How to Knit the Last Line of a Blanket

Binding off is the final step in knitting a blanket.

Knitting a blanket is a project that can be undertaken by both novices and experienced knitters. Once you have finished the body of the blanket, the final row must be knitted in a way that secures the stitches and creates a solid edge. This technique is called "binding off." It involves working with only two stitches at a time and gradually decreasing the number of stitches on your knitting needles until only one live stitch remains. The standard bind-off can be used with any stitch pattern. It does not require different needles and yarn than what was used to make the rest of your blanket.

Things You'll Need

• Knitting needles
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Instructions

1. Knit the first two stitches of the final row of the blanket with the yarn and knitting needles used throughout the project. There should now be only two stitches on your right-hand knitting needle.

2. Use the tip of the left-hand knitting needle to lift the first knitted stitch on the right-hand needle up and pass it over the second stitch. Drop the first stitch completely off the right-hand needle, leaving only one stitch on that needle.

3. Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle. There should now be two stitches on the right-hand needle.

4. Use the left-hand needle tip to lift the first stitch on the right-hand needle up and pass it over the new stitch, dropping it off the needle to leaving only the new stitch remaining.

5. Continue knitting one stitch at a time off of the left-hand needle and then lifting the first stitch to drop it off the right-hand needle. Work until only one stitch remains on the left-hand needle.

6. Cut the yarn with scissors and draw the yarn end from left to right through the loop of the remaining stitch. Pull the end tightly to secure it. Use the tapestry needle to weave the loose end into the edge of the blanket.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold your yarn with an even tension as you bind off to avoid making the final stitches too tight or too loose.

References

• Lion Brand Yarn: BO = Bind Off
• Knitting Daily; Binding Off: Intermediate and Advanced Techniques; Kathleen Cubley; November 2009
• "Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework"; 1979