Binding Off
(Also known as Casting Off) Binding off is the process of taking the live stitches off of your needle and securing them so that they don't unravel.
The basic bind-off using knit stitches is the bind off that most beginners learn. This version is typically worked from the knit side of the work in stockinette. Alternatively, the purl version of this bind-off can be used from the purl side of the work. In order to do the purl bind-off, follow the directions below substituting purl for knit stitches.
A variation of this bind off would be to alternate knit and purl stitches in pattern, such as to continue a ribbing or seed stitch pattern. In this case, the directions below can be easily followed by substituting knit or purl stitches when working the stitches off of the left needle.
The basic bind-off using knit stitches is the bind off that most beginners learn. This version is typically worked from the knit side of the work in stockinette. Alternatively, the purl version of this bind-off can be used from the purl side of the work. In order to do the purl bind-off, follow the directions below substituting purl for knit stitches.
A variation of this bind off would be to alternate knit and purl stitches in pattern, such as to continue a ribbing or seed stitch pattern. In this case, the directions below can be easily followed by substituting knit or purl stitches when working the stitches off of the left needle.
Many Different Ways to Bind Off your Knitting
Oh Noez!!!
The Baggy Last Stitch
You will often find that the last stitch on the cast off row forms an ugly, baggy point. Knitters have different favorite methods for fixing this and here is one of them. When casting off knit-wise work tot he last stitch to be cast off; you will have one stitch on the right-hand needle and one on the left-hand needle. When you come to knit the last stitch, put the tip of the right-hand needle through the same stitch on the row below. Wrap the yarn around the tip of the right-hand needle and pull the loop through the stitch, slipping off the original from the needle in the usual way.
Cast off the last stitch and cut the yarn and put it through the loop in the usual way. As you pull it tight, give a little wiggle and you will see that you are not left with that unsightly point. The same principle applies when casting off purl-wise.
Cast off the last stitch and cut the yarn and put it through the loop in the usual way. As you pull it tight, give a little wiggle and you will see that you are not left with that unsightly point. The same principle applies when casting off purl-wise.