Quick answer: Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-off adds a reverse yarn over before each knit stitch and a regular yarn over before each purl stitch, creating the most elastic bind-off edge available — it stretches as much as the knitted fabric itself.
What it is
Developed by Jeny Staiman, this bind-off is designed for ribbing and stretchy fabrics. By adding a directional yarn over before each stitch — matched to whether you're knitting or purling — the finished edge has exceptional elasticity. It's especially popular for sock cuffs and necklines worked in ribbing where the standard stretchy bind off still isn't elastic enough.
When to use it
- Sock cuffs in 1×1 or 2×2 ribbing — the gold standard for this edge
- Hat brims where the ribbing must stretch over a large head
- Any ribbing that needs to stretch significantly without the edge restricting it
How to do it
- Before every knit stitch in the bind-off: make a reverse yarn over (bring yarn to the back over the needle, then forward — the opposite of a regular yarn over).
- Knit the next stitch. Pass the reverse yarn over over this stitch. Then pass the stitch before that over the current stitch. Two passes total.
- Before every purl stitch: make a regular yarn over (bring yarn forward under the needle, then over).
- Purl the next stitch. Pass the yarn over over this stitch, then pass the previous stitch over. Two passes.
- Continue alternating: reverse yarn over before knits, regular yarn over before purls.
- At the end, cut yarn and pull through the last stitch.
Common mistakes
- Using a regular yarn over before a knit stitch instead of a reverse yarn over — you lose the elasticity
- Forgetting to pass both the yarn over AND the previous stitch over each new stitch — there are two passes per stitch
- Working too tightly — relax and let the yarn overs be generous