To end a purl stitch, particularly when finishing a project or a section of purl knitting, you typically perform a technique called binding off in purl. This creates a clean, finished edge that complements the purl fabric.
How to End a Purl Stitch: Binding Off Purlwise
Binding off in purl involves systematically removing stitches from your knitting needle while maintaining a purl appearance, creating a secure, non-ravelling edge. It's a fundamental finishing technique that applies whether you're ending a purl-stitch row, a purl section of a piece, or an entire purl-stitch project.
Why Bind Off in Purl?
Binding off in a purlwise manner ensures that the finished edge matches the texture of your purl fabric. It prevents the active stitches from unravelling, providing a stable and attractive conclusion to your knitted piece.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bind Off Purlwise
Follow these steps for a neat and secure purl bind-off:
- Purl the First Stitch: Insert your right needle into the first stitch on the left needle as if to purl, wrap the yarn, and pull it through, creating a new stitch on your right needle.
- Purl the Second Stitch: Repeat the purl motion for the second stitch on the left needle. You now have two purl stitches on your right needle.
- Pass Over the First Stitch: Using your left needle, gently pick up the first purled stitch on your right needle. Carefully lift it over the second purled stitch and off the tip of the right needle. You should now have one stitch remaining on your right needle.
- Purl the Next Stitch: Purl the next stitch from your left needle onto your right needle. You will again have two stitches on your right needle.
- Repeat Passing Over: With your left needle, pick up the first stitch on your right needle and pass it over the second stitch and off the right needle.
- Continue the Pattern: Repeat steps 4 and 5—purl one stitch, then pass the previous stitch over—until you have only one stitch remaining on your right needle and no stitches left on your left needle.
- Secure the Bind-Off: Cut your working yarn, leaving a tail of about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). Take this yarn tail and pull it through the single remaining loop on your right needle. Pull firmly to fasten the last stitch, creating a secure knot that prevents the edge from unravelling.
Tips for a Neat Purl Bind-Off
- Maintain Even Tension: Keep your tension consistent throughout the bind-off process. Too tight, and the edge will pucker; too loose, and it will be floppy.
- Use a Larger Needle: If you find your bind-off edge is too tight, try using a knitting needle one size larger than your working needles specifically for the bind-off row.
- Practice: Like any knitting technique, practice makes perfect. The more you bind off, the more comfortable and consistent you'll become.
Common Issues and Solutions in Binding Off Purlwise
| Issue | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Edge is too tight | The bind-off edge feels stiff and pulls the fabric in. | Try binding off more loosely, or use a larger needle size for the bind-off row. |
| Edge is too loose | The bind-off edge looks stretched or wavy. | Try binding off with tighter tension, or use a smaller needle size for the bind-off row. |
| Uneven stitches | Some bind-off stitches are larger or smaller than others. | Focus on consistent tension when purling each stitch and when passing the stitch over. |
| Accidental increases | You end up with more stitches on your needle than expected. | Ensure you are only purling one new stitch and then passing one previous stitch over, not two. |
| Stitches dropped | A stitch slips off the needle before it can be bound off. | Work slowly and carefully. If a stitch drops, pick it up immediately before it unravels further. |
When to Use a Purl Bind-Off
A purl bind-off is ideal for:
- Finishing a project entirely worked in purl stitch.
- Ending rows in garter stitch, where both sides appear the same.
- Creating a seamless continuation of a purl texture along an edge.
- Binding off while working ribbing (e.g., K1P1 rib) where you want to maintain the rib pattern up to the bind-off edge. In this case, you would purl the purl stitches and knit the knit stitches before passing them over.
Related Techniques
- Knitting Bind-Off: Similar to the purl bind-off, but executed by knitting stitches instead of purling them, suitable for stockinette or knit-heavy fabrics.
- Three-Needle Bind-Off: Joins two knitted pieces together, creating a seam while binding off stitches.
- Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off: A flexible bind-off often used for cuffs, necklines, or anything needing extra give.
