How to Bind Off Knitting in The Round
As a knitter, binding off is a crucial finishing step that can make or break the look of your project. If you’re working in the round, binding off can be tricky, but there are a few different methods to create a smooth, even edge. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to bind off knitting in the round, so you can confidently complete your projects.
Can You Bind Off Knitting in The Round?
If you’re new to knitting or have only worked on straight needles, you may wonder if it’s possible to bind off a project when working in the round. The answer is yes! Binding off is a crucial step that ensures your stitches stay in place and gives your project a clean and professional finish. Fortunately, binding off in the round is easy once you know the technique.
Whether you’re finishing up a hat, sweater, or even a cozy pair of socks, you can confidently tackle binding off in the round with this simple and effective method. So next time you’re faced with this step in your knitting project, don’t let it intimidate you – just follow the steps and enjoy the satisfaction of finishing your work like a pro!
Why Should You Bind Off Knitting in The Round?
Knitting in the round can be a fun and rewarding way to make everything from socks and hats to sweaters and blankets. But as you near the end of your project, you’ll need to bind off your stitches to finish it. Binding off knitting in the round is an essential skill to help you create a clean, polished edge without gaps or unsightly ladders. It also ensures that your stitches won’t unravel, so your hard work won’t be wasted.
Whether a beginner or an experienced knitter, mastering the bind-off in the round will elevate your knitting game and give your projects a professional-looking finish. So next time you’re working on a circular project, bind off your stitches for a flawless final product.
What Will You Need?
Before we dive into the techniques, it’s important to understand the basic principles of binding off in the round. When knitting in the round, you’ll typically work with a set of double-pointed needles or a circular needle with a small circumference. To bind off, you’ll need to use just one needle, so you’ll need to transfer your stitches onto that needle first. You’ll also need to ensure you’re binding off in your pattern’s stitch, whether knit or purl.
7 Ways to Follow on How to Bind Off Knitting in The Round
1. Cover the Basic Bind Off
The first method we’ll cover is the basic bind off, also known as the traditional or sewn bind off. To start, you’ll knit two stitches as normal, then insert your left-hand needle into the first stitch you knit and lift it over the second stitch. You’ll continue knitting one stitch, passing the previous stitch over it, until you reach the end of the round. This method creates a subtle, stretchy edge that works well for most projects.
2. Stretchy Bind Off
Another method is the stretchy bind off, which is great for items that need more give, such as socks or hats. First, you’ll knit two stitches together through the back loops, then insert your left-hand needle into the first stitch you knit and lift it over the second stitch. You’ll continue knitting two stitches together and passing the previous stitch over until you reach the end of the round. This creates a more elastic edge that won’t pull or pucker.
3. Picot Bind Off
If you want to add a decorative edge to your project, you might want to try the picot bind off. This technique involves creating small, pointed loops along the edge of your work. You’ll knit two stitches together, then yarn over and knit the next stitch. You’ll then pass the second stitch over the first stitch and repeat this process until the end of the round. This results in a pretty scalloped edge with a delicate texture.
4. The Tubular Bind Of
Next, the tubular bind off creates a smooth, seamless edge on projects such as hats or cowls. It involves working a few rounds of stockinette stitch before binding off, so you must plan accordingly. First, create a provisional cast-on and work a few rounds in stockinette stitch before binding off. You’ll then use a darning needle to graft the cast-on stitches together with the bind-off stitches, creating a tubular edge that looks like it was knit in the round.
5. Three-Needle Bind Off
The three-needle bind off is an essential technique for joining two pieces of knitting together, such as shoulder seams on a sweater or the toes of socks. To start, you’ll place the right sides of your work together and hold them with your needles parallel. You’ll then knit through both pieces simultaneously, using the third needle as an additional right-hand needle. This creates a strong seam that won’t unravel and looks like it was knit in the round.
6. Garter Stitch Bind Off
Another great method is the garter stitch bind-off, which uses a garter stitch instead of a stockinette stitch to create a more durable edge. First, you’ll knit two stitches together as normal and then pass the first stitch over the second. You’ll continue this process until you reach the end of the round, but stop after every two stitches and transfer your working yarn back to the left-hand needle before continuing. This method is great for items that will get a lot of wear and tear, such as cuffs or baby blankets.
7. Invisible Bind Off
Finally, the invisible bind off is a great way to finish any project with a neat, tidy edge that won’t unravel. To start, you’ll slip the first stitch purlwise and then pass it over the second stitch on your right-hand needle. You’ll continue this process until you reach the end of the round, but stop after every two stitches and transfer your working yarn back to the left-hand needle before continuing. This method is perfect for lightweight fabrics or projects with a delicate texture.
That’s it! You’ve now learned seven different to bind off knitting in the round. With some practice, you can choose the perfect bind off for any project. So get out your needles and yarn and start practicing! You won’t regret it.
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Bind Off Knitting in The Round
1. The Type of Project You Are Working on
The type of project you are working on will determine the best way to bind off your knitting. If you are working on a garment, such as a sweater, that will need to be seamed, you will want to use a seaming bind off. This will create a strong seam that will hold up well to wear and tear. If you are working on a project that does not need to be seamed, such as a hat or scarf, you can use any bind off you like.
2. The Weight of The Yarn
The weight of the yarn you are using will also affect the best way to bind off your knitting. If you are using a heavier weight yarn, such as worsted weight, you will want to use a stronger bind off, such as the seaming bind off. If you are using a lighter weight yarn, such as sport weight, you can use a weaker bind off, such as the knit two-together bind off.
3. The Number of Stitches You Have on Your Needles
The number of stitches on your needles will also affect the best way to bind off your knitting. If you have many stitches, such as more than 50, you will want to use a stronger bind off so your work does not come undone. You can use a weaker bind off if you have a small number of stitches, such as less than 10.
4. The Tension of Your Knitting
The tension of your knitting will also affect the best way to bind off your work. If your knitting is very loose, you will want to use a tighter bind off so your work does not come undone. If your knitting is very tight, you can use a looser bind off so that it is easier to remove your work from the needles.
5. The Appearance of Your Work
The appearance of your work is also something to consider when choosing the best way to bind off your knitting. If you want an invisible seam, such as for a garment worn inside out, you will want to use an invisible seam bind off. If you do not mind a visible seam, such as for a hat or scarf, any bind off will work.
Considering these five factors, you can determine the best way to bind off your knitting in the round and end up with a sturdy and attractive finished project. With practice and patience, you will soon create beautiful projects you are proud to show off!
Conclusion
Binding off in the round is a key part of completing any project, and there are several different methods to choose from depending on your desired outcome. Whether looking for a subtle edge or a decorative finish, these techniques are essential in any knitter’s arsenal. Invest some time to practice and experiment with each method, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a professional-looking finished project every time. Thanks for reading our post about how to bind off knitting in the round.
Nancy Behan
Nancy is an embroidery artist, fashion blogger and a full time editor at DIY quickly. Nancy edits the fashion section on DIY quickly, focusing on the embroidery and cross stitch articles, alongside with fabric and other costume design elements. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. She loves to work on her own projects, read books and watch romantic movies in her spare time.
