“Binding off” is the process of removing stitches from the needle. Sometimes you’ll see binding off referred to as “casting off.” They’re the same! Make sure to be nice and loose when you bind off in order to avoid a taut edge. Some people even bind off with a larger needle to ensure a relaxed bind off edge. Here is how to bind off in knit stitch…

BASIC BIND OFF: STEP-BY-STEP

Set-Up Step: Knit the first two stitches of the row.

Step 1: Insert the tip of the left needle into the front of the right-hand stitch on the right needle. Lift that stitch up and over the left-hand stitch.

Step 2: Allow the stitch on the left needle to drop off the needle, leaving just one stitch on the right needle.

Knit another stitch and repeat Steps 1 and 2. Continue to bind off in this manner across the entire row until one stitch remains on the right needle.

Remove the last stitch from the needle, then pull a bit on the stitch so it’s a nice, big loop.

Cut the working yarn, leaving at least an 8-inch tail. Pull on the tail-side of the loop to bring the tail through the last two stitches you knit. Give a little tug and your knitting is bound off and secure!