To finish off a knitted piece, the stitches are bound off. The easiest way to do this is by chain bind-off.
The chain bind-off is probably the first bind-off method you will learn in knitting. At least that was the case for me. But for me, the bind-off edge was often too tight, so I always gave it a wide berth.
I usually bound off by knitting 2 stitches through the back loop together. But through the back loop knitting, the stitches are twisted. This way I had a more elastic selvedge, but the stitches were twisted.
That’s why I gave the chain bind-off another chance – and lo and behold: the edge was suddenly more elastic.
What might be the reason? I suppose it’s my thread tension. The more relaxed you … er, the thread is, the more elastic the edge becomes.
Whether beginner or advanced, this method is always needed.
For the chain bind-off you don’t need any other material than your knitting. So you can start right away.
How do you work the chain bind-off?
The chain bind-off can be used for both knit and purl stitches. Knit the stitches as they appear: a knit stitch is knitted knitwise, a purl stitch is knitted purlwise.
Make sure that the thread tension is loose when you bind off. The bind-off edge should be elastic. If you find it difficult to create an elastic edge, use a thicker needle for the bind-off (the right needle). Depending on your thread tension, you may be able to go up to two sizes larger. Try out what works for you.
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Knit the first 2 stitches as they appear. There are now 2 stitches on the right needle.
- Pulling over
Insert the left needle from left to right into the 1st stitch and pull it over the 2nd stitch.
- Knitting
Knit the next stitch as it appears.
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Repeat steps 2-3 until there is only 1 stitch left.
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Cut the thread, leaving a thread end of at least 10 cm and pull the thread through.
When using the chain bind-off, the bind-off edge tilts to the right side for stocking stitches and for reverse stocking stitches to the wrong side.
When using this bind-off method for garter stitch, bind off on the wrong side. This way the bind-off edge tilts to the wrong side.
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