Cast On, Bind Off (49 page)

Gathered
page 156

Sloped
page 158

Three-Needle
page 160

a.k.a. Standard, Chain

The Traditional Bind Off
is usually the first bind off knitters learn and often the only one they
ever
use. It is easy to learn; works well on knit, purl, and ribbed edges; and looks decent. It can, however, be hard to work loosely enough, requiring many knitters to go up a needle size so the edge does not pull in. The Traditional Bind Off matches the Chained Cast On, so if you have a project where both ends are visible, such as a scarf or afghan, this pair would be a great way to begin and end. This bind off can be worked in any knit-purl stitch pattern. Work each stitch as it presents itself (knit or purl) and bind off according to the directions.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Smooth, attractive edge — looks like chain stitch

GOOD FOR

• Any knit-purl stitch pattern

• Matching Chained Cast On (
page 39
)

Work the first 2 stitches.

From the front, insert the left-hand needle tip into the first stitch you made (the one farthest from the needle tip) on the right-hand needle.

Pull it over the second stitch and off the needle.

Work the next stitch.

Repeat steps 2–4 until you have 1 stitch remaining.