Binding off (knitting)
Encyclopedia
In knitting
, binding off, or casting off, is a family of techniques for ending a column (a wale) of stitches. Binding off is typically used to define the final (usually upper, taking the cast on edge as the lower) edge of a knitted fabric
, although it may also be used in other contexts, e.g., in making button
holes. In principle, binding off is the opposite of casting on
, but the techniques are generally not mirror image
s of one another. Sometimes, however, they can produce a mirror image appearance.
Simple bind off : Involves simply passing each loop over an adjacent stitch. (The yarn is passed through the final loop to secure the whole chain.) This technique produces a tight edge with little elasticity. Its advantages are that (1) it does not flare as many bound-off edges do; (2) it will retain its length, even under tension (good for shoulder
seams); (3) it does not require that the knitting yarn
be nearby; and (4) it can be done in any direction.
Knit bind off : Involves knitting each loop before passing it over the next loop. Note that you start by knitting two stitches as normal, then pull the first knitted stitch on the right needle
over the second knitted stitch on the right needle, knit the next stitch on the left needle, and continue to the end. This can be done tightly or loosely, depending on the tension of the knitter. If you want to ensure that the bind-off edge is loose, one method to ensure this is to use a needle at least two sizes larger than the project needle size.
Purl bind off : Involves purling each loop before passing it over the next loop. This is simply the purl version of the knit bind off. You can also do this in pattern, such as a rib pattern.
Decrease bind off : Involves iterative decreases, e.g., "k2tog, return loop to left needle".
Sewn bind off : This involves the use of a tapestry
needle with an extremely long tail of the yarn. There are several variations. The most well-known is from Elizabeth Zimmermann
's Knitting without Tears. It produces an extremely stretchy edge and is excellent for the top of sock
s. Using this long tail, pull the needle through two front loops as if to purl, then back through the first stitch as if to knit. Drop the first stitch off. Repeat to the end.
Three needle bind off : This bindoff is used for joining two pieces of knitting, such as the front and back of a sweater
by binding off their stitches together to create a seam
. For this bindoff, the two needles (in the case of a sweater, each may hold the shoulder stitches) are held parallel with the right sides of the knitting facing each other. Binding off as with the knit bindoff, each stitch is the result of knitting together one stitch from each needle (i.e. pass needle through first stitch of first needle, first stitch of second needle, wrap yarn, pull through, and drop both stitches)
Tubular bind off : A stretchy bindoff used on a ribbed
edge; most helpful for sock and neckline
edges.
Knitting
Knitting is a method by which thread or yarn may be turned into cloth or other fine crafts. Knitted fabric consists of consecutive rows of loops, called stitches. As each row progresses, a new loop is pulled through an existing loop. The active stitches are held on a needle until another loop can...
, binding off, or casting off, is a family of techniques for ending a column (a wale) of stitches. Binding off is typically used to define the final (usually upper, taking the cast on edge as the lower) edge of a knitted fabric
Fabric
A fabric is a textile material, short for "textile fabric".Fabric may also refer to:*Fabric , the spatial and geometric configuration of elements within a rock*Fabric , a nightclub in London, England...
, although it may also be used in other contexts, e.g., in making button
Button
In modern clothing and fashion design, a button is a small fastener, most commonly made of plastic, but also frequently of seashell, which secures two pieces of fabric together. In archaeology, a button can be a significant artifact. In the applied arts and in craft, a button can be an example of...
holes. In principle, binding off is the opposite of casting on
Casting on (knitting)
In knitting, casting on is a family of techniques for adding new stitches that do not depend on earlier stitches, i.e., stitches having an independent lower edge. In principle, casting on is the opposite of binding off, but the techniques involved are generally unrelated.Casting on can also be...
, but the techniques are generally not mirror image
Mirror image
A mirror image is a reflected duplication of an object that appears identical but reversed. As an optical effect it results from reflection off of substances such as a mirror or water. It is also a concept in geometry and can be used as a conceptualization process for 3-D structures...
s of one another. Sometimes, however, they can produce a mirror image appearance.
