What Are Different Ways to Bind Off in Knitting?
You aren't restricted to only one bind-off stitch when you finish knitting a piece for a project you are making. If you are making socks, for instance, you need a stretchy bound-off edge so the socks can be drawn onto the foot and over the calf, then back off again. If you are making a sweater, the edge needs to stretch so the recipient can get it over his head.
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Stretchy Bind Off
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Using the "knit 2 together through the back loops with a stitch between," or k2tbl, you create a stretchy bind-off, which helps if you are making an item of clothing that will stretch when it is being put on or worn. When you put this bind-off stitch on the side you are knitting, it resembles a chain stitch, writes the LotsOfYarn website.
Working from back to front, you knit two together using the loops on your right needle through the back loops.
A variation of this bind-off is the K2tog, or knit 2 together. This bind-off stitch is a little more involved because you need to slip the stitches over to your left needle.
A third version is the K2tbl bind-off (with no stitch in between). This bind-off is still stretchy, but it will be more firm than the first bind-off stitch.
Using the K2tog (with no stitch in between), you obtain a stretchy, but firm, edge, especially if you knit more loosely.
Standard Knitting Bind-Off
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This bind-off method is the most commonly used by knitters and it is used when you plan to sew the edge into a seam. The bound-off edge resembles chain stitches when completed, according to the KnittingDaily website.
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Sewn Bind-Off
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This bind-off creates a very stretchy edge, making it ideal for socks. The edge looks like a ropy or purled edge. The unusual feature in this bind-off is that, instead of using two knitting needles, you use one knitting needle and a large-eye tapestry needle to "sew" the bind-off yarn through the work you have just knitted, says the KnittingDaily website.
Suspended Bind-Off
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A suspended bind-off looks like the standard bind-off, which is slip 1 stitch and knit 2 stitch. Slip the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle, then lift the first slip stitch over the second stitch, leaving the first one on the needle. Knit the next stitch and then slide both stitches off the left needle. You should have two stitches left on the right needle. Continue from the point where you insert the left needle into the first stitch to the end of the row. Pass the first stitch that's on the right needle over to the left needle, writes the KnittingDaily website.
Invisible Ribbed Bind-Off
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This bind-off gives you a very elastic, stretchy and rounded edge. Again, as with the sewn bind-off, you use one knitting needle and a large eye tapestry needle to complete this bind-off. The tapestry needle performs the purl and knit functions as you bind off each stitch on the knitting needle, according to the KnittingDaily website.
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References
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