Bind-off

Binding off locks the live stitches on your needle so the fabric doesn't unravel. Every pattern ends with "BO all sts" (bind off all stitches) unless it's a piece you'll seam or pick up stitches from later.

Basic bind-off

1. Knit two stitches normally.
2. Insert the left needle into the first (rightmost) of those two stitches and lift it over the second stitch, off the right needle.
3. You now have one stitch on the right needle. Knit one more from the left needle.
4. Repeat the lift-over. Continue until only one stitch remains on the right needle.
5. Cut the yarn (leave a 6-inch tail), pull the tail through the last loop, and tighten.

Keep it loose

The most common bind-off mistake is pulling too tight. A too-tight bind-off puckers the edge and makes the garment fit poorly. If you're bind-off-challenged, go up one needle size for the bind-off row or try a "stretchy bind-off" variation.

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