Curved Hems Overview

Adding curved hems can add length to your garment piece and also add a designer touch to your design.

Skirts will hang correctly with graceful curved hems knitted in. Yes, with knits, we can block in the shaping, but those few extra rows are worth the planning and effort.

Instead of adding Bust Darts at the bust line, curve the hem for additional length in the front of a sweater.

There is no "formula" for drafting curves. There are so many variables, the depth and width, the knitting method, the hem technique ... decisions, decisions, decisions!

Use software. DesignaKnit, Cochenille Garment Designer will both calculate the shaping for you based on what you have in mind.

Use full-size, to-scale knitters graph paper to sketch out the shape of your curve and plot out the stitch and row shaping.

Use the Magic Formula to work out the shaping. Do the math yourself, or use the Knit it Now Magic Formula Tools.

Once you establish your design, the shape of the curve and the knitting instructions, it's time to get knitting!

For shallow curves, use short row shaping. Remember short rows are worked over every other row. If your shaping instructions are not written this way, you'll need to work increases NOT shortrows.

For deep curves, shape the edges with increases.

For shallow curves, knit the hem, then work the short row shaping. This works for SHALLOW curves - (up to about 2"). If you try to shape a deep curve this, the hem will not be long enough and the knitting will cup.

For deep curves, work your hem separately. Knit your garment with the deep curves. Block the piece. Measure the hem edge and create a separate "facing" or band as desired.