full Garment?
This edge is a feature of The Olive Top Pattern, designed for confident or adventurous beginners and knitters ready to dip their toes into summer garment making. It’s knit bottom-up, features subtle cables, and is designed with a cotton or cotton-blend yarn in mind.
Similar Techniques to Stop Stockinette Stitch from Rolling (Including Slip Stitch Edge)
While my go-to method ideal to be worked on the row before casting off your work, it won't work along other edges (like your cast on row). There are several other ways to stop your stockinette edges from curling, each with its own look and function.
Best for Vertical Edges
Garter Stitch One of the simplest options: work 3–5 stitches in garter stitch at the beginning and end of each row. It’s beginner-friendly and adds a soft, textured edge that lies flat.
Selvedge Stitch Simply slip the first stitch of each row purlwise and knit the last stitch of each row to even out tension and reduce the roll.
Seed Stitch
For a bit more texture, seed stitch (also called moss stitch) makes a great curling deterrent. These alternating knit-purl patterns balance tension across multiple rows beautifully and add some visual interest to an otherwise simple knit.
Best for Horizontal (Cast On/Off) Edges
Ribbing A classic choice for hems, cuffs, and necklines. 1x1, 2x2 or 1x2 ribbing adds elasticity and stability, though it’s a more visible design feature.
Hemmed Edges You can knit a few cm of stockinette and fold it over on itself, seaming it on the inside to create a neat, folded and slightly weighted edge. This is a viable option for sport weight and DK yarns, but will result very chunky on thicker yarns as you are doubling up on knit fabric!
Feasible for Both Horizontal & Vertical Edges
I-Cord Edges Whether picked up and worked along horizontal edges or integrated into vertical edges as you work, this technique is perfect for a clean, modern finishes. It's especially pretty worked along necklines and armholes.
Final suggestion? Different projects call for different solutions, so don’t be afraid to swatch and see which one best suits your yarn, design, and finish preferences.
