How to Bind Off

Casting off for right handers (also known as binding off) is the process of putting a finishing edge on a piece to prevent it from raveling. It can occur at the end of a straight piece where all stitches are cast off, or at the beginning of a row where a specific number of stitches are cast off, or within a row when making buttonholes or shaping a neck. It is important to work cast off stitches loosely, so that the finished edge will have as much give as the knitted piece.

Step 1

Loosely knit the first two stitches onto the right needle. Insert the point of the left needle into the first stitch.

How to Cast Off for Right Handers

Step 2

Pass this first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle. One stitch remains on the right needle.

How to Cast Off for Right Handers

Step 3

Knit the next stitch and repeat Step 2; repeat across all stitches.

How to Cast Off for Right Handers

Step 4

Cast off all of the 15 stitches until 1 stitch remains on the right needle and the left needle is empty. Cut the yarn and draw the end through the remaining stitch.

How to Cast Off for Right Handers

This lesson is for casting off in knit for right handers. (You can find the lesson for casting off for left-handers here.) In most instances, however, you should cast off in the stitches that you have been working in. For example, if you have been purling, cast off by working each stitch in purl. If you have been working in ribbing, cast off by keeping the sequence of knit and purl.