Distitch gives a beautiful, even and firm selvedge – use it as a decorative edge that doesn’t loosen with wear. The two types of DS selvedge detailed in the book are Simple DS selvedge and Slip DS selvedge. Three videos show different DS edges and are at the end of previous article.
When working in Garter stitch, Brioche, or other vertically compressed stitch patterns, it’s better to use slip DS selvedge, in which the selvedge stitch is worked every second row. This is achieved by slipping the first stitch of every row, and working the last stitch as a Distitch. Remember, because each slipped Distitch is stretched over 4 rows, it gathers the vertical edge, so it needs to be worked looser than the body stitches.
Different ways of slipping the first stitch at the beginning of the row give open or closed chains of stitches on the edge, see the photograph on the facing page. The closed chain (light blue) consists of twisted stitches and is narrower and tighter. The open one is wider and much looser (dark blue). Try both to decide which is best for your project.
Both types of slip DS selvedge can be made with knit DS or purl DS. They will look almost identical, but work the Distitch differently. The knit variation is simpler because it uses familiar techniques, whereas the purl variation is quicker, but uses Distitch technique.
Here are four variations of slip DS selvedges:
1. slip knit DS selvedge – closed
2. slip knit DS selvedge – open
3. slip purl DS selvedge – closed
4. slip purl DS selvedge – open
1. Watch this short video for slip knit DS selvedge, closed.
The Distitch Edge Scarf was designed to demonstrate Distitch selvedge. This free pattern is published on Ravelry together with detailed instructions about how to work DS selvedge, with clear diagrams and QR code video.
The instructions are based on a Garter stitch sample, and may be adapted as necessary by changing the stitch pattern between the selvedge stitches.
2. The second short video shows another type of slip knit DS selvedge, open.
The tutorial with detailed instructions about how to work this DS selvedge, with clear diagrams and longer video is published here.
3. Watch two videos (short and long) for slip purl DS selvedge, closed
4. Watch two videos (short and long) for slip purl DS selvedge, open.
Assia Brill 