Step-by-step tutorial on the twisty bind-off knitting method – perfect for hems and cuffs
Are you looking for a medium stretchy bind-off that looks neat, has no flare, and is relatively easy and fast to knit? Then the so-called twisty bind-off could be exactly what you are looking for.
It was first made popular by a user on Ravelry called Lorraine LeGrand in 2013 and she first used it for toe-up socks in a 1×1 rib stitch. It creates a lovely medium stretchy zigzag edge that is quite perfect for every project where you need a little bit of extra give but want the edge to retain some grip (like for hems and cuffs).
Let’s dive right into it!
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Instructions: How to knit the twisty bind-off
The twisty bind-off works for almost all knitting stitch patterns but looks best for a 1x1 rib stitch where it creates a nice stretchy zig-zag line. And this tutorial shows you how to create a medium stretchy edge for that kind of ribbing. See below for further options.
Instructions
- Knit one stitch as normal.
- [Before a purl stitch] Rotate the right needle around counter-clockwise. Tip the needle towards you and then go around one full turn.
- Purl one stitch.
- Pass the second stitch on the left needle over the first one and drop it off the needle (as normal).
- [Before a knit stitch] Twist the right needle around clockwise. Start by turning the needle away from you and then dip under and bring it around one full turn.
- Knit one stitch.
- Pass the second stitch on your right needle over the first one and drop it off the needles.
- Repeat steps 2-7.
Notes
If your 1x1 rib stitch starts with a purl stitch, stick to this golden rule:
- If the next stitch is a purl stitch, twist the right needle around counter-clockwise.
- If the next stitch is a knit stitch, twist the right needle around clockwise.
Then, knit the next stitch in pattern and pass over the second stitch on the right needle to bind it off.
Method for 2×2 ribbing
If you want to use the twisty bind-off to finish a project in a 2×2 rib stitch, then you have to adjust the repeat slightly. Here’s how:
- Knit 2 stitches.
- Pass the second stitch over the first and drop it off the needles.
- Rotate the right needle around counter-clockwise.
- Purl one.
- Pass the second stitch over the first and drop it off the needles.
- Purl one.
- Pass over.
- Rotate the right needle around clockwise.
- Knit one.
- Pass over.
- Knit one.
- Pass over.
- Repeat steps: 3-12
In fact, the repeat can be summed up as: Whenever you switch from a knit to a purl stitch, you have to rotate counter-clockwise, and whenever you switch from a purl stitch to a knit stitch you rotate clockwise. In between, you knit every stitch as it appears and pass over.
If you stick to this golden rule, you can also use this method for any other knit/purl combination as well.
How stretchy is the twisty bind-off?
The twisty bind-off ranks among the medium stretchy bind-off methods and is about 10-15% stretchier than the standard technique. This makes it ideal for projects where you still need some grip but you want your edge to be stretchy enough to fit through. Hems and cuffs (like when you are knitting toe-up socks) come to mind. Check out this list with 10 more stretchy bind-off alternatives.
Anyway, that’s how to knit the twisty bind-off. Comment below if you have any questions.
Hi Norman
Thanks for this information 😊
I have come to the conclusion (after trying) that this can’t be done on circular needles. Is that right or am I missing something?
Thanks
Pauline
Well..why not leave the stitches on one half of the circulars and just use a spare needle in your right hand. Should work pretty well 🙂
I was just thinking if that would work- thanks