The bind off is an essential step in every knitting project. Similar to cast on methods, there are various ways to bind off, also known as to cast off. It is important to bind off while the project is sitting on the knitting needles. Each knitter has a favorite method and there is no right or wrong way. Generally it is always recommended to bind off your knitting neatly to keep the project from unravelling. A neat bind-off determines the finished look and prevents damage in the long run use of the knitted fabric. Many knitting patterns come with their set of instructions to bind off, so you just have to follow the steps. The bind-off method is mostly dependent on the pattern, project and even the knitting needles (be it double-pointed or circular needles).

If you want to know more on how to bind off knitting, we’ll walk you through. Knitting only has two basic stitches – knit and purl. In a way, both stitches are mirror images of each other, looking the same in the opposite side of the fabric. When you knit, the yarn remains behind the knitting needles and when you purl, the yarn stays in front of the needle. Any stitch pattern is based on these two, so chances are in a pattern you’ll be doing either one. The trick is to stick to the stitch pattern and bind off. Choosing knitting needles a size bigger than the ones used to knit the project will result in a neat stretchy bind off.

Bind Off a Project Knitwise

When you get to the last row or round of the project, follow these steps.

Step 1 - Knit two stitches loosely on your right knitting needle.

Step 2 - Insert the left knitting needle into the second to last stitch.

Step 3 - Bring the first knit stitch over the last stitch and off the needle.

Step 4 - Continue to pull the first stitch over the second stitch till you have only one stitch left in the row.

Step 5 – Now cut off a 10″ yarn tail.

Step 6 – Weave in the yarn tail with a darning needle.

These steps work for all kinds of bind off in almost all patterns and projects.

Bind Off a Project Purlwise

If the last row or round of the pattern has purl stitches, you’ll need to bind off in purlwise. Just follow the above steps and instead of knitting the stitches, purl them.

Now you know the steps to bind off your project knitwise as well as purlwise.

How to Bind Off in Middle of the Pattern?

As you advance with knitting, there will be a time when a knitting pattern asks to bind off in middle of the row. This does not mean the project is complete but you will continue with the stich pattern. Here too the above instructions work. Follow the steps knitwise or purlwise and bind off. To continue with the project, you will have the set of instructions to do so. If not simply pick up the stitches on the knitting needle and continue.

It is easy to bind off any project as long as you remember to knit or purl according to the pattern instructions. As long as you follow this, you’ll have no trouble whether you are knitting back and forth or knitting in the round. If you are using double pointed needles, chances are that you have limited number of stitches than can be accommodated on two knitting needles. You just need to follow the steps, while with circular needles it is best if you mark the start of the row with a stitch marker.

While there are many more ways to bind off a knitting project. With time and practice you will perfect your skills.

Source: https://uberant.com/article/1877448-how-to-bind-off-knitting/