Binding Off: Knitting Intermediate and Advanced Techniques

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Raise your hand if you’ve bound off too tightly, bound off on the wrong side or bound off too loosely. My hand is WAY up; how ’bout yours? I was recently looking through my back issues of Interweave Knits, which I can now do right from my computer with the compilation CDs, and I came upon an article about several different bind-off knitting techniques that I thought you all might be interested in. It was written by knitting expert Ann Budd, and I’ve found it really helpful. In fact, I now almost always use the Suspended Bind-Off in place of the Standard Bind-Off. I hope you’ll get some good use from these bind-off techniques, as well.

Bind-Off Knitting: A Fitting End

At some point, all knitting must come to an end and the stitches must be removed from the needles. This can occur at the end of a project when all of the stitches are bound off, or along shaped edges, such as armholes and necklines. Over the centuries, knitters have devised a number of ways to secure the final row of knitting, while producing an edge that is elastic and flexible.

Following are several ways to bind-off knitting stitches, each with advantages. For best results, all bind-offs should be worked with even tension to produce an elastic edge that will stretch with the knitted fabric below it. If worked too loosely, the edge will flair and look sloppy. Worked too tightly, the edge will fray and eventually break, especially along edges that are subject to stretching such as necklines. To prevent an overly tight bind-off, use a needle one (or more) sizes larger than the one used for the body of the project.

End each of these different cast-off methods by cutting the yarn and pulling the tail through the last stitch.

Standard Bind-Off

This is the most common, and for many knitters, the only method for binding off in knitting.

Use this method for edges that will be sewn into seams or finished in some way (such as stitches being picked up and knitted). Slip 1 stitch, *knit 1 stitch, insert left needle tip into first stitch on right needle (Step 1), pass this stitch over the second stitch (Step 2), and off the needle — 1 stitch remains on right needle and 1 stitch has been bound off (Step 3). Repeat from *.

Suspended Bind-Off

This method is similar to the standard bind-off but produces a more elastic edge. Use this method when you want to ensure against a tight bind-off edge.

Slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, *insert left needle tip into first stitch on right needle and lift the first stitch over the second (Step 1), leaving the first stitch on the left needle, knit the next stitch (Step 2), then slip both stitches off the left needle — 2 stitches remain on right needle and 1 stitch has been bound off (Step 3). Repeat from * until no stitches remain on left needle, then pass first stitch on right needle over the second.

Invisible Ribbed Bind-Off

This method produces a rounded edge that is extremely elastic. It follows the k1, p1 rib and is ideal for neckbands.

Work this bind-off with a tapestry needle. Cut the yarn three times the width of the knitting to be bound off, and thread onto a tapestry needle. Working from right to left, insert tapestry needle purlwise (from right to left) through the first (knit) stitch (Step 1) and pull the yarn through, bring the tapestry needle behind the knit stitch, insert it knitwise (from left to right) into the second (purl) stitch (Step 2) and pull the yarn through, *use the tapestry needle to slip the first knit stitch knitwise off the knitting needle, insert tapestry needle purlwise into the next knit stitch (Step 3) and pull the yarn through, slip the first stitch purlwise off the knitting needle, then bring the tapestry needle behind the knit stitch, insert it knitwise into the next purl stitch (Step 4) and pull the yarn through. Repeat from *.

Sewn Bind-Off Knitting Technique

This method, invented by Elizabeth Zimmermann, forms an exceedingly elastic edge (so it’s great for toe-up socks!) that has a ropy appearance, much like a purl row.

Work this bind-off with a tapestry needle. Cut the yarn three times the width of the knitting to be bound off, and thread onto a tapestry needle. Working from right to left, *insert tapestry needle purlwise (from right to left) through the first two stitches (Step 1) and pull the yarn through, bring the needle knitwise (from left to right) through first stitch (Step 2), pull the yarn through and slip this stitch off the knitting needle. Repeat from *.

Now that you’ve learned the different ways to bind off, you can finally complete that knitting project! Want to learn more about binding off? We have compiled a number of books, videos and DVDs that offer more in-depth information. Be sure to check out the following:

Advanced Knitting Fixes: Save Your Knitting, Even After Binding Off
It happens to every knitter: After binding off, you notice a mistake made in your design. Now what? In this video download, expert Patty Lyons will guide you through clever fixes for cables, lace, shaping, working in the round, colorwork and ways to correct knitting mishaps even after binding off.

Learn-to-Knit Companion Instructional Booklet
This handy booklet from Churchmouse Yarns includes lots of detailed instructions along with clear photos to help knitters learn all the basics — including binding off.

Finish-Free Knitting Techniques Video Download
For the advanced knitter, this DVD teaches you how you can make sophisticated garments with set-in sleeves, pockets and other fine details without sewing a single seam. With instructions for casting on, shaping, embellishing and binding off your no-sew garments, this video workshop will have you wearing your new favorite knits in no time.

Continental Knitting Video Download
Learn how to bind off your Continental knits with expert knitter, Biggan Ryd-Dups. Continental knitting is a technique in which you hold the yarn in your left hand and “pick” it as you form stitches. This method is not only quicker, but also easier on your hands.

If you liked this free, expert article about knitted bind-offs, then you’ll LOVE these FREE bind-off knitting methods as well as cast-on knitting methods.