How to Pick Up Stitches for Perfect Button Bands (No Gaps Tips)

How to pick up stitches for a button band that lies flat, matches the body's row gauge, and has no gaps along the edge. The key is the pick-up ratio, which keeps the band from flaring or drawing in, plus exactly where you insert the needle. In this tutorial you will learn: • The pickup ratio that keeps the band from flaring or drawing in • Where to insert the needle so you do not get a dotted line of holes • How to handle curved and straight edges • Tips that stop the usual gaps at the hem and neck Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:31 Common band mistakes 3:36 Planning and preparation 5:41 Calculating pick-up ratio 11:54 Picking up stitches 17:50 Working the band 19:22 Binding off in pattern 20:57 Weaving in ends 25:39 Final review Related videos • Picking up stitches on a curved edge — https://youtu.be/9A1ateS95qY • Horizontal one-row buttonhole in garter — https://youtu.be/qwpewmHUeaM • Underarm holes (same pickup logic) — https://youtu.be/8K-IsMdTHK0 Live classes: I teach Bootcamps 1, 2 & 3, virtual classes on Zoom with students from around the world. Next session starts January 2027. Details and sign-up: https://masteryourknitting.com More on this topic: see my playlist "Picking Up Stitches, Button Bands & I-Cord Edges" on the channel. Support the channel on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/suzannebryan Patterns on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/suzanne-bryan Ravelry group: https://www.ravelry.com/groups/knitting-with-suzanne-bryan Facebook group: https://www.faceboo