I'm working on a zipped vest for DH. It is knitted on a circular and doesn't have customary ribbing at the bottom. The directions are 6 rows of garter stitch and then establishing a pattern, which is a 3-stitch garter border and alternating sections of seed stitch and welt pattern. I've knit about 5 inches (twice!) and the bottom edge is not firm but rippling.

Obviously, I'm doing something wrong, but what? I'll have to frog again but will wait for ideas and suggestions if anyone can help.

Thanks, Emily

Does your pattern show fewer stitches for the bottom 5 rows of garter? If it doesn't, you might try about an inch worth of fewer stitches and then increase to the body amount to control the rippling. The garter stitch border wouldn't pull in like ribbing would.

Thanks, knitterb...there is no change in stitch numbers. It's worked even until armholes. Would a smaller needle help for those first rows, too?

Also try smaller needles for the bottom part or reduce sts. Also if you have not frogged it yet try an iron and steam the bottom part as it may lay down nicely.

I would use a smaller needle size for the border---garter sts. When I do my ribbing or what ever is the bottom boarder I go down at least 2 needle sizes. At first it seems like a lot but it works out for me.

Do steam it first and that might give you better idea of what is happening.

Thanks, Nancy...I'll try steaming and see how it goes.

I always question the pattern, the source of which you do not mention.

If it is from a reputable company, whose yarn you are using for the project, then they always have a helpline you can call. Their patterns will have been tried and tested for accuracy of design, readability and accuracy. If you do encounter a problem they are always keen to learn about it.

However if you are using a pattern you have downloaded from the internet, or from a free leaflet, or even one of the knitting magazines, do not expect the garment to be so successful.

This sort of pattern has not received the same due care and attention. Magazines are produced by journalists who work for companies whose primary aim is to make money for their shareholders, so do not expect the same quality of knitting knowledge.

Best wishes, John

This pattern is from Knitting Classic Style by Veronik Avery...could the rippling be due to the circular needle? There are 260 stitches on a 32" needle.

ok Is it rippling vertically or is rippling horizontally? If it is vertically it is just all the sts. on the needle.

What kind of yarn are you using?

I just put half of the stitches on a second circular and laid the whole thing out to let the knitting relax. I'm pretty sure it's only the number of stitches...LOL, I think I've had an epiphany! BTW, the yarn is 100% merino.

Thanks all for the ideas.

I have been trying to post here for a days but our connection for what ever reason has been soooooooooooooooooooo slllllllloooooowwwwwww!

Mothra7---I have found over the years that this board is wonderful place to ask questions, give and get help, and all done in a friendly way.