How to bind off (cast off)

The standard (basic) bind off

You'll work across the row, lifting one stitch over the next:

1. Knit the first two stitches as normal, so they're on your right needle.
2. Insert the left needle into the first stitch you knitted (the one further right).
3. Lift that first stitch up and over the second stitch and off the needle. One stitch remains on the right needle, and now you've bound off one stitch.
4. Knit one more stitch (you now have two on the right needle again).
5. Repeat steps 2–4 across the row.
6. When one stitch remains, cut the yarn leaving a 15 cm (6 inch) tail, pull it through the last loop, and tighten. → weave in the end with a tapestry needle.

Keep it loose. The most common bind-off mistake is working too tightly, which puckers the edge. Bind off at a relaxed tension, or use a needle one size larger for the bind-off row.

(Visual needed: step photos or GIF of lifting the stitch over — see build notes.)

Keep it loose. The most common bind-off mistake is working too tightly, which puckers the edge. Bind off at a relaxed tension, or use a needle one size larger for the bind-off row.