Needle Tip by Mary Forte

Winter 2025–2026

Question: Is there any way to avoid protruding edges when picking up stitches? When I pick up stitches, there is always a row and/or column that sticks out on the wrong side. I don’t want my project to have such a distinct RS and WS. What can I do?

Answer: One solution is to select a pickup that will hide the edges. There are at least three ways to hide edges with a pickup. One is to work a double-band pickup. Another is to pick up a stitch, then yarn over (PUK 1, yo). And a third way is to work a reversible pickup (RPU).

Picking up along an existing edge to start another piece of fabric is common in knitting. Neckbands, button bands, mitered squares, and other patchwork knitting projects are some items that use this strategy. To keep the connection neat and sturdy, the pickups are commonly placed one stitch away from the edge—which leaves ridges, as seen in the photo below.

These ridges would not be seen on a pullover, sock, hat, or any other project that shows only the right side. But a collared cardigan, scarf, patchwork blanket, and so on will expose those ridges. For these projects, other strategies may be preferable. Here are a few options for pickups that hide edges and make a project more reversible.

Double Band Pickup

For a cardigan that will show both sides of the band, the double band pickup is an excellent option. It involves using two circular needles to pick up on both sides of an edge simultaneously, knitting a few rows on both sides of the pickup, then working the two edges together to enclose the edge. It can be time consuming, but it is definitely worth it. For detailed instructions, see Arenda Holladay’s “Double Band Pickups” article in the Summer 2017 issue of Cast On.

Pick Up 1 Yarn Over (PUK 1, yo)

Another option for hiding edges inside the pickup is PUK 1, yo. This option is quicker and, as the name states, involves alternating traditional pickups with yarn overs. On the following row, each picked up stitch is worked together with its accompanying yarn over.

Jennifer Kent’s Reversible Tile Baby Blanket shows how attractive this pickup is when combined with entrelac.

Reversible Pickup (RPU)

Weston’s Starfleet, in this issue of Cast On, uses yet another strategy for hiding the edges. I have not been able to find this pickup anywhere else, so I have called it the reversible pickup (RPU). This pickup differs from the other two in that it uses two different yarn overs and is worked all on one row. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Insert the right-hand needle, front to back, through the stitch, yarn over backwards (clockwise: over then under).

Step 2: Draw a loop through to the front.

Step 3: Yarn over in the standard way (counterclockwise: under then over).

Step 4: With the left-hand needle tip, pass the loop over the yarn over.

Step 5: Choose a Right Side (RS). RPUs are slightly different on each side. Select which side you like best to be the RS. Here is how the RPUs look on each side:

Hint: Hide Tails as You Go Along

Tails can be encased as you go along, with both the double band pickup and the RPU. Whenever possible, lay tails along edges of their own color and work the pickups around them.

For the RPU, when the pickup is complete, use a tapestry needle to draw the remaining tail around a strand of yarn of the same color (see photo below at right) and back through the same RPU in the opposite direction to secure it.

If you forget a tail while working the RPU; or if you are using the PUK 1, yo, use a tapestry needle to thread the tail under the pickups and secure it as discussed above.

Needle Tip: If you need a pickup to hide edges for a reversible fabric, consider using a double band pickup; a PUK 1, yo; or a reversible pickup (RPU).

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Copyright 2025, The Knitting Guild Association, Winter 2025-2026, All Rights Reserved

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