How to knit the Tubular Bind-off

Are you looking for the matching bind-off for tubular cast-on? You started your sweater with the tubular cast-on and now you want to finish the cuffs so that the edge looks exactly the same as the cast-on? The tubular bind-off is the solution. I’ll show you how to do that.

Tutorial tubular bind off knit how to cast off

The tubular bind-off is identical to the tubular cast-on. The result is a very stretchy, elastic and smooth edge. This methode is used for finishing ribbing. There is no real edge to see – the ribbed stitches just seem to roll over the edge. This is a good way to finish parts that are subject to high elongation, such as turtlenecks, socks and cuffs. Ideal for cases where the cast-on and bind-off edge should look exactly the same.

Materials needed

  • additional knitting needle, in the same size or smaller. If you work in rows a double-pointed or circular needle and if you work in rounds, an additional circular needle.
  • tapestry needle
  • scissors

The tubular bind-off is worked in two steps: first, the stitches are prepared over four rows or rounds so that they can be sewn off in the second step.

1. How to prepare the tubular bind-off

Step 1
Work k1, p1 ribbing to 2 rows or rounds less than the desired length.

TIP: In the example shown here I use the k1, p1 rib pattern. The tubular bind-off is also possible for the k2, p2 rib pattern. But for this you need to “cheat”. The number of stitches must be divisible by 4. Work the ribbing to 2 rows or rounds less than the desired length.

Step 1
Knit 1, purl 1. Then knit from the front in the second stitch on the left needle and leave it on the needle.

Step 2
Purl the first stitch on the left needle and slide the two stitches off the needle.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 continuously. Finally, cross the selvedge stitch.

After “cheating”, continue as for the k1, p1 rib pattern with step 2.

Tutorial tubular bind off italienisches abketten schritt step 12Step 2
Working in rows:
Knit each knit stitch and slip each purl stitch, with yarn in front.

Repeat step 2 for 3 more rows.

Working in rounds:
Rnd 1: Knit each knit stitch and slip each purl stitch, with yarn in front.
Rnd 2: Slip with yarn in back each knit stitch and purl each purl stitch.

Repeat rnd 1 and 2 once more.

Tutorial tubular bind off italienisches abketten knit stricken schritt step 13Step 3
Hold the two empty double-pointed or circular needles in your right hand and your knitting in your left hand. In this step, you separate the knit and purl stitches. To do so, transfer the stitches, one at a time, to the new needles, alternating knit and purl stitches, with the knit going to the front needle and the purl going to the back needle. Slip all stitches purlwise.

Step 4
Graft stitches together using the kitchener stitch.

2. How to work the Kitchener Stitch

When grafting opposite open stitches that have not been binded off, sew together. This is usually used for toes on socks or shoulder stitches. Or, like here, the tubular bind-off.

You need the same number of stitches on both needles.

Tutorial tubular bind off italienisches abketten knit stricken schritt step 21Step 1
Cut the thread. It should be at least three times as long as the piece you want to bind off. The end of the thread should be on the right side. Thread it through the tapestry needle.

Tutorial tubular bind off italienisches abketten knit stricken schritt step Step 2
Insert the tapestry needle through the first stitch on the front needle as if to purl and pull the yarn through. Leave the stitch on the needle.

Tutorial tubular bind off italienisches abketten knit stricken schritt Maschenstich graft step 3Step 3
Insert the tapestry needle through the first stitch on the back needle as if to knit and pull the yarn through. Leave the stitch on the needle.

Tutorial tubular bind off italienisches abketten knit stricken schritt Maschenstich graft step 4Step 4
On the front needle, insert the tapestry needle through the first stitch knitwise and slip the stitch off the needle.

Tutorial tubular bind off italienisches abketten knit stricken schritt Maschenstich graft step 5Step 5
Insert the tapestry needle through the next stitch purlwise through the next stitch purlwise and leave it on the needle.

Tutorial tubular bind off italienisches abketten knit stricken schritt Maschenstich graft step 6Step 6
On the back needle, insert the tapestry needle through the first stitch purlwise and slip the stitch off the needle.

Tutorial tubular bind off italienisches abketten knit stricken schritt Maschenstich graft step 7Step 7
Insert the tapestry needle through the next stitch knitwise and leave the stitch on the needle.

Step 8
Repeat steps 4-7 until all stitches have been worked. You will have 1 stitch left on the back needle; go through with the thread purlwise and weave the end in.

tubular bind off knit finished edge stricken italienisches abketten methode fertige kante

Even if the tubular bind-off involves a little more effort, it is worth it. The cast-off method looks very professional.
Have you tried this technique? What are your experiences with the tubular bind-off?

4 Responses

  1. Gerda Willems
    | Reply

    hello,
    can y use this also for a 3/2 rib?
    thnx,
    Gerda

    • donnarossa
      | Reply

      Dear Gerda,

      this bind-off works on ribbing where the stitches are evenly distributed. That means it works on 1×1 or 2×2 ribbings, but not for ribbings like 1×2 or 3×2.

  2. Deb
    | Reply

    Hi,

    what if my ribbing starts with a purl, so it’s p1, k1?
    How do i do this?

    Thank you,
    Deb

    • donnarossa
      | Reply

      Dear Deborah,

      After the set-up rows (or rounds), you will separate the knit from the purl stitches. The purl stitches always go on the back needle and the knit stitches always on the front needle – regardless if the first stitch is a purl or knit stitch.

      Let me know, if that helps you. :-)

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