
This is the last step in your knitting project. You’ve been working hard and now it’s time to finish off your work.
There are many different ways to bind-off, but they all have one thing in common – they will give you a nice, neat edge on your work that looks good from both sides of the fabric. The best part? It’s easy!
With just a few minutes and some yarn ends, you’ll be able to make an attractive finished edge on any knitting project! And don’t worry if this is your first time binding off – I will walk through each step with clear instructions and helpful photos so there’s no confusion at all.
What is binding off in knitting (aka cast-off)?
Bind-off or cast-off is a group of techniques in knitting. Imagine, you are knitting a scarf, gloves, sweater, or any other piece of beauty, and you need something to do about the last row of stitches. That is where you will use one of binding off (aka casting-off) techniques.
Sewn bind-off (casting on cast-off, outline stitch bind off)
In today’s tutorial, I will explain one binding off technique in knitting – Sewn bind-off, also known as casting on cast-off, or outline stitch bind-off by Elizabeth Zimmerman.
This binding-off technique replicates long-tail cast-on in knitting. So, you can use it anywhere where you used long-tail cast-on, for example, scarves. It is stretchy, thin bind-off in knitting. Looks good in ribbing, lace, and stockinette.
Is sewn bind off complicated technique in knitting?
No, not more or less complicated. Firstly, as any knitting technique, you need to understand the logic behind it. Secondly, you need an extra tool – needle.
Finally, let’s get to nitty-gritty details of this tutorial.
YouTube Video
If you are more video visual, then here is a video with a detailed explanation of the technique.
Picture tutorial
In an example, I am using a swatch in the round. A bind-off flat piece of knitting is the same. For knitting in the round difference is closing the last stitch in the circle. Keep reading, I will show you how!
Binding-off last stitches knitting in the round
At last, we are done!
I hope I helped you to understand this binding-off knitting technique, and it didn’t look complicated. It will improve your knitting skills.
Learn 5 Essential Ways How To Cast On Knitting – Become a Pro!
Thank you for reading! See you next time!

Thank you so much! I love a photo tutorial! I’m sorry but videos are annoying. Here I can scroll right to the part I need without excess jibber jabber,
Could you add a part on how to close last stitch like this when working flat? I can guess but you experienced folks have all the tricks!
Thanks, Carol
Thank you for the feedback!