- CraftKnitting
- US abbreviationBO
- UK abbreviationcast off
- TypeFinishing off
What is bind off?
How you finish knitting so the stitches cannot unravel. You knit stitches and lift each one over the next until only one is left. UK patterns call it casting off.
In a pattern you will see it written as BO in US patterns, cast off in UK patterns.
US and UK names. US patterns write BO. UK patterns write cast off. Same technique, different name.
How to do it, step by step
- Knit 2 stitches.
- Lift the first stitch on the right needle over the second and off.
- Knit 1 more, lift the previous one over. Repeat until 1 stitch is left.
- Cut the yarn and pull it through the last loop.
The mistake to watch for
A tight bind-off will not stretch over a head or hand. Use a needle one or two sizes larger for the bind-off row.
If you are left-handed
Most left-handed knitters knit the usual way, since both hands work. If you prefer, you can knit mirrored: stitches move from the right needle to the left. Swap "left" and "right" in the steps.
Practise it on a free pattern
These patterns from Crochet Counter use bind off:
Related stitches
Questions
What is bind off called in UK patterns?
In UK patterns it is written cast off. In US patterns it is BO. Check near the top of a pattern to see which terms it uses.
What is the most common mistake with bind off?
A tight bind-off will not stretch over a head or hand. Use a needle one or two sizes larger for the bind-off row.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this stitch and 31 more in its stitch dictionary, in US or UK terms, with a row counter for every project. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
