Cast Off Knitting Methods

In this post, you will see 5 cast-off knitting methods.

There are many ways to cast off, some are for the more intermediate to advanced knitters, but you can learn more about these methods below.

You can also see more tutorials for beginner knitters (how to cast on, how to knit, the knit stitch, how to do the purl stitch, and how to knit garter stitch) here – Knitting Lessons.

Bind Off Knitting – Different Methods For Different Projects

During your knitting career, you will likely use many different yarns for many different projects.

And each project will no doubt benefit from a different type of bind-off or cast-off method.

Creating a stretchy edge, or something with flare, you can explore these methods that give you more than just a standard bind off.

The Standard Bind Off Method

Before we start to look at other methods of binding off or casting off your work, the most common method is the standard bind off.

This is used for edges that will be sewn into seams or finished in some other way, for example, stitches being picked up and knitted.

To do this basic bind off you…

Step 1 – Knit 1 stitch, then insert the right hand needle tip into the first stitch, through the back loop on the left needle, and knit the next stitch.

Step 2 – Pass the knitted stitch on the left hand needle over the second stitch.

Step 3 – Then off the needle, this will leave you with 1 stitch remaining on the right needle and 1 stitch that has been cast off.

Step 4 – You will repeat steps 1 to 3, starting with the next stitch until you have cast off/bound off all of your stitches and are left with only one loop (one last stitch).

Step 5 – You will cut the yarn and feed it through the last loop to pull it tight and secure.

For a basic cast-off tutorial with step-by-step instructions, photographs, and a video, please visit this post here – How to cast off knitting.

1. Stretchy Bind Off

The stretchy bind-off is simple and great to use at the edge of projects like shawls, which need to be stretched out when finished.

It is also useful for binding off cuffs, mittens, gloves, or socks, which need a bind-off with plenty of ease.

This means when you stretch it out, it immediately goes back into shape.

This stretchy cast off technique is easy and a slight variation to the simple method of casting off knitting.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

2. Three-Needle Bind Off

The three-needle bind-off is a way to bind off stitches that are on two needles at the same time.

If you are using circular needles or DPN’s make socks, hats, or any knitting project that has been knit in the round.

You can use the three-needle bind-off instead of the Kitchener stitch.

The underside of the seam is worked so that you don’t have the seam showing on the outside.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

3. I Cord Bind Off

The I cord bind-off creates a tube and gives your bind-off edge a different type of edge.

The effect it gives can make the edges of your project look unique.

From cowls to sweaters, this can be used for many projects.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

4. Tubular Bind Off

The tubular bind-off creates a neater edge for ribbing (1 x 1 ribbing).

It is a variation of the Kitchener stitch and is an easy way to create an elastic bind-off for cuffs, socks (the toe), and necklines.

You will need a tapestry needle to use this method.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

5. Picot Bind Off

The picot bind-off is a decorative way of finishing your work, that adds small picots to the edge of the piece.

This is commonly used when binding off shawls to add a more decorative edge.

It is simple to do and can be done in only three steps.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.