To cast off knitting, also called binding off, you finish your project by safely securing the stitches so they don’t unravel. Here is the standard method for beginners:
- Knit the first two stitches on your row as usual.
- Lift the first stitch over the second stitch using your left needle and slide it off the right needle. Now you have one stitch remaining on the right needle.
- Knit the next stitch so you again have two stitches on the right needle.
- Repeat the process of lifting the first stitch over the second and sliding it off until you have cast off all stitches.
- When one stitch remains, cut the yarn leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
- Thread the yarn tail through the last stitch and pull to secure the edge.
Tips:
- Keep your stitches loose while casting off to maintain a stretchy edge.
- Avoid pulling too tightly to prevent curling.
- After casting off, weave in the yarn tail to finish neatly.
This method creates a neat, secure edge suitable for most beginner knitting projects
