Binding off

In knitting, binding off, or casting off, is a family of techniques for ending a column (a wale) of stitches. Binding off is typically used to define the final (usually upper, taking the cast on edge as the lower) edge of a knitted fabric, although it may also be used in other contexts, e.g., in making button holes. In principle, binding off is the opposite of casting on, but the techniques are generally not mirror images of one another. Sometimes, however, they can produce a mirror image appearance.

Techniques

Binding/casting off generally involves passing the final loop of a wale over the loop of an adjacent stitch. Techniques differ, however, in how this is done:

Simple bind/cast off

Involves simply passing each loop over an adjacent stitch. (The yarn is passed through the final loop to secure the whole chain.) This technique produces a tight edge with little elasticity. Its advantages are that

it does not flare as many bound/cast-off edges do;

it will retain its length, even under tension (good for shoulder seams);

it does not require that the knitting yarn be nearby;

it can be done in any direction.

Knit bind/cast off

Involves knitting each loop before passing it over the next loop. The start is made by knitting two stitches as normal, then pulling the first knitted stitch on the right needle over the second knitted stitch on the right needle, knitting the next stitch on the left needle, and continuing to the end.