How to Bind Off Your Knitting for Beginners | Step-by-Step Tutorial (Part 4)

So, you’ve cast on, learned how to knit and purl, and now you’re ready for that final, satisfying step: binding off.

Also known as casting off, this essential knitting skill lets you finish your project neatly—without your stitches unraveling. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to bind off one stitch at a time, with a beginner-friendly video to help you follow along.

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🎥 Watch the Full Video

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This is Part 4 of my Knitting for Beginners series.
If you’re just getting started, I recommend watching these videos in order:

• Part 1: How to Cast On (Long Tail Method)
• Part 2: How to Knit
• Part 3: How to Purl

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🧵 What Does “Bind Off” Mean?

Binding off (or casting off) is how you secure the last row of stitches so your project doesn’t unravel. Whether you’re making a dishcloth, scarf, or swatch, you’ll eventually want to get those stitches off the needles—and that’s exactly what we’re doing here.

Think of it as sealing the edge of your knitting. It’s a clean finish, like tying a bow on a wrapped gift.

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Step-by-Step: How to Bind Off Knitting

I walk through each of these steps in the video, using a different color of yarn so you can see the process clearly. You can stick with your project yarn or use a contrasting one if you’re practicing—either way, the technique stays the same.

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✅ Step 1: Knit Two Stitches

To start, you’ll need two stitches on your right needle to begin binding off.

• Knit the first stitch.
• Then knit the second stitch.

Now you’re ready for the leapfrog move.

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✅ Step 2: Lift the First Stitch Over the Second

• Use the left-hand needle tip to grab the first stitch you knit (the one closest to your right hand).
• Pull that stitch up and over the second stitch, and let it drop off the needle.

You’ve just bound off your first stitch! 🎉

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✅ Step 3: Repeat One Stitch at a Time

• Knit one more stitch (so you have two again).
• Use the left needle to lift the first stitch over the second and off the needle.

Keep going like this—one stitch at a time—until you reach the end of the row.

💡 Jen’s Tip: You may need to pull gently on the fabric or use extra tension on the working yarn to get a clean lift. Go slow, and make sure the second stitch stays safely on the needle before dropping the first.

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🧶 What Should the Edge Look Like?

When you finish binding off, you’ll see a neat little chain across the top edge of your project. It looks almost like a crocheted chain or tiny braid.

This is the edge that holds your work in place—and with a little practice, it will look beautifully even.

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✂️ How to Finish Off the Last Stitch

When you have one stitch left and no more to bind off:

1. Cut your yarn—leave a 6–8 inch tail.
2. You have two options to secure that last stitch:
   • Pull the loop big and reach through it to pull the tail through.
   • Or keep pulling until the loop disappears and the tail locks into place.

Either way works!

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🧵 What to Do with Yarn Tails

After binding off, you’ll still have yarn tails to deal with—from your cast-on, color changes, or bind-off.

Here’s how I weave in my ends:

• Use a darning needle to thread the tail.
• Weave the tail into the bumps of the purl side so it’s hidden from the front.
• Go in one direction, then turn and go back the other way to lock it in place.

I’ll be posting a full “How to Weave in Ends” tutorial soon, so stay tuned!

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📸 Picture This – Pin for Later!

Want a visual reminder of how to bind off your knitting? Pin this post for your next project!

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🙋‍♀️ FAQs About Binding Off

Q: Can I bind off with purl stitches?
Yes! You can bind off using knit stitches, purl stitches, or a combination (like ribbing). Just follow the same leapfrog technique in pattern.

Q: My edge feels tight—what do I do?
That’s totally normal when you’re new. Try using a slightly larger needle to bind off, or keep your tension relaxed. There are also stretchy bind-off techniques I’ll teach in future videos.

Q: What does “bind off in pattern” mean?
It means to keep doing whatever stitch pattern you’re using (knit, purl, ribbing) while binding off. So if you’re working k1, p1 ribbing, bind off in that same order.

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🧶 What’s Next in Your Knitting Journey?

You’ve officially completed the Knitting for Beginners series! 🎉

You’ve learned:

• How to cast on
• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• And how to bind off your work

What’s next? You can now try:

• [Ribbing – coming soon!]
• [How to Fix Mistakes]
• [Choosing Your First Knitting Pattern]
• [Beginner-Friendly Project Ideas]

💌 Grab your free calming knitting video here
📺 Subscribe to JennyKnits on YouTube
📖 Browse more beginner content at jennyknits.com

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💬 Let’s Chat!

I’d love to know:
🧶 How did binding off feel for you?
🧶 Do you like how your edge turned out?

Let me know over on Instagram or leave a comment under the video. I’m always here to help you keep moving forward, one stitch at a time.