With hundreds of ways to bind off, it may seem daunting to choose the right one for your project. Here are three simple bind offs that can be used on just about any project!
Standard Knitwise Bind Off
The standard knitwise bind off is the first bind off most new knitters learn. It creates a smooth, firm edge that’s perfect for just about any project.
To work the standard or traditional bind off, follow these steps:
1. Knit 2 stitches.
2. Insert the tip of the left needle into the first stitch and pass it over the second stitch. One stitch remains on the right needle.
3. Knit the next stitch.
Repeat steps 2 & 3 until 1 stitch remains. Cut yarn and pull it through the final stitch to fasten off.
Suspended Bind Off
The suspended bind off creates a more elastic edge than the standard knitwise bind off. It has a similar look, making it perfect for finishing things that might need a little more stretch along the edge, like the bottom of a shawl or the top of a sock.
To work the suspended bind off, follow these steps:
1. Knit 2 stitches.
2. Insert the tip of the left needle into the first stitch and pass it over the second stitch. Do not drop the stitch off the left needle.
3. Going in front of the stitch that was not dropped off the left needle, knit the next stitch on the left needle, dropping both stitches off the left needle—2 stitches on right needle.
Repeat steps 2 & 3 until 1 stitch remains. Cut yarn and pull it through the final stitch to fasten off.
Knit Two Together Through the Back Loops (K2tog tbl) Bind Off
This is my favorite bind off to use for end of top-down shawls. It’s quick, it’s easy, and makes for a stretchy edge, ideal for blocking your shawl.
To work the knit two together through the back loops bind off, follow these steps.
1. Knit two stitches together through the back loops. You now have one stitch on the right needle.
2. Slip the stitch purlwise from the right needle back to the left needle.
Repeat steps 1 & 2 until 1 stitch remains. Cut yarn and pull it through the final stitch to fasten off.
No matter which bind off you choose, your project is complete and you are ready to show off your masterpiece! Do you have a favorite bind off? Leave a comment and let us know!
Related Videos: The Basic Bind Off, Suspended Bind Off
I liked all the bind offs, but it easier for me to see it done.
Just learning
I like to use 3 needle bind off for sweaters
How do you make the last cast off stitch neat?
Hello Bessie,
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It really isn’t correct to say that the standard bind off is perfect for almost any project. I’m a newer knitter and just finished a sweet baby sweater and used the standard bind-off. The edges of the little sleeves were so tight that it was unpleasant. I was sure it would have been difficult to dress the baby. I had to pull out the binding and research different methods. I used one that was much looser and more appropriate for the sleeves of a baby sweater.
Hello Carolann,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion, and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
Sarah
The Knitting Circle
Please show how to bind off 3 stitches at each end for armholes.
Hello Sandra,
Many armholes use a three-needle bind off. We have a video for that here: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/video/three-needle-bind-off-018346/
You can also find all our bind off videos here: https://www.theknittingcircle.com/videos/core-skills/bind-off/
Thanks for watching!
Please show the seeming end of threads which will be neat ant visible
Hey Sudha,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion, and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
Sarah
The Knitting Circle
I always use the Basic Bind Off. Essential to ensure a smooth tension is maintained or you’ll end up with a tight finished edge if tension is too tight
A tip i found for basic bind off for evening tensioning (sorry on another site) is to knit first stitch and transfer to right needle, on 2nd knit stitch but just b4 you would complete the transfer (so both needles are still involved with the same stitch) use left needle to do the 1st psso then let the 2nd stitch completely transfer to right needle. this keeps the tension even across the rows without trying to cast off each stitch evenly. It is then loose enough to stretch if you need it too but not too loose.