This is my project of the moment. Any guesses as to what it is to become? I have enjoyed textural knitting since I was introducted to my first cable and this project has had me thinking about the best way to minimize the rippled edges that often occur with heavily cabled fabrics. The reason for the ripple is fairly simple:Cables, in most cases, pull in the fabric creating a denser gauge, but along the edges (beginning or ending) the effect of the cable hasn't taken hold. The result is a less dense (or wider) fabric at the edges versus in the middle and more fabric means ripples.So what is a knitter to do?
There are two approaches, one is a scientific, mathematical approach and one is less structured and based on what "seems" to be right! Let's start with the mathematical approach. You would begin by determining the average gauge across the cabled fabric and the average gauge for stockinette (or whatever your background was). Divide your total number of stitches for the cabled fabric by its average gauge. Then multiple that result by the average stockinette gauge. Subtract the result from the total number of stitches in the cabled fabric and you have the number of stitches that need to be adjusted at the beginning or the end. Simple -- right?!?!?! Okay, not so simple -- at least for many knitters.
The other way is a bit more intuitive and may require some trial and error, but I find to be successful. Start with a provisional cast on (that is the pink ribbon in the picture above). Once the fabric is established you can see at which points it wants to ripple and at which points it wants to lay flat. At the points that it wants to ripple, you will need to do a decrease before binding off or starting your ribbing (after picking up the stitches from the provisional cast on). Usually this occurs at the point you switch between knits and purls or at cable crossings. If you make notes, you can do the same thing at the other end of the work.
Watch for a future post to see the finished item and learn other knitting tips and tricks from the Knitting Professor!