Casting off secures the loops so your knitting won't unravel
Casting off (also called binding off) is how you finish the edge of your knitting and lock all the loops in place. The most common method uses two needles and takes about a minute per row. You work across the final row, passing one stitch over another to create a chain-like edge that won't come loose when you remove the needles.
The standard cast-off works the same way whether you're finishing a scarf, a sleeve, or a small swatch. Once you learn the basic motion, you can use it on almost any project. The only time you might use a different method is if you want a stretchier edge or a decorative finish, but the two-needle cast-off is what most knitters reach for first.
Key Takeaways
- Cast off on the row after you've finished your pattern, using the same needles you've been knitting with.
- The basic motion is: knit two stitches, pass the first stitch over the second, then repeat across the row.
- Keep your tension loose so the cast-off edge doesn't pucker or pull the fabric out of shape.
- Fasten off the final loop by pulling the working yarn through it and tightening so the end won't slip.
Set up your needles and yarn for casting off
Work your last row of knitting as normal. When you reach the end of that row, you're ready to cast off on the next row. Keep both needles in your hands—the needle with live stitches in your left hand (or right, if you knit left-handed) and your working needle in your right hand.
Make sure you have enough yarn attached to work across the entire row. A rough guide: you need about three times the width of your piece. If you're casting off a 10-inch-wide scarf, have at least 30 inches of yarn. If you run short, you can tie on a new length, though it's cleaner to plan ahead.
Knit two stitches, then pass one over the other
Start by knitting the first two stitches normally onto your working needle. You now have two stitches on the right needle. Using the tip of your left needle, reach under the first stitch (the one closest to the tip) and lift it up and over the second stitch, letting it drop off the needle. You're left with one stitch on the right needle.
Knit the next stitch from the left needle. Now you have two stitches on the right needle again. Repeat the lift-and-pass motion: take the first stitch over the second and drop it off. Continue this pattern—knit one, pass one over—until you reach the end of the row.
Keep your tension even across the cast-off edge
The most common mistake is pulling too tight as you work. A tight cast-off edge will pucker the fabric and make it hard to seam or pick up stitches later. Aim for the same tension you used for the body of your piece. The stitches should sit comfortably on the needle without bunching.
If you notice the edge is pulling inward as you go, loosen your grip slightly on the working yarn. If the stitches are too loose and floppy, tighten just a little. You're looking for a smooth, even chain along the edge. This takes practice, and your first few cast-offs may be uneven—that's normal and won't affect how the piece wears.
Finish the final stitch so it won't unravel
When you reach the last stitch on the left needle, knit it once more. Now you have one stitch on the right needle and no stitches left on the left needle. Cut the working yarn, leaving a tail about 4 to 6 inches long. Pull the needle out of the stitch and thread the yarn tail through the loop, then pull tight. This secures the final stitch so it can't slip.
Weave in the yarn tail using a tapestry needle. You can weave it along the cast-off edge or up the side of the piece, depending on where it's least visible. Once woven in, your piece is finished and ready to wear or block.
Adjust your cast-off if the edge looks uneven
If your cast-off edge is noticeably tighter than the rest of the fabric, you may have been pulling too hard. On your next project, consciously loosen your tension during the cast-off row. Some knitters find it helpful to use a needle one size larger for casting off, which naturally creates a looser edge.
If the edge is so loose it looks sloppy, you can tighten up slightly on the next piece. The edge should look like a neat chain of bumps, not a wavy line and not a tight cord. After a few projects, your hands will find the right tension automatically.
When to use a different cast-off method
The standard two-needle cast-off works for most projects, but a few situations call for something different. If you're finishing a stretchy garment like a sock cuff or a hat brim, a stretchy cast-off (like the Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy bind-off) will give you more give in the edge. If you want a decorative finish, a picot cast-off creates a scalloped edge.
For most everyday projects—scarves, blankets, sweaters—the basic cast-off is all you need. Once you're comfortable with it, you can explore other methods. But the two-needle cast-off is the foundation, and learning it well means you can finish almost any piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast off on the same row I finish my pattern?
Yes. Once you've completed the last row of your pattern, the very next row is your cast-off row. You don't need a separate row in between. Just turn your work and begin casting off.
What if I run out of yarn before I finish casting off?
Tie a new length of yarn to the working yarn using a square knot, leaving tails to weave in later. Continue casting off with the new yarn. It's not ideal, but it works. To avoid this, measure your yarn before you start—you need roughly three times the width of your piece.
Is my cast-off supposed to look like a chain?
Yes. A properly done cast-off creates a row of bumps that look like a chain running along the edge. Each bump is one stitch that's been secured. If it looks like a tight cord or a wavy mess, your tension may be off, but it will still hold and won't unravel.
Do I have to use the same needles for casting off?
No. Some knitters use a larger needle for the cast-off row to create a looser, more flexible edge. If you do this, switch to the larger needle at the start of the cast-off row and switch back if you need to pick up stitches later.
How do I pick up stitches from a cast-off edge?
You can pick up stitches along the bumps of the cast-off chain using a new needle and yarn. Insert the needle under each bump from front to back, wrap the yarn, and pull through. This is common when adding a border or a second piece to your knitting.