I’m really close to finishing my Chuck. I just need to redo a bind-off and weave in the ends. Since I accidentally did the bind-off wrong on a sleeve, I thought it’d be a good chance to show you the difference between binding off knit-wise and binding off in pattern when you’re working with 1×1 rib.
Chuck doesn’t tell you which bind-off method to use and leaves the decision up to you, but for the sample I chose to use a knit-wise chain bind-off. I knit every stitch and passed the previous stitch over until they were all bound off. I really like the way that looks with this design, so I decided to do the same for my Selfish Sweater KAL project. Binding off knit-wise here creates this nice line of bound-off stitches that curls to the front. This is the “chain” that the name refers to. Although it’s not the most elastic choice, it makes for a pretty edge.
Here we have a chain bind-off in pattern. I continued to [k1, p1] and passed the previous stitch over until they were all bound off. I use this bind-off more than anything else because it stays elastic and it’s really subtle looking. It also doesn’t require me to break out a yarn needle!
The “chain” of bound-off stitches sits flat against the edge of my knitting when it’s done in pattern and is slightly hidden. Both versions of the chain bind-off will get the job done, and it’s just a question of choosing the one I like best for a project and being consistent about it!
Both look really good! I usually try to bind-off in pattern for ribbing, since I like to retain the elasticity. 🙂
Katie =^..^=
Thanks for this. I often struggle over which bind off to use. I find lately that I am also choosing to bind off in knit but I work it on the wrong side. I prefer my curl to the back. On necklines however, I do 1×1 ribbing because it lays nice and flat.
Thanks for this! I’ve always wondered if there is a “correct” way to bind off for specific projects. Good to know that while these two bind-off’s work better for certain projects over others, it does ultimately come down to personal preference. 🙂