Cast On, Bind Off (58 page)

Slip the stitch purlwise back to the left-hand needle.

Insert the right-hand needle tip through the first stitch purlwise, and then into the second stitches ready to knit.

Pulling the new stitch through both stitches, let both stitches on the left-hand needle drop off.

Repeat steps 2–4 until 1 stitch remains. Cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop.

This brilliant bind off
is the brainchild of Jeny Staiman, who generously allowed me to share it here. It is simple to execute, yet it adds a degree of stretchiness not found in other knitted bind offs. Because it is not sewn, it is easier to work over long stretches of fabric. And it works for any stitch pattern: K1, P1 rib; K2, P2 rib; or whatever combinations you come up with. The edge folds along the ribbed stitches like an accordion, stretching out an amazing amount and then snapping back in, making it perfect for toe-up socks. It is also great for hats, neck edges, and top-down mittens and gloves.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Very stretchy

• Easy to work over long edges

GOOD FOR

• Any ribbing patterns

• Toe-up socks

• Top-down mittens and hats

Note:
To work this bind off, which is basically a Traditional Bind Off (
page 148
) with yarn-overs thrown in, you “process” each stitch in a particular way, depending on whether it is a knit or purl.

Processing a Knit Stitch

• Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle over the top, around the front, and back to the back. This is a reverse yarnover.

• Knit 1 stitch.