A step-by-step tutorial on how to bind off knitting with a crochet hook the easy way
Do you want to learn a secret? Most of the techniques in knitting can also be done with a crochet hook. So, if you have been struggling with the standard way to cast-off, then you should know about this super simple alternative: The crochet bind-off. This tutorial is all about it.
It’s very important to note that the crochet bind-off will not create a different edge. From a technical point of view, the result will be exactly the same. It’s just a different way to get there and maybe it’s easier for you.
Let’s dive right into it and show you how to bind off knitting with a crochet hook.
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Instructions for the crochet bind-off
The crochet bind-off creates a moderately stretchy edge and requires a hook that is as big as your knitting needles or bigger (for a stretchier edge). It will work flat or in the round.
Tools
Instructions
- Insert your crochet hook into the first stitch on your left needle.
- Grab the working yarn with your crochet hook coming from below.
- Twist the hook so it faces downwards and pull the working yarn through the loop.
- Drop the resulting stitch off the left needle.
- Next, insert your crochet hook into the second stitch on your left needle and grab the yarn coming in from below.
- Twist the hook so it faces downwards and pull the yarn through this second stitch as well.
- Drop the stitch off the left needle. You should have two stitches on your crochet hook now.
- Pull the first stitch through the second using the crochet hook.
- From here, enter your crochet hook into the next stitch on the left needle.
- Pull the working yarn through to create another stitch. You should have two stitches on your crochet hook again.
- Pull the first stitch through the second stitch on your crochet hook.
- Continue repeating steps 9-11 until there is only one stitch left on your crochet hook. Break the yarn and pull out that last stitch to tie a knot and finish the crochet bind-off.
As I said in the introduction, the crochet bind-off is just a different technique to achieve the same results. If you take a close look, you are basically knitting two stitches (albeit with your crochet hook). And then, instead of passing the second stitch over the first, you pull the first through the second. But of course, that too will have the same result.
I personally am not the biggest fan of this technique. Mainly because it does not really enable you to create a neat last bind-off stitch. Then again, I do realize that a lot of people started out with crochet first and then and there it can be a lovely skill to get started.
And I guess it’s just an excellent reminder that it’s often not useful to think in knitting vs crochet. The two crafts are just too similar!
And when you pair it with the crochet cast-on, you will end up with a lovely mirrored edge. So how cool is that?
Anyway, that’s how to do the crochet bind-off. Comment below in case you still have any questions.
I’m definitely going to try this! Thank you, Norman.
Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial!! I have been crocheting for many years but have struggled with learning to knit. Binding off has always been a lesson in perseverance for me because I’ve had such a hard time. I just used this technique to bind off a dishcloth and it was SO easy!! I can’t thank you enough!