Tubular Bind Off Tutorial

search

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial

If you need a stretchy K1P1 bind off, look no further than the tubular method, designed specifically for finishing off ribbing.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial

Sometimes it seems like, no matter how loosely you bind off, you'll still end up with an unbearably stiff edging to your knitting. That's what the tubular bind off method is for. This elastic bind off method uses a tapestry needle and stitch rearranging to create an exceptionally stretchy finish to anything you work up. Especially helpful for top-down sweaters and hats, this bind off method will help you to produce a garment that's easier to slip on and off. While the instructions seem involved, once the set-up rows are complete, the remaining instructions are the same for the kitchener stitch, so those familiar with this seaming method should understand easily.

Step 1

Knit one more row or round. In this row, you will knit the knit stitches as usual, but you will slip the purl stitches with your yarn in front.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 1

Step 2

If you are working flat, repeat step 1. If you are working in the round, work across the round thusly: purl the purl stitches and slip the knit stitches with the yarn in back.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 2

Step 3

If you are working flat, repeat step 1 one more time. If you are knitting in the round, repeat rounds 1 and 2 once more.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 3

Step 4

Hold two empty DPNs (or circular needles to accommodate the number of stitches if you're working in the round) and transfer your stitches, one at a time, to the empty needles. Slip the knit stitches purlwise to the front needle and the purl stitches (also purlwise) to the back needle.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 4

Step 5

Cut the yarn to about three times as long as the fabric you need to bind off, and thread it through a tapestry needle.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 5

Step 6

Insert the needle on the first stitch of the front needle as if to purl and pull the yarn through.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 6

Step 7

Insert the needle on the first stitch of the back needle as if to knit and pull the yarn through.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 7

Step 8

Insert the needle on the first stitch of the front needle as if to knit and pull the yarn through. Slip this stitch off your needle.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 8

Step 9

Insert the needle on the next stitch of the front needle as if to purl and pull the yarn through. Leave this stitch on the needle.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 9

Step 10

Insert the needle on the first stitch of the back needle as if to purl and pull the yarn through. Slip this stitch off your needle.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 10

Step 11

Insert the needle on the next stitch of the back needle as if to knit and pull the yarn through. Leave this stitch on the needle.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 11

Step 12

Repeat steps 8 to 12 until two stitches remain, one on each needle.

Step 13

Insert the needle on the last stitch of the front needle as if to knit and pull the yarn through. Slip this stitch off your needle.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 13

Step 14

Insert the needle on the last stitch of the back needle as if to purl and pull the yarn through. Slip this stitch off your needle.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Step 14

Complete!

The tubular bind off is now complete. Weave in ends as usual.

Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Completed
Tubular Bind Off Tutorial Completed

Up Next:

How to Knit the Provisional Cast On

For which kinds of projects do you prefer to use a stretchy bind-off?

Your Recently Viewed Projects

Leave a Comment

Rate

Cancel Reply to Comment

Thanks for your comment. Don't forget to share!

Close

Report Inappropriate Comment

Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.

Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.

Close Window