Quick answer: The standard bind off closes knitting by knitting two stitches and passing the first over the second, repeating to the end. Keep your tension loose for a flexible edge.
What it is
The standard bind off is the most basic way to finish a piece of knitting. It creates a firm, chain-like edge by progressively looping stitches over each other until only one remains. Almost every knitter learns this first. It's reliable and clean, though less stretchy than specialty bind-offs — so choose the method based on where the edge will be used.
When to use it
- Shoulders, side seams, and any edge that needs firmness rather than stretch
- Blankets, scarves, dishcloths — anywhere the edge doesn't need to stretch over anything
- Any time the pattern says "bind off" without specifying a method
How to do it
- Knit the first 2 stitches on the left needle onto the right needle.
- Insert the left needle tip into the first stitch on the right needle (the one further from the tip).
- Lift that stitch up and over the second stitch and off the needle. One stitch bound off.
- Knit the next stitch from the left needle — you now again have 2 stitches on the right needle.
- Repeat steps 2–4 to the end of the row.
- When one stitch remains, cut yarn leaving a 15 cm tail. Thread the tail through the last loop and pull snug.
Common mistakes
- Binding off too tightly — consciously pull out extra yarn between each stitch, or use a larger needle
- Forgetting to knit each new stitch before passing the old one over — always have 2 stitches on the right needle
- Binding off in pattern (for ribbing): knit the knits and purl the purls as you bind off — don't just knit everything