When binding off the edge of your knitting you can use the simplest method, which is to bind off (or cast off). In fact, some patterns will simply say to “bind off loosely.” But for any knit garment you typically need a extra amount of stretch for things like the collar, cuffs and bottom edge. There are several different methods for achieving a stretchy edge to your work. When I first started knitting the technique used in most of my patterns was the Italian Bind-Off, which requires multiple steps and a tapestry needle. While it does look nice and has plenty of stretch, I find it quite frustrating as I tend to lose track of which step I am on and I end up making mistakes.
However, once I discovered the Stretchy Bind-Off it became my go-to method for binding off my garments. I like it so much that I no longer bother to follow what the pattern calls for.
Steps for the Stretchy Bind-Off
- Start your final row and knit two stitches as called for in the pattern.
- Place your left-hand needle in front, from left to right through those two stitches.
- Wrap your yarn around the needle and knit those two stitches together.
- Knit another stitch in pattern and repeat.
- When you are left with one stitch on the needle, pull the yarn through and sew in the end.
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