Suspended Stitch Bind Off

A method to achieve a loose bind off edge
by Jackie E-S

If you have a tendency to bind off too tightly, try this method for a looser edge with nicely uniform loops that don't get sloppy.

Knit 2.

* With left hand needle point, pull first stitch over the second stitch, but do not remove the stitch off the left needle (i.e. you are suspending, or deferring dropping that stitch off the left needle).

Going around front of that stitch with your right hand needle, knit the next stitch.

Now slip both stitches off left needle.

You will have 2 stitch loops on your right needle. This completes the binding off of one stitch.

Repeat from * across all stitches.

When all stitches have been removed from left needle, with left needle point pull first stitch over the second stitch, dropping that stitch off left needle. Cut yarn and pull tail through remaining stitch.

TIP: If you need an even looser edge, you may want to use a size or two larger needle for your right hand needle while doing the bind off.

CAUTION: Instructions are written assuming you are knitting stitches off your left-hand needle point onto your right-hand needle. If you are working instead from right needle to left, please adjust instructions to agree with your direction of work.

The suspended stitch bind off also gives a "look alike" edge to a crocheted cast on – great for scarves that are knitted side to side along the length.

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