🧶 How to add a border to knitting? Simple tips + inspiring patterns

Introduction

You've just finished your work, you're admiring your stitches... and there, bam 😅: the edges are curling, the finishes are lacking, or you have the impression that "a little something" is missing.
Good news: adding a border to knitting is THE magic solution ✨ to give style, hold and a real professional finish to your projects.

At Knit-sis , we learned the importance of edging early on: our grandmother always added “the final touch” with a garter stitch or a lace border. Today, we pass on these tips in our modern and accessible models, like the cardigan Cardichou , which owes all its sweetness to its soft finishes. 💕

👉 In this article, you'll discover several easy techniques for adding a border to knitting, with concrete examples and our favorite patterns to inspire you.

Why add a border to knitting?

A border isn't just an “aesthetic bonus.” It can:

✅ Prevent rolling (especially in jersey)

✅ Reinforce the hold of a vest or sweater

✅ Add style (lace, twist, fancy stitch)

✅ Make sewing or crocheting easier

✨ Remember: A well-chosen border transforms a simple piece into a unique piece.

The easiest borders to start with

If you're a beginner and want a clean finish without complicating your life, start with these classics:

1. The garter stitch border

The simplest of all 🥰. It avoids rolling and frames the knitting nicely.
👉 Perfect for cuddly sweaters or cozy cardigans.

Example: our free sweater Doudou relies on this soft contrast.

2. The ribbed border (1/1 or 2/2)

Ideal for cuffs, necklines, or sweater bottoms. The ribbing adds stretch and a modern look.
👉 You will find this style in the vest Festi , which plays with the edges for a clean finish.

Creative borders to enhance your knitting

When you want to go beyond the classic, dare to use more “wow” borders ✨:

3. The lace border

Perfect for light, summery or romantic knits.
👉 The vest Aude is a superb example.

4. The twisted border

A little more technical, but so rewarding 💪. The twists create relief and a couture effect.
👉 We love using them in Twist & Shout , our retro vest full of character.

5. The crochet border

Yes, you can mix knitting + crochet for a delicate finish (picots, shells, tight stitches).
👉 Useful Resource: Crochet Edging Techniques

Step by step: how to add a border to finished knitting?

This is THE question we are often asked 👇

1️⃣ Pick up the stitches along the edge (with a circular knitting needle).

2️⃣ Knit your border in the desired stitch (garter, ribbing, lace, etc.).

3️⃣ Folds loosely to prevent the edge from pulling.

💡 Lenny's tip: Pick up about 3 stitches for every 4 rows in stockinette stitch to keep an even edge.

👉 If you want to practice, start with a small project like our Top Poppy (free) .

Conclusion

Adding a border to knitting is the detail that changes everything : more rolling, better hold, and above all, a creative touch that reflects your style ✨.

At Knit-sis , we love playing with these finishes to transform a simple project into a unique piece — like in our Cardichou , Festi , or Aude models .

👉 And you, which border are you going to test first?
Discover our entire collection of modern vests for inspiration 💕.