# [Choose and maintain selvedges](https://threadcabin.com/explore/140/choose-and-maintain-selvedges)

> Reserve edge stitches before fitting the main repeat. Choose a selvedge for its future use: visible edge, seam or picked-up band.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/140/choose-and-maintain-selvedges
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:33.4131392+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:40.4445193+00:00
- Craft: Knitting
- Primary image: [Choose and maintain selvedges — example diagram](https://threadcabin.com/images/learning/k07-plan.png)

Reserve edge stitches before fitting the main repeat. Choose a selvedge for its future use: visible edge, seam or picked-up band.

## Before you start

Use smooth, light yarn and a small sample that matches the lesson’s flat or circular construction. Mark the right side and record the starting stitch count. Follow the pattern’s own stitch key.

## Try this example

For two edge stitches on each side and a six-stitch repeat, 40 stitches gives 2 + 6 × 6 + 2. Keep those four edge stitches out of the motif count.

## Check your result

- Count live stitches, trace one column and inspect both faces. Compare the relaxed edge with the middle of the sample before repeating the operation on a project.
- Stitch names and mounts vary between knitting styles. Follow the required fabric structure and pattern key rather than assuming every front loop is the correct entry point.

## Sources

- [www.garnstudio.com: lessons.php](https://www.garnstudio.com/lessons.php?show=knitting&cid=19)
- [journals.aps.org: PhysRevX.8.021075](https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.8.021075)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts?craft=knitting)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Reading knitting charts: rows, rounds, symbols, and repeats](https://threadcabin.com/explore/17/reading-knitting-charts-rows-rounds-symbols-and-repeats)
- [Understand knit and purl formation](https://threadcabin.com/explore/137/understand-knit-and-purl-formation)
- [Fit stitch repeats between fixed edges](https://threadcabin.com/explore/68/fit-stitch-repeats-between-fixed-edges)
- [Picking up stitches without a wavy band](https://threadcabin.com/explore/56/picking-up-stitches-without-a-wavy-band)
- [Stitch-repeat fitting planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/stitch-repeat-fitting)
- [Why stockinette curls and balanced structures behave differently](https://threadcabin.com/explore/10/why-stockinette-curls-and-balanced-structures-behave-differently)

## [Stitch-repeat fitting planner](https://threadcabin.com/tools/stitch-repeat-fitting)

Find the nearest stitch counts that preserve a pattern repeat and edge stitches.

A repeat is the sequence worked again; edge stitches sit outside it. Enter the fixed edge count per side.  Compare the lower and higher valid totals with their predicted widths and deliberately select the fit you want. A valid multiple alone does not establish a comfortable size.

Fixed edge stitches are removed first; the remaining count is rounded down and up to complete repeats. The optional gauge converts both valid counts to finished measurements so their size difference is visible.

- Target stitch count: 40
- Stitches per repeat: 6
- Edge stitches per side: 2
- Target width: 20 cm
- Gauge stitches: 20
- Gauge measurement: 10 cm