How to Pick Up and Knit (PUK)

Techniques

Sep 24

How to Pick Up and Knit (PUK) a tutorial by Ashley Lillis

Picking up and knitting stitches is one of those skills that opens up so many possibilities in knitting — from neat button bands and clean neckline finishes to seamless sleeve joins and intentional edge treatments. It sounds like a fancy phrase, but at its core “pick up and knit” (PUK) simply means lifting live stitches along an edge and working them as part of your piece. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll find yourself using it again and again.

This technique makes edges look intentional and polished, whether you’re adding a border to a scarf, finishing a cardigan placket, or shaping necklines and armholes. With a few simple pointers and a bit of practice, picking up and knitting becomes a natural part of your knitting rhythm — and one more reliable way to make your projects look beautifully finished from every angle.