Super-Stretchy Bind Off
A very stretchy finish for one-by-one ribbed edges.
This bind off, created by Jeny Staiman as the Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off, matches the Super-Stretchy Cast On, and works great on ribbed edges to maintain stretch without fluttering.
How to do it:
Text included in the images is written out below each step to make this Low Vision Accessible. Instructions on the images are for right-handed people. Instructions in the written text is non-hand specific.
Basic Principle:
You will be using yarn-overs to create extra yarn to allow for extra stretch in this bind off.
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Step One:
Work one stitch in the pattern. (Knit the knits, purl the purls.)
Step Two:
If your next stitch is a knit: Reverse Yarn Over (YO) by bringing yarn back to front over the working knitting needle.
If your next stitch is a purl: Normal Yarn Over (YO) by passing yarn front to back over working knitting needle.
Step Three:
Work the next stitch in the pattern. (Knit the knits, purl the purls.)
Step Four:
Use needle holding the work (in your non-dominant hand) to pull the YO you worked in Step Two over second stitch and over the end of the working knitting needle.
Step Five:
Use the stitch-holding needle to pull the first stitch over the second stitch and off the end of the working needle.
Step Six:
You have now bound off one stitch.
The extra yarn created by the YO is what makes this bind-off so stretchy.
Step Seven:
Repeat Steps One through Five as many times as necessary until you have a single stitch left. Pull the yarn tail through the last stitch and tighten into a knot to finish.
Once you have several bound-off stitches, you’ll see how the result is stretchy, but firm.
Step Eight:
This is what the results look like stretched out. From the side, the top stretched edge looks a little like a single crochet chain.
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About My Secret Wish Knitting
Hi! I’m Talena Winters (a.k.a. the Yarn Mermaid).
I started My Secret Wish Knitting in 2010 to empower and delight knitting heroes like you who want to elevate your knitting and make magic with yarn. When I’m not concocting new yarn potion recipes, I’m creating story magic as a fantasy and romance author and fiction editor (at talenawinters.com). I live with my family and pets in the Peace Country of northern Alberta, Canada, where sweater weather lasts at least nine months a year and my closest neighbours are bears and wood nymphs.
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