How to Cast Off in Knitting

Casting off, or binding off, creates an edge to your knitting that will not ravel. The following is the most common method of casting off stitches. After learning how to do this you should see an increased quality of your knitting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crochet Hooks
• Tapestry Needles
• Knitting Patterns
• Measuring Tapes
• Yarns
• Knitting Needles
• Small Scissors
• Knitting Baskets Or Tote
• Row Counter

1. Refer to your knitting pattern to determine the number of stitches to be cast off. This number will depend on the type of piece you are knitting.

2. Knit two stitches. There will now be two stitches on your right needle.

3. Insert your left needle into the first stitch you knitted onto the right needle.

4. Pull your left needle up and to the left so that the first stitch is pulled over the second and off the tip of the right needle. One stitch remains on the right needle and one stitch is now cast off.

5. Knit another stitch. Once again, there are two stitches on your right needle.

6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 until all stitches are cast off.

7. Thread excess yarn onto a tapestry needle and weave approximately 2 to 3 inches into the edge of the knitted piece. Cut excess yarn.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep stitches loose and consistent to prevent edge from looking too tightly knitted. Use a needle that is one size larger than the one you used to knit your piece, if necessary.
• Keep your hands, arms and shoulders relaxed as you are knitting. This will help you keep the tension of your stitches consistent.

[rachelcgray]

on 2/8/2009 i like the idea of using a needle one size larger. i'll have to try it on my next project.

[mnmommy]

on 2/5/2009 I also use the larger needles when binding off. My stitching tends to be tighter anyway, so I usually use needles that are 3-4 sizes larger for binding off.

[rspears01]

on 1/18/2009 I've just started knitting so when practicing I can do the basic stitches, but always have it to unravel...thanks for sharing this, now I can actually save my work!! 5* and recommend!!!

on 8/8/2006 Inevitably, when I bind off, the bind off is too tight and no amount of pulling and stretching will loosen it. So, to remedy this, I bind off with a larger needle. It makes the stitches bigger, therefore a looser bind off.