Selvedges

Selvedges (or selvages in American English) are really important to learn for a few reasons: they serve different purposes, they are occasionally not included in patterns, or, when they are, the suggested method might not be the most appropriate (for example, it's a common mistake to recommend "slip the 1st stitch" on patterns for edges that will be sewn, but this is wrong).

The reasons to use selvedges are:

• For visible edges: making a more attractive edge, or one that matches the cast-on and bind-off. A good example of this is the slip-stitch selvedge that creates a chain-selvedge similar to the most common cast-on and bind-off methods. Selvedge"s stitches are also used to flatten out stitches that curl, such as stockinette. Selvedges should always be included when knitting scarves and wraps.
• For edges that will be sewn or picked-up: selvedges can make either work much simpler. Consider learning them before starting projects that involve a lot of sewing, such as square blankets. In addition, they can be particularly useful when sewing edges of different stitches, for example stockinette and garter, by making the two edges identical.

Some patterns can really benefit from the use of selvedges, but they do not mention them because the author is either ignorant or lazy, or simply because the author is a very experienced knitter who thinks you are a very experienced knitter too and therefore can decide on your own if you want to add a selvedge to your knitting or not. Whatever the reason is, whenever you knit a pattern that includes an edge consider the question of what selvedge will suit you better, which may not be the one the author suggests even if a selvedge is included on the pattern.

The problem of selvedges is that they are not a trivial subject. Different techniques suit different purposes, but there are also different techniques for different stitches. Here are a few webpages I've found that you may find useful:

• On the edge by Tessknits, very complete.
• Lion brand recommends, much more concise, the minimum you should know.
• Ysolda Teague's favourite techniques, the insightful opinions of a very good designer. Includes also very useful advice on cast-on and seamless joins.