• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sheep and Stitch

Knitted goodness made by you

  • About
  • Start Here
  • Patterns
  • How To Knit
  • Knitting Library
  • Blog

Knitting Library  >  Techniques

How to Knit a Stretchy Bind Off

Published on June 22, 2020 By Davina | May contain affiliate links (whats this?)

In this post I’m going to show you how to knit a stretchy bind off step by step for a regular knit bind off and a rib bind off.

This knitting technique will help you create a very stretchy edge. This extra stretch is handy when binding off the cuffs of sweaters, socks, mittens and necklines, not to mention the brims of hats.

Anytime you need a very stretchy edge, look no further than this bind off!

Stretchy Bind Off Vs. Regular Bind Off

While a regular bind off provides some stretch, it can’t compare to a stretchy bind off.

Just take a look at this comparison of the two bind offs.

stretchy bind off test
This is a measurement of a regular bind off

When stretched to maximum capacity, the regular bind off measures 9”

stretchy bind off example
A measurement of the same knitting bound off with the stretchy bind off

However, when the same knitting is bound off with the stretchy bind off, it measures 12”! That’s a 33% increase in stretch!

Bind Off Considerations

You don’t get this incredible amount of stretch without some trade-offs though.

One of the downsides of this bind off involve flaring.

The flaring occurs at the edges of the bind off. While it’s not extremely noticeable, eagle-eyed perfectionists may not like the look of the flare.

Stretchy Bind Off Video Tutorial

 

Stretchy Bind Off Step-by-Step

  1. Knit two stitches. Push the left needle into the two stitches through the front. 
  2. Then knit the two stitches together.
  3. Now there’s one stitch on the right needle. Knit another stitch so you’ve got two stitches.
  4. Knit those two stitches together through the front.

Continue in this manner until you have one stitch left. Cut the yarn loose leaving a 5-10 inch tail.

Weave the tail through the last stitch et voila you have a stretchy bind off!

Rib Stretchy Bind Off Step-by-Step

For a rib stretchy bind off: as a rule of thumb, remember to knit the knits and purl the purls

  1. Knit or purl the first two stitches (depending on if they are a knit or a purl stitch)
  2. Depending on the last stitch, either knit those last two stitches together or purl the last two stitches together
  3. Now there’s one stitch on the right needle. Knit or purl the next stitch so you have two stitches on the right needle.
  4. Depending on the last stitch, either knit or purl the two stitches together

Continue in this manner until you have one stitch left. Cut the yarn, leaving a robust tail.

Weave through the last stitch and you’re done!

how to knit a stretchy bind off pinterest image

Pin
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Tweet

Category: Techniques / Subcategory: Cast Off

You May Also Like:

how to join new yarn to knittingHow to Join a New Ball of Yarnhow to knit in the round tutorialKnitting in the Round with Circular Needles for Beginnershow to fix extra stitchesHow to Fix Extra Stitches in Knitting

Reader Interactions

Comments 2

  1. Dylan Stansfield says

    March 18, 2022 at 11:14 am

    Is there a matching bind-on for this bind off? I love it but I’d like my edges to match!

    Reply
  2. Barbara says

    June 4, 2022 at 9:57 am

    Do you have a video on how to make both ends of a baby blanket end up same size or can you use the stretchy bind off since my cast on is looser than my Bind off?

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Most Popular

  • 3 beginner knitting mistakes 3 Beginner Knitting Mistakes and How to Fix Them
  • how to knit a scarf for beginners How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners
  • egyptian knitting The History of Knitting Pt 1: Mysterious Origins

Categories

Footer

Navigate

  • About
  • How To Knit
  • Patterns
  • Blog

Support

  • Privacy and Affiliate Disclosure
  • Technical Support
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Instagram

