In a previous post, we discussed the simple cast off method, and we’ll include it here as well, but I wanted to compare it to other methods, like we did with our increases and decreases in our last few posts!
So, to begin, I’ve made 3 swatches with the same yarn, and I’m using 4.5 mm knitting needles for all of them, to keep everything even.
This way, when we compare them, we’ll be able to see differences we wouldn’t necessarily catch when just looking at one on its own.
We’re going to compare the standard bind off to a stretchy bind off, and finally, the I cord bind off. These do increase in difficulty, but I would still consider them easy. I’ll also do my best to explain them to you so that you can find them easy as well.
Method #1: The Standard Bind Off (Beginner-friendly)
When you’re ready, begin the cast off row by knitting your first 2 stitches onto your right needle. Then with your left needle pick up the first stitch and lift it up and over the second, and over the tip of your right needle.
Knit the next stitch on the left needle, and then lift the first one, on your right needle, up and over the new one. Repeat until you only have 1 stitch left. Cut your yarn below your loop and gently pull up on the loop until the tail comes through. Cinch down the yarn to tighten and weave in your ends.
Method #2: Stretchy Cast off (Easy Level)
When you’re ready, knit your first stitch, then bring your yarn to the front for a yarn over, knit the next stitch with the yarn over.
Then insert your right needle into the first 2 loops on the right needle, and lift them off over the third stitch.
Then, bring yarn to the front for another yarn over, knit the next stitch with the yarn over, and lift off the first 2 loops on the right needle. You should only have 1 stitch on your right needle at this point.
Method #3: I-Cord Bind Off (Easy, with some experience)
When you’re ready to start: knit the first stitch, but place it back on your left needle, knit it again, but before you lift off the stitch from the left needle, place the loop from the right needle back on the left. This is a knitted cast on. Make a second cast on.
Now, knitting each row will be as follows: knit 2 stitches.
Knit 2 together through the back loop.
Then slip all 3 stitches back to the left needle. Repeat all the way across.
At the end of the row, you’ll have 3 loops on your left needle, k2tog,, knit the last st. Slip back to the left needle. Finally knit 2 together and fasten off.
Watch the tutorial for each below:
Which one is your favourite? Honestly, all have their place. For me, I use the stretchy one ALL THE TIME! And the I-cord, I used to finish off my knit baby blanket because the edges rolled a little when I was done. It gave me a beautiful finished edge that I loved.
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Much Love,
