Knitters - picking up stitches

[knat]

Back into knitting in a big way after a life time of not doing it. However currently knitting a poncho thing for dd which you knit without the rib. When done you have to pick up the stitches to create the rib. Finding it very difficult to do this is there a knack to it. I have to do it several times before i can get the right number on each bit that i need (it's in a v shape). Also find it can create gaps. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

Measure the edge that you have to pick up on. Divide this measurement into equal sized lengths. Then divide the no of stitches you have to pick up by the no of blocks and this will give you the no of stitches you need to pick up in each block - iykwim!!

For example - Length of side is 40cm. Divide into 10 equal lengths of 4cm. Need to pick up 80 stitches. Therefore 8 stitches to every block.

This should help space the stitches out a bit better

Brilliant. Thanks veyr much dizzy. I'll give it a go.