Tips & Tricks for Better Bind Off Edges // Technique Tuesday

This video explains what causes different problems with bind off edges, and how to avoid those problems. Sometimes edges flare, and sometimes they are too rigid. Once the reason for the problem is understood, the knitter can solve the problem with the appropriate solution.

To jump right to a specific point in the video, click on the adjacent time-stamped link:
Introduction: 0:00
Typical bind off problems (too tight/too flared): 0:18
Avoiding a flared bind off: 1:14
Creating a less rigid/tight bind off (by modifying tension): 4:33
The decrease bind off: 6:50
Purl decrease bind off: 9:59
Decrease bind off in pattern: 10:37

Needles used in video demonstration: various brands of bamboo dpns. No idea what brand they are
Yarn used in video demonstration: Brown Sheep Company Nature Spun worsted weight wool.

If you have questions about this video, or suggestions for future videos, please let me know down in the comments or on social media.

[bratface]

the decreasing bind off edge gave me a beautiful cuff on a baby sweater and it was so easy, easier than the traditional where if is by accident lost a stitch had trouble recovering. With this method I only have to put left needle back in because my 2 stitches are patiently waiting on my right needle! Every help video of yours has been a winner for me!

[lesleyoliver]

Hi Roxanne, just to say that I am thoroughly enjoying all your little tips. I am returning to knitting after 25/30 years and you’ve inspired me (maybe a little too much, I want to do it all 🙃🤣😊). I hope that you and your family/friends are well and remain so. Thanks from Australia 🐨🐨🦘🦘

[dawndunn]

So very helpful, and I learned a couple of super interesting tips!! Thank you!!

[Regina-yfcz]

Thank you so much for your bind off-video showing different types of binding off. Would have saved me a lot of time and anger, if had found it before 😘. I have bought you and your friend a café. Best regards from Bavaria.

[billhz]

Great instructions! For my ribbed scarf I discovered the cast on edge was flared. Rather than unravel it, I wove the tail just under the edge every few loops in the fabric all the way across with a crochet hook and when I got to the end, I pulled that yarn to gather the edge to perfection with the right tension and then tied it off. I will be adding tassels so how the edge looks doesn't matter, but the edge looks just fine without. The concept was inspired by something my mama taught me when inserting elastic to homemade pajama waist bands.

Now with your instructions, when I bind off I will use your technique. Not sure how to make the cast on edge behave with the ribbed pattern except with my work around. Thanks!

[DiVaIve]

What a great instructional video. I usually bind off with a crochet needle I find it much easier to pull through instead of pulling over.

[rachelbeck]

This video was so helpful! I have watched quite a videos talking about binding off, but yours is the first to address the issue I am having - a too tight bind off. Thank you so much for such a thorough review!

[scarlettm.]

Thank you for your helpful work! And for the timestamps in the videos which are so convenient 😊

[tinekejoldersma]

Oh wow, thought I couldn't learn more about knitting but you just did.

[rafaelr.]

You are the best. Thanks for addressing the elephant in the room.
I don't know what I am talking about.
Flamingos are cool.

[annd]

I was so excited to see a technique Tuesday video today! Thank you for the great information.

[sarag]

I've used your video to bind off in the ssk version on the bottom of my first sweater in 2x2. I don't want something that's going to stretch out too much. I think this will work beautifully..

[leeperalta]

Thank you for this tutorial! I used this decrease bind off (worked as a ssk) for the first time, and I love it! It looks very nice, has just enough stretch, and is fairly quick.

[maretabester]

Thank you!... I learn so much with each of your Technical Tuesday videos!
I have just started knitting again after about 20 years and really want my work to look neat. Somehow I am bundling everything up. 🙈
I have a question about something I do really struggle with. The side edges of a piece of knitting, eg for jerseys.
Firstly I am not sure what I should do at the edges, especially thinking of sewing pieces together. Do I knit the first and last sts on the knit side, and purl them in the purl side, or knit all of them. 🤦
Secondly I struggle with keeping the same tension especially the beginning and ending of rows. So when I want to sew pieces together the 'end' stitches are not the same size.
Could you please help, or maybe you already have a video explaining this.🙏
Thank you 💕

[Sanna]

Thank you, my two by two rib bind off, sorted.

[daamile]

This was so incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for explaining it so well, and doing all that research. My edges look so crisp now! ♥️

[keksitse]

Thanks for this great video! I got great advise, and the yarn and stitches are easy to be seen in your example!

[cherylhandmadewithlove]

Very informative for new knitters!! Thank you! 💐🦋

[marissachippy]

This is great! How do you take care of the last 2 stitches when binding off so you are not stuck with a large, loose loop at the end?

[melvinbeli]

Wow, I've learned so much from your video and your others are great too. Do you have a video on how to tie off the last bind off stitch so it's smooth for weaving in that end? I've seen (but don't know which yarn they pull through) where the yarn instead of being pulled through and making a bulky knot that working yarn is puled through and up into a really long loop and cut at the top middle. One side is pulled through to finish it off but I can never see which side of the cut loop is pulled through. Can you help? Thanks again for your great video :D