Circular French Tube Hem Worked in the Round

I explain tube hemming in Knitted Elegance, but do not address circular tube hemming. Therefore, a brief explanation of it seems to be in order.

Tube hems work best with K1 P1 ribbing. They eliminate abrupt cast-on rows. In sewing, one hems a garment so the selvage edge is not an eye-sore. As far as I'm concerned, a cast-on edge is a selvage and I've never liked its appearance on a fine, hand knitted garment. Therefore, I get rid of it. Tube hems are relatively simple in flat knitting, but more tedious in the round. However, I always do it, and possibly my photos are clear enough to see its effect: Photo Link Page

To work a circular tube hem, use DP or circular needles, cast on half the stitches required, on needles about double the circumference of those required, using double cast on. Work st st 4 rows. Take out the cast-on row and put the live stitches on the needle size required for the start of the garment. Fold work in half along its length, so that facing side of st st is seen. Be careful to align the stitches correctly. Using the smaller size needle (the size you picked up the raveled stitches with), work K1 from front needle, P1 from back needle, keep repeating, all the way around. Voila! Beautiful tube hem.

If you find that this requires some practice on your part, don't be at all surprised.

Rev. 27Feb.04