Lesson 7

Knitting Techniques


Binding Off


Binding off, also called casting off it is the final edge of a knitted fabric.


Left Hand Binding Off
Right Hand Binding Off

View the video above and/or click on the + sign below to read and see pictures of how to binding off left handed.



  1. Slip the first stitch on the row off the right needle onto the left needle without knitting. Knit the second stitch very loosely. (There are now two new stitches on the left needle.)

  2. Insert the right needle through the right side of the first stitch.



  3. Keep the yarn in the left hand very loose so that the second stitch remains loose. Bring the first stitch forward over the second stitch and over the tip of the needle so that one stitch remains on the needle.

  4. Knit the stitch loosely. There are again two stitches on the left needle. Repeat steps 2 and 3.

  5. When at the last stitch, clip the yarn about 10 cm from the needle. Bring the loose end through the stitch remaining on the needle and pull tightly. Darn in the loose end so it will not show.
    (Note: When binding off ribbing it is correct to knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as if you were continuing to rib.)


View the video above and/or click on the + sign below to read and see pictures of how to binding off right handed.



  1. Slip the first stitch on the row off the left needle onto the right needle without knitting. Knit the second stitch very loosely. (There are now two new stitches on the right needle.)

  2. Insert the left needle through the left side of the first stitch.



  3. Keep the yarn in the right hand very loose so that the second stitch remains loose. Bring the first stitch forward over the second stitch and over the tip of the needle so that one stitch remains on the needle.

  4. Knit the stitch loosely. There are again two stitches on the right needle. Repeat steps 2 and 3.

  5. When at the last stitch, clip the yarn about 10 cm from the needle. Bring the loose end through the stitch remaining on the needle and pull tightly. Darn in the loose end so it will not show.
    (Note: When binding off ribbing it is correct to knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as if you were continuing to rib.)