Stretchy Swing Needle Bind Off (combination style) by Tillybuddy

A demonstration of a (new?) stretchy bind off using a 'swing needle' technique to introduce twist into the bind off to make it stretchier. The sample shown is knit 'combined' where the knits are wrapped anticlockwise and the purls clockwise to get the stitch mount shown in the video. If you knit 'standard' wrapping knits and purls anticlockwise adjust the cast-off method by doing a ssk (to remount the 2nd knit stitch) and then swing round and do the p2tog as shown in the video. I am not sure if this is a new bind off or if I have just rediscovered it, but let me know if have come across anything like it before. It works for ribbing, and lace that needs to be stretched out when being blocked. When binding off in the round, transfer stitches to a circular needle and bind off from this with a DPN. Keep the non working end of the circular out of the way of the DPN as you swing it round while binding off. Trying to bind off in the round from DPNs is difficult as the last DPN gets in the way of the swinging needle when the stitches on the first DPN are being bound off. It may take a bit of practice, especially in the round but keep it loose (I'm a tight knitter) and the effect is very stretchy.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• stretchy
• bind off
• cast off
• knitting
• tillybuddy
• swing needle bind off

[melinadaisy]

When you are knitting the stitch, are you knitting through the back loop, in order to twist it? Are you doing anything special for the purl? It looks like you throw the yarn differently than I do when I purl, and I thought I did English style...

[Tillybuddy]

@melinadaisy I wrap the yarn anticlockwise on knits and clockwise on purls (combination knitting) which affects the mount of the knit stitch so the forward leg is at the back so doesn't twist when knitted through back loop. If you knit standard so knits and purls are wrapped anticlockwise, do a ssk (to remount the 2nd knit stitch) and then swing round and do the p2tog as in the video. I'll change the title to say its for combination knitters may do a standard version.

[Sewmakeone]

Oh, yes, PLEASE! A 2x2 video would be a huge help. Maybe I will do a row of 1x1 so I can use this. My very first cast off and I'm not sure I can follow your written instructions below. (making a Sheepy Sack)

[Tillybuddy]

@Sewmakeone Hi, I'll try and do a video for the 2x2 ribbing soon. This cast on may be a bit confusing because in the video I knit combined and wrap the yarn anticlockwise on the knits and clockwise on the purls which affects the stitch mount but means this cast-off works great for combination knitters but needs to be adjusted slightly for standard knitters to get the same effect. There are lots of different cast-offs - try knittinghelpdotcom which has videos.

[melinadaisy]

@Tillybuddy Thanks for changing the title, it helps. I hope you do another version of this video for standard knitters. 2x2 videos will help too. I love the look of the cast-on, so would love to be able to do the cast off...thanks!

[yolo22]

wow, i have never seen this approach before. it is such a nice, clean edging on the ribbing. thank you for sharing! i'll try binding off this way on my next ribbed project.

[Sewmakeone]

Ah, I see what you mean. I am not a combination knitter. I thought I would be set when I realized the Sheepy sack is supposed to be 1x1, not 2x2! Ripped that back and did it correctly. But I don't know how to compensate for the combination knitting. At least there's a reason mine wasn't working out! Yours looks lovely.

[66dida]

Welcome to How are you I wish I become friends. Waiting for reply

[Tillybuddy]

@ingiek When you swing the needle clockwise the needle is going away from you and under the working yarn and back towards you before you place the stitch on the needle from the front. When you swing it anticlockwise you swing the needle towards you under the working yarn and round the back before placing the stitch on the needle from the back - hope that makes sense. I will try do a version for 2x2 rib in the near future.

[ingiek]

@Tillybuddy I'm still not quite clear on how you "swing the needle" clockwise or anticlockwise as it's difficult to discern where you're placing the needle in relation to the yarn (over or under it) in your right hand. Also, it would be great to have a companion video for the 2x2 ribbing...Thanks!