In knitting, binding off is a family of techniques for ending a column (a wale) of stitches. Binding off is typically used to define the upper edge of a knitted fabric, although it may also be used in other contexts, e.g., in making button holes. In principle, binding off is the opposite of casting on, but the techniques are generally not mirror images of one another.

Techniques

Binding off generally involves passing the final loop of a wale over the loop of an adjacent stitch. Techniques differ, however, in how this is done:

• simple bind off

involves simply passing each loop over an adjacent stitch. (The yarn is passed through the final loop to secure the whole chain.) This technique produces a tight edge with little elasticity. Its advantages are that (1) it does not flare as many bound-off edges do; (2) it will retain its length, even under tension (good for shoulder seams!); (3) it does not require that the knitting yarn be nearby; and (4) it can be done in any direction.

• knitted bind off

involves knitting each loop before passing it over the next loop.

• decrease bind off

involves iterative decreases, e.g., *k2tog, return loop to left needle*

References

• (2002) Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book, updated ed., Sixth and Spring Books. ISBN 193154316X

• (1979) Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework, Reader's Digest Association. ISBN 0895770598

Knitting