How to Pick Up Stitches

Tutorial Overview

There are a couple of ways that stitches can be picked up along a piece of knitting: along a cast-on or cast-off edge, and along a vertical edge.

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Step-by-step guide

First, we'll show you how to pick up stitches along a cast-on or cast-off edge: 

Step 1:

We will be working into the chain of 'V' shapes along the top of the piece. Working from right to left, insert your right-hand needle under both legs of the 'V'.

Step 2:

Wrap the yarn around the tip of the needle - just like a knit stitch - leaving a long tail to weave in later.

Step 3:

Using the tip of the needle, pull the yarn back through, you now have a stitch on your needle.

Step 4:

Repeat these steps, working along the row until you have picked up the number of stitches required.

Now we'll show you how to pick up stitches along a vertical edge: 

Step 1:

First, identify the chain of stitches along the edge of your knitting - it will look quite similar to the 'V's.

Step 2:

Insert your needle through the centre of the first edge stitch.

Step 3:

Wrap the yarn around the tip of the needle - just like a knit stitch - leaving a long tail to weave in later.

Step 4:

Using the tip of the needle, pull the yarn back through.

Step 5:

You now have a stitch on your needle.

Step 6:

Repeat these steps, working along the edge until you have picked up the number of stitches required.

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