Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™

Standard Bind-Off

Knitting Videos » Bind-Offs » Standard Bind-Off
Category: Bind-Offs

Video: Standard Bind-Off


Characteristics: has matching cast-on, recommended
Difficulty: Beginner

This is a beginner bind-off that is the basis for most of the bind-offs in this dictionary.

This bind-off is moderately stretchy. It is good for Stockinette stitch fabric and you would it use when you’re just learning how to bind-off or any time you want a basic, no-fuss edge.

Abbreviation: BO


Instructions

  1. K1.
  2. K1.
  3. Insert L needle tip into 2nd st on R needle.
  4. BO 1 (pass 2st st over 1st st and off needle).
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 across.
  6. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in later.
  7. Grab tail through rem loop, pull tail through and tighten.

Standard Bind-Off - Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

Restricted Content

This content is available to customers of the following class: I Love Bind-Offs

Click here to learn more about I Love Bind-Offs OR
Join our KnitFreedom Premium now and get this and every other content we sell FREE.

If you own this class or are a member of KnitFreedom Premium, please LOG IN to view.

Animated GIF: Standard Bind-Off

If GIF doesn't play immediately when clicked, wait 20-30 seconds. It will play. Click the GIF again to stop.

More Information

Even if you're an immediate knitter, I suggest that you review the tips and the video for this bind-off, because you’ll learn the correct technique that you'll need to apply to the other, more complex bind-offs.

This bind-off will roll if you use it on Stockinette stitch unless you block it.

This bind-off also has three variations.

  1. Front Variation (Default): The chain of stitches appears along the front. To do it, knit every stitch.
  2. Top Variation: The chain of stitches appears along the top, and is reversible. To do it, alternate between knitting and purling your stitches as you bind off.
  3. Back Variation: The chain of stitches appears along the back. To do it, purl every stitch OR turn your work around and do the Front Variation on the WS of the work.

I would consider all three variations of this bind-off “required reading” for beginning knitters.

Practice getting this bind-off smooth and even, especially the part where you lift one stitch over the other and off the needle. If that’s hard for you to get right, practice it on a long swatch until the movement is smooth and even and the stitches are not too tight or too loose.

In this technique you will learn an abbreviation which will be used throughout the course:

  • BO 1 means "bind-off 1" -- pass the second stitch on the right-hand needle over the second stitch and off the right-hand needle.

Learn Everything There is to Know about Bind-Offs!
Visit our Bind-Offs Page.

Scroll to Top

Get KnitFreedom membership free for 7 days

$52

4 monthly payments

Get Free Access to the 10-Video Course that Will Change the Way You Knit

Top Ten 10 Mistakes All Self Taught Knitters Make Book Cover