How To

How to Cast Off

By Diane Steinbach, eHow Editor
How to Cast Off
Rate: (2 Ratings)

Some may say the best part of a knitting project is finishing it. Now that baby blanket is as long as it needs to be, how to do you "end" your knitting adventure? Cast off. Also known as "binding off," finishing your project and getting those stitches off your needle is easy. No matter what the pattern circumstances, here is how to cast off and finish your beautiful knitted project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Knitting needles with project at the finishing point
  • Yarn
  1. Step 1

    Knit two stitches onto your empty needle. Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and let drop. Knit another stitch, then again, lift the first stitch on the needle over the second stitch. You will always be working with two stitched until you get to the end of your stitches. When on the last stitch, simply cut your yarn and pull the end through the last stitch to tie off.

  2. Step 2

    Purling? Purl two stitches onto your needle. Purl the first stitch over the second and one and let drop just as you did the knitting bind off above. This will keep your final row in the purl stitch to blend with a purled row above.

  3. Step 3

    Follow the pattern. If you are knitting a pattern, simply bind off following the same series of stitches. So for example, if you are knitting three stitches and purling one, follow that same pattern as you bind off, knitting and purling as you would normally until you complete your cast off.

  4. Step 4

    Gather the edge. To give your piece a more "finished" look you can create a slight draw-in with your cast off. This is especially good for sleeves or patterned sweaters. Knit three stitches onto your needle. Pass the first stitch over the other two and let drop off the needle. Knit another one stitch onto the other needle and repeat, always working with three stitches on your needle until the end.

Tips & Warnings
  • If the written word still leaves you confused, go to your local knitting store and ask someone to show you. Sometimes seeing the move in action helps.
Photo Credit

Katia Grimmer-Laversanne ~ sxc

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