This is a simple trick that produces a neat and attractive finish on a selvedge edge.  All you have to do is slip the first stitch of every row purl-wise and knit the last stitch of every row.

That’s it!

Beginning of Row

Hold your yarn to the front of the work.

First Stitch

Take the right needle under the yarn and insert it into the first stitch on the left needle as though you were going to purl that stitch.  Slip the stitch to the right needle without working it.

Bringing the yarn back

If the row is a knit row, bring the yarn to the back of the work and proceed to knit as usual.  If the row is a purl row, simply leave the yarn at the front of the work and purl away.  Remember - even on a purl row, the last stitch must be knitted in order for the chain to come out right.

Chain edge on Garter and Stocking Stitch

This is nice on scarves and stoles.  Some feel that it makes picking up stitches easier.  I haven’t tried seaming a chained selvedge so I’m not sure how well that would work.  I’ll find out though since I worked the edges of the Kimono sweater this way :)

Have a great weekend!