Techniques
Binding off generally involves passing the final loop of a wale over the loop of an adjacent stitch. Techniques differ, however, in how this is done:Simple bind off : Involves simply passing each loop over an adjacent stitch. (The yarn is passed through the final loop to secure the whole chain.) This technique produces a tight edge with little elasticity. Its advantages are that (1) it does not flare as many bound-off edges do; (2) it will retain its length, even under tension (good for shoulder
Shoulder
The human shoulder is made up of three bones: the clavicle , the scapula , and the humerus as well as associated muscles, ligaments and tendons. The articulations between the bones of the shoulder make up the shoulder joints. The major joint of the shoulder is the glenohumeral joint, which...
seams); (3) it does not require that the knitting yarn
Yarn
Yarn is a long continuous length of interlocked fibres, suitable for use in the production of textiles, sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving, embroidery and ropemaking. Thread is a type of yarn intended for sewing by hand or machine. Modern manufactured sewing threads may be finished with wax or...
be nearby; and (4) it can be done in any direction.
Knit bind off : Involves knitting each loop before passing it over the next loop. Note that you start by knitting two stitches as normal, then pull the first knitted stitch on the right needle
Knitting needle
A knitting needle or knitting pin is a tool in hand-knitting to produce knitted fabrics. They generally have a long shaft and taper at their end, but they are not nearly as sharp as sewing needles. Their purpose is two-fold...
over the second knitted stitch on the right needle, knit the next stitch on the left needle, and continue to the end. This can be done tightly or loosely, depending on the tension of the knitter. If you want to ensure that the bind-off edge is loose, one method to ensure this is to use a needle at least two sizes larger than the project needle size.
Purl bind off : Involves purling each loop before passing it over the next loop. This is simply the purl version of the knit bind off. You can also do this in pattern, such as a rib pattern.
Decrease bind off : Involves iterative decreases, e.g., "k2tog, return loop to left needle".
Sewn bind off : This involves the use of a tapestry
Tapestry
Tapestry is a form of textile art, traditionally woven on a vertical loom, however it can also be woven on a floor loom as well. It is composed of two sets of interlaced threads, those running parallel to the length and those parallel to the width ; the warp threads are set up under tension on a...
needle with an extremely long tail of the yarn. There are several variations. The most well-known is from Elizabeth Zimmermann
Elizabeth Zimmermann
Elizabeth Zimmermann was a British-born knitter known for revolutionizing the modern practice of knitting through her books and instructional series on American public television....
's Knitting without Tears. It produces an extremely stretchy edge and is excellent for the top of sock
Sock
A sock is an item of clothing worn on the feet. The foot is among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body, as it is able to produce over of perspiration per day. Socks help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where air can evaporate the perspiration. In cold environments, socks decrease...
s. Using this long tail, pull the needle through two front loops as if to purl, then back through the first stitch as if to knit. Drop the first stitch off. Repeat to the end.
Three needle bind off : This bindoff is used for joining two pieces of knitting, such as the front and back of a sweater
Sweater
A sweater, jumper, pullover, sweatshirt, jersey or guernsey is a garment intended to cover the torso and arms. It is often worn over a shirt, blouse, T-shirt, or other top, but may also be worn alone as a top...
by binding off their stitches together to create a seam
Seam
Seam may refer to:* Seam , the line where two or more layers of fabric are held together by stitches* Seam , a stratum of coal or mineral that is economically viable; a bed or a distinct layer of vein of rock in other layers of rock...
. For this bindoff, the two needles (in the case of a sweater, each may hold the shoulder stitches) are held parallel with the right sides of the knitting facing each other. Binding off as with the knit bindoff, each stitch is the result of knitting together one stitch from each needle (i.e. pass needle through first stitch of first needle, first stitch of second needle, wrap yarn, pull through, and drop both stitches)
Tubular bind off : A stretchy bindoff used on a ribbed
Ribbed
Ribbed is the third studio album by the American punk rock band NOFX. It was released on March 26, 1991 through Epitaph Records. It was their last album to feature Steve Kidwiller on guitar, who was replaced by El Hefe...
edge; most helpful for sock and neckline
Neckline
The neckline is the top edge of a garment that surrounds the neck, especially from the front view. Neckline also refers to the overall line between all the layers of clothing and the neck and shoulders of a person, ignoring the unseen undergarments....
edges.