Follow Us On Instagram

Pom pom pens make great last-minute gifts! If you’ve got scrap yarn and a glue gun, you can make these pens! They turn writing into a fun and playfulness exercise ✨ I’m gifting these pens to my nieces this holiday season. I think they’ll love it!  For more last-minute knit and yarn-related gift ideas check out the link in my profile!  #lastminutegifts #furrypen #diyfurrypen #diyfuzzypen #pompom #pompoms #knitgifts #knittedgifts #giftsfortweens #giftsforteens #knitting #yarn #yarnlove #yarnlovers #knitgift #giftideas #giftidea
This double stockinette stitch headband is super c This double stockinette stitch headband is super cosy and easy to knit!  🤓 Instructions:  Cast on an even number of stitches. (I cast on 36 sts for mine. Cast on more or less depending on the yarn you use and the width you’d like).  Row 1: *k1, slip 1 with yarn in front, then bring yarn to the back; repeat from * to end of row  Repeat Row 1 until headband fits around your head snugly.  Cast off in pattern  Seam together as shown in the video.  Weave in ends and wear with confidence!  To watch the full pattern tutorial, head to my YouTube channel and search for “Twisted Headbands” or go to this link: https://bit.ly/3DLiMWc  Yarn: @malabrigoyarn silky merino in color Mares 196
Needles: 4mm needles
Supplies from @lovecraftscom 
#knittingpattern #knitting #knitstagram #knittersgonnaknit #knitknitknit #freeknittingpattern #beginnerknitter
Let’s make a bobble! 🫧 In this demo I’m m Let’s make a bobble! 🫧  In this demo I’m making a 5-stitch bobble. But you can make a bobble of any size! Just knit into the stitch more or less times to make the bobble bigger or smaller.  🤓 Instructions:  Knit into front and back, front and back, and front of the stitch. 5 sts made.  Turn work to wrong side. Purl the 5 sts.  Turn work to right side. Sl2 sts knitwise, K1, pass 2 slipped sts over first stitch. Sl1 knitwise, K1, pass last 2 sts over remaining stitch. 1 stitch remains  To watch a detailed bobble demo, watch the baby bobble blanket tutorial in the link in the description. Happy knitting!  #bobble #bobbleknitting #knittersgonnaknit #knittinginspiration #knittingtutorial #bobblestitch #bobbles #showtimeknit #knittersofinstagram
The Baby Bobble Blanket is as fun to knit as it is The Baby Bobble Blanket is as fun to knit as it is to snuggle into ☺️  Sized for babies, but easily customisable for kids and adults 👶 👧 👵  Grab the free pattern in the profile link or at sheepandstitch.com  #knittingpattern #knittersgonnaknit #babyknits #babyknitting #babyknit #babyblanket #knittingtherapy #knitstagram
⭐️ New Pattern ⭐️ The Baby Bobble Blanket ⭐️ New Pattern ⭐️ The Baby Bobble Blanket is a beginner-friendly pattern for the tiny tot in your life!  Studded with big bobbles, it’s a delight to hold, snuggle and fall asleep with 😴  This pattern is sized for babies, but easily customisable for kids and adults. Grab the #freepattern and video tutorial in the profile link or at sheepandstitch.com  Yarn: 8 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Baby Pink from @lovecraftscom  #knitting #knittingpattern #knitstagram #babyblanket #babyknits #fallknits #knittersgonnaknit #knitknitknit #knitaddict #knittersofinstagram #knitting_inspiration #handknit #handknits #babyknitting #babyknittingpatterns #bobblestitch #knitblanket
The Market Bag is so cute, practical and eco-frien The Market Bag is so cute, practical and eco-friendly 🍃 It’s a unique knit that’s perfect for all your grocery-toting needs!  I loved knitting this lacy dude. It’s so fun and satisfying, and it comes together very quickly because of the expansive lace 🕸  Grab the #freepattern and video tutorial in the link in the profile!  #knitting #marketbag #knitbag #knit #knittersgonnaknit #knitstagram #knitting #knitting_inspiration #knittinginspiration #knittingpattern #knittingpatterns

Search The Site

Stay in Touch

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

2023 Copyright © Sheep and Stitch Limited

Pin
Share
Tweet