HOW TO MAKE A SQUARE OR RECTANGLE WITH SQUARE MESH

	This type of netting produces its own straight reinforced selvage. It is made so that the meshes hang square instead of in diamond shape. This is done through the use of increases and decreases, but still using the same knot and mesh sticks. The work is made from a corner and progresses diagonally to the opposite corner.
The instructions in this section assume that you already know how to tie the basic netting knot. If this is not true, please go to either Basic Knot using Thread or Basic Knot using String/Twine and learn how to tie the Basic Knot (unless you are just browsing).
CASTING ON:

1st row: Leaving a 3" tail, net 2 knots into the foundation loop. (2 loops are now on the mesh stick.)

2nd row: Remove the mesh stick and turn the work so that the row can be worked from left to right. Net into the first loop and increase by netting twice into the 2nd loop. (3 loops are now on the mesh stick.)

3rd-5th Continue turning work and netting into each loop, increasing in the last loop of each row. (End with total of 6 loops on mesh stick. This is just an example. More rows are possible.)

TURNING THE CORNER The corner is turned when one more row has been worked than the number of squares required (That is, in our example, having worked 5 rows before turning the corner, there will be 4 squares across the top of the net.)

Net 1 knot in each loop until you come to the last 2 loops. Net the last 2 loops together. (In the example there are now 5 loops on the mesh stick.)

CREATING A RECTANGLE BY LENGTHENING ONE SIDE To create a square skip this section and go to the section labeled "Turning the Last Corner." The net can be continued indefinitely by increasing at the end of alternative rows and decreasing at the end of the other rows. This develops the net diagonally, the increases further increasing the long side and the decreases forming the opposite side. To continue our example:

1. Net into each loop, net 2 knots in the last loop. (There are now 6 loops on the mesh stick.)

2. In next row net into each loop except the last 2 and net them together. (There are now 5 loops on the mesh stick.)

Continue repeating these two rows until the long side is one loop longer than the required length. It is at this point that the last corner is turned.

TURNING THE LAST CORNER AND FINISHING OFF

Decrease at the end of every row until only 2 loops remain.

Finish off by netting these two together, but without a mesh stick.

Cut the thread from the needle off.

Remove the beginning of the net from the foundation loop.

Thread the 3" tail into a blunt end needle and tie together the first two loops without a mesh stick as was done with the last two using the blunt end needle instead of a netting needle.

Square Mesh Netting