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Binding off (knitting)
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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 images of one another.
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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 images 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 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 socks. 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.
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