To remove knitting from needles, you perform a technique called binding off (also known as casting off). This process creates a finished, non-raveling edge, securing your stitches so the fabric doesn't unravel once taken off the needles.
How to Bind Off Knitting Stitches
Binding off is an essential finishing technique that closes the live loops on your needles, preventing your knitted fabric from coming apart. It's a straightforward process that you repeat across your row.
Tools You'll Need
- Knitting Needles: The ones you're currently using for your project.
- Yarn: The working yarn attached to your project.
- Scissors: To cut the yarn.
- Tapestry Needle (optional): For weaving in the yarn tail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Standard Bind Off
The standard bind-off method is the most common and versatile, creating a neat, firm edge.
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Work the First Two Stitches:
- Knit (or purl, depending on your pattern and desired edge) the first stitch on your left needle.
- Knit (or purl) the second stitch on your left needle.
- You now have two stitches on your right needle.
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Pass One Stitch Over:
- Using the tip of your left needle, reach over and insert it into the first stitch you worked on your right needle (the one furthest from the tip).
- Gently lift this stitch up and over the second stitch on your right needle, and then completely off the right needle.
- You now have one stitch remaining on your right needle. This action effectively "removes" one stitch from the project.
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Work the Next Stitch:
- Knit (or purl) the next stitch from your left needle.
- You now again have two stitches on your right needle.
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Repeat the Process:
- Repeat Step 2: Pass the first stitch on your right needle up and over the second stitch, and off the needle.
- You will continue this "work a stitch, pass the previous stitch over" sequence repeatedly across your row. This process is followed all the way until all stitches originally on your left needle have been bound off, leaving only one loop on your right needle. This technique can be applied to various knitting patterns and stitch types.
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Secure the Last Stitch:
- Once only one loop remains on your right needle, cut your working yarn, leaving a tail about 6-8 inches long.
- Insert your right needle into the loop, then wrap the cut yarn tail around the needle and pull it completely through the loop.
- Pull the yarn tail firmly to tighten the loop, creating a secure knot.
Visual Summary of Standard Bind Off
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Work 2 Stitches | Knit (or purl) two stitches from the left needle onto the right needle. | Two stitches on the right needle. |
| 2. Pass Over | With the left needle, lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle. | One stitch on the right needle. |
| 3. Work 1 Stitch | Knit (or purl) the next stitch from the left needle. | Two stitches on the right needle. |
| 4. Repeat | Continue passing the first stitch over the second until all stitches are removed from the left needle. | One stitch on the right needle, all others bound off. |
| 5. Secure Final Loop | Cut yarn, pull tail through the last remaining loop, and tighten. | Finished edge, no live stitches. |
Important Considerations for Binding Off
- Tension: Aim for an even tension. If you bind off too tightly, the edge will be stiff and restrictive. If you bind off too loosely, it might look sloppy and lack structure. Practice helps you find the right balance.
- Leaving a Yarn Tail: Always leave a sufficiently long yarn tail when cutting the yarn (6-8 inches is a good rule of thumb). This tail is crucial for weaving in later, which helps prevent unraveling and creates a neat finish. For seaming, you might need an even longer tail.
- Binding Off in Pattern: While the basic bind off involves knitting or purling, you can also bind off "in pattern." This means you work each stitch as it presents itself in the established pattern (e.g., knit a knit stitch, purl a purl stitch) before passing the previous stitch over. This creates an edge that flows seamlessly with the fabric's design.
- When to Bind Off: You bind off when you've reached the desired length of your knitted piece, finished a section (like a sleeve or collar), or are completing the final edge of your project.
Binding off marks the satisfying completion of your knitting project, transforming live stitches into a finished, stable fabric. For more detailed guides and variations, explore resources like KnittingHelp.com or Ravelry.com.
