In previous “Learn to Knit” posts here on PurpleKnitting.com I have shown you –
- how to hold the needles, and how to cast on stitches to your needles to begin a project ,
- how to do the knit stitch as garter stitch which is the most basic knitting stitch.
Now I need to show you the method of how to cast off in knitting, for beginners. This will enable you to finish off your project and take all the stitches off the needles.
In some patterns, you will find casting off being referred to as binding off. These two terms mean the same thing.
Watch the video below to see this skill being demonstrated.
Mastering casting off in knitting is a key skill beginner knitters need to master in order to move on to creating their first project.
Supplies Needed
For practice, you can use any bits of yarn and knitting needles you may have lying around at home, or from any that friends or family members may have. However, as a beginner, thicker-weight chunky yarns are easier to start with. These types of yarns require bigger needles such as the 8mm size or thereabouts. This is why I have listed them as supplies required.
Step by Step Instructions
These instructions are for right-handed knitters. If you are left-handed please reverse them.
1. Knit two stitches in the normal way. These stitches will be on your right-hand needle or dominant hand needle.
2. Now take your left-hand needle tip and insert it into the bottom of the first stitch you just made (on right-hand needle)
3. Holding your right-hand needle firmly and still, pull that first stitch up and over the second stitch
4. As you do so push the stitch up to the tip of the right-hand needle and slip it off
5. Knit another stitch so that once again you have two stitches on the right-hand needle.
6. Now again, as in step 2 insert your left hand needle into the bottom of the first of the two stitches on the right hand needle.
7. As for step 3 – pull the stitch up and over and slide it off.
8. Continue repeating until all your stitches are cast or bound off.
Casting off is one of the basic skills a beginner knitter needs to learn before attempting a project. With a bit of practice, you will soon find it’s easy and can do it without thinking. At first, though, it might feel a bit uncomfortable and odd. Watch the video pausing it as you go and soon you’ll get the hang of it.
Now you are ready to knit something! Click the link below to view the post
Knit a Dish Cloth in Garter Stitch
