Lace Edging Grafting
A traditional technique for joining a knitted-on lace edging into a circle: graft the live stitches at the end of the edging to the live stitches at the start using Kitchener stitch. The result is an invisible join that completes the edging seamlessly.
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Setup
Begin the edging with a provisional cast on. Work the edging around the perimeter of the piece, picking up one stitch from the body for every 1–2 rows of edging. When you reach the start, undo the provisional cast on to expose the live stitches at the start.
Grafting
Place the live stitches at the start on one needle and the live stitches at the end on a parallel needle. Cut a tail of yarn 4× the edging width and graft using Kitchener stitch.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Why this matters
Without grafting, the join is visible — a small step or seam interrupts the flow of the edging pattern. Grafting hides the join completely, with the edging pattern flowing continuously around the perimeter.
When to use
Square or rectangular shawls with a knit-on lace border. Rectangular tablecloths or runners with a lace edging. Any project where a continuous lace border around the perimeter is the design goal.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | cast on |
| k | knit |
Tips
- Always start the edging with a provisional cast on — the unraveled stitches are needed for grafting.
- Cut a generous tail (4× the edging width) for the graft.
- Practice Kitchener stitch on a swatch before grafting a finished shawl.
In depth
Lace edging grafting is one of the most polished finishing techniques in lace knitting. The invisible join transforms a knit-on edging from a mostly-finished perimeter to a truly continuous one — the difference is small but adds dramatically to the perceived quality of the finished piece.