Cast On, Bind Off (67 page)

Insert the tapestry needle purlwise into the first purl stitch and pull the yarn through, letting the stitch fall from the needle.

Bring the tapestry needle behind the first knit stitch and insert it knitwise into the next purl stitch, pulling the yarn through.

Repeat steps 4–7 until 1 stitch remains. Pull the tail through the last stitch and weave in the end.

The Tubular Bind Off
creates an edge that is identical to the Provisional Tubular Cast On and the Italian Tubular Cast On. The edge is very stretchy, elastic, and smooth in appearance. There is, in fact, no real “edge” to be seen — the rib stitches seem to just roll over the edge. This makes a great way to finish pieces subjected to a lot of stretching, such as cuffs, turtlenecks, sock tops, and hat brims. And it's ideal for those situations where you want the cast on and bind off to mirror each other exactly. It is worked on a K1, P1 ribbing. You begin this bind off two rows before you want your piece to actually end.

Extras
Blunt tapestry needle; two double-point or circular needles, one or two sizes smaller than those used for the rest of the piece (for ease only; they won't affect size)

CHARACTERISTICS

• Invisible, rolled edge

• Elastic edge

GOOD FOR

• Matching Provisional Tubular Cast On (
page 123
) and Italian Tubular Cast On (
page 132
)

• Turtlenecks

• Cuffs

• Toe-up socks

Note:
These directions are for binding off in rows on a flat piece.

Work K1, P1 ribbing to 2 rows less than the desired length.

Knit each knit stitch and slip each purl stitch, with yarn in front.

Repeat step 2 for 3 more rows.

Hold the two empty double-point or circular needles in your right hand and your knitting in your left hand. In this step, you separate the knit and purl stitches. To do so, transfer the stitches, one at a time, to the new needles, alternating knit and purl stitches, with the knit going to the front needle and the purl going to the back needle. Slip all stitches purlwise.

Graft stitches together using the Kitchener stitch (
page 192
).