How to Bind Off in Pattern

Bind Off In Pattern

About this technique


Binding off in pattern is a technique often used when finishing a rib pattern. By binding off knits as knits and purls as purls you can keep your project from flaring as well as making the bind off a little neater and less obvious.

[VIDEO] How to do this technique


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Technique Instructions


Note: These instructions are for binding off in a 1 x 1 rib pattern, but the principle is the same for all binding off in pattern.

    • Step 1: Knit your first stitch as normal.
    • Step 2: Purl your second stitch as normal.
    • Step 3: Slip the first stitch over the second stitch.
    • Step 4: Knit one.
    • Step 5: Slip stitch over the new stitch.
    • Step 6: Purl one.
    • Step 7: Slip stitch over the new stitch.
    • Step 8: Repeat steps 4-7 until you have one stitch on your needle.

When you have one stitch left, break (or cut) your yarn and pull tight.

Example Photos


3 thoughts on “How to Bind Off in Pattern

  1. Ruthie says:

    Hey Johnny…I'm stuck. When I bind off in pattern (in my case a 1 x 1 rib) it is always very non-elastic. I've tried binding off with a needle 2 sizes larger to see if that would help. Nope, it didn't. I thought that binding off in pattern would make the fabric as elastic at the top edge as is the rest of the ribbing. What am I doing wrong?

  2. Johnny Vasquez says:

    You might want to try something called the Russian Bind Off. I don't have a video of it yet but will try to do one later this month. You can search YouTube for it. It is also referred to as Russian Cast Off and Icelandic Bind Off.

  3. Rachel says:

    Should I start with a purl stitch instead of a knit stitch to bind off in pattern if i’m doing the fisherman rib stitch that’s not the English style which starts the second row with a purl stitch after a foundation row of knit all stitches? Also, is it ok to use the tail from the first ball of yarn along with the new yarn for the first three stitches of the row when i have to join another ball of yarn. I’ve heard this will keep me from having to weave in the tails of yarn when i’m done with a project where i have to attach another ball of yarn.

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