Slipping stitches for a neat edge? How does this work?

[natashafatale]

Do not slip edge stitches unless the pattern tells you to.

If you slip all edge stitches, you will end up with half as many edge stitches as you need, and there won't be enough to pick up as many as you're supposed to.

[DAME EMMA]

I have a stole pattern from Sivia Harding, and she says to slip the first stitch with the yarn in front--that gives a very nice edge if you don't have to pick up or seam.