Pick up and knit stitches

This is how I pick up and knit stitches. I pick up every 'hole' four times and then miss the fifth one. This creates the perfect pick up for your row tension.
In reality we all want our row tension to match the pattern but in reality that doesn't happen. So by doing the pick up four then miss one you get the edging that's right fr your row tension.
It also means the pick up is even, no need to pin at points as a guide or anything else. Just relax with the pick ups.
The majority of time you should get the same amount of stitches as written in the pattern. If it's a garter stitch edging and the stitch amount isn't the same don't worry about it, just go for it!
If it is a rib or anything that involves a repeat then the stitch amount is important. And there are a few solutions to this, if it's a stitch or two out then decrease that stitch away evenly on the next row. If it's more than look at the other sizes and see if your stitch amount is close to that one.