54 Step By Step Methods to Find the Perfect Start and Finish for Every Knitting

Knitting is an art form that allows you to create beautiful and functional pieces using just a pair of needles and yarn. Whether you are a seasoned knitter or just starting out, finding the perfect start and finish for your knitting projects is essential to achieving a polished and professional result. In this article, we will explore 54 step-by-step methods that will help you master the art of starting and finishing your knitting projects flawlessly.

1. Casting On Techniques:

There are numerous techniques for casting on stitches at the beginning of your project. Some popular methods include the long tail cast on, the backward loop cast on, and the cable cast on. Each technique has its own unique characteristics and is suited for different types of projects.

1.1 Long Tail Cast On:

The long tail cast on is one of the most commonly used methods. It creates a neat and elastic edge that is suitable for most projects. To perform the long tail cast on, you will need to estimate the length of yarn required for the number of stitches you want to cast on.

Cast On, Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods; Find the perfect start and finish for every knitting project

by Leslie Ann Bestor (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19739 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	283 pages
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1.1.1 Steps for Long Tail Cast On:

1. Make a slipknot at the end of the yarn.
2. Hold the slipknot on your needle, leaving a long tail of yarn.
3. Insert the needle through the slipknot, from front to back.
4. Loop the working yarn (the yarn connected to the ball) around your thumb and hold it with your other fingers.
5. Bring the needle under the loop on your thumb, then over the loop on your thumb, creating a new loop on the needle.
6. Continue steps 4 and 5 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.

1.2 Backward Loop Cast On:

The backward loop cast on is a simple and quick method, but it creates a looser edge compared to other techniques. It is best suited for projects that require a small number of stitches to be cast on.

1.2.1 Steps for Backward Loop Cast On:

1. Make a slipknot at the end of the yarn.
2. Place the slipknot on your needle.
3. Insert the needle into the slipknot from front to back.
4. With your free hand, grab the working yarn (the yarn connected to the ball).
5. Bring the working yarn over the needle and pull it through the slipknot, creating a new loop on the needle.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.

1.3 Cable Cast On:

The cable cast on method creates a firmer and more structured edge. It is commonly used in projects where a strong and sturdy cast on is required, such as for ribbing or buttonbands.

1.3.1 Steps for Cable Cast On:

1. Make a slipknot at the end of the yarn.
2. Insert the needle through the slipknot, from front to back.
3. With your free hand, grab the working yarn and wrap it around your thumb.
4. Insert the needle under the loop on your thumb, from front to back.
5. Bring the working yarn over the needle and pull it through the loop, creating a new loop on the needle.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.

2. Bind Off Techniques:

Binding off, also known as casting off, is the process of finishing your knitting by securing the stitches and creating a neat edge. There are various bind off methods, each yielding a different result.

2.1 Basic Bind Off:

The basic bind off is the simplest and most commonly used method. It creates a sturdy edge that is suitable for most projects.

2.1.1 Steps for Basic Bind Off:

1. Knit the first 2 stitches.
2. Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
3. Bring the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle, creating one bound-off stitch.
4. Knit the next stitch.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have bound off all stitches except the last one.
6. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
7. Pull the tail through the last stitch and tighten.

2.2 Stretchy Bind Off:

The stretchy bind off is a method used when you need a more flexible edge, such as for a neckband or cuff. It provides extra stretch and prevents tightness.

2.2.1 Steps for Stretchy Bind Off:

1. Knit the first 2 stitches.
2. Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.
3. Bring the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle, creating one bound-off stitch.
4. Knit the next stitch.
5. Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle, but this time place it through the back loop of the stitch.
6. Bring the stitch over the second stitch and off the needle.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 until you have bound off all stitches except the last one.
8. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
9. Pull the tail through the last stitch and tighten.

With these 54 step-by-step methods for finding the perfect start and finish for your knitting projects, you are well-equipped to take your knitting skills to the next level. Experiment with different techniques and explore the endless possibilities that knitting offers. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep knitting and enjoy the journey!

Cast On, Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods; Find the perfect start and finish for every knitting project

by Leslie Ann Bestor (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19739 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	283 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Discover the perfect beginning and ending for every knitting project! Detailed instructions for each technique are combined with step-by-step photography to help you create edges that are tighter, looser, stretchier, or lacier. No matter what you’re knitting, Leslie Ann Bestor has the cast on and bind off that will give your project the perfect edge.