Standard Cast Off

 A cast off (also called a “bind off”) is an essential part of knitting and creates an end to your project. It is the process of removing stitches from the needles. It’s a safe and neat way to seal them off so that they don’t unravel.

This is the standard simple cast off. It is not as stretchy as others however it is good as the first method to learn and a regular one to use.

How to Work the Standard Cast Off

1. Knit 1 stitch

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2. Knit a second stitch

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3. Insert your left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.

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4. Lift the stitch over the other one on the needle.

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5. Drop the lifted stitch off the right needle and keep the other stitch.

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6. Knit another stitch to put two stitches on your right needle.

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7. Pass the second stitch over the one you just created.

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8. Drop the stitch off your needle leaving one on the needle.

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9. Repeat steps 6-8 until there is only one stitch left.

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10. Cut the yarn leaving a tail long enough to weave in later, use your knitting needle to pull the loop all the way through to create a little knot that secures that last stitch.

Identifying the Standard Cast Off in Your Work

The Standard Cast Off looks a bit like a chain across the top of your work.

Variations in the Standard Cast Off Method

Purl Cast Off

The purl standard cast off is done the same way as the normal one but is done in the purl stitch instead. This is good for when you need to finish on a purl stitch.

Ribbed Cast Off

The ribbed standard cast off is done the same way as the normal one but is done in both knit and purl stitches. This is good for a neat finish on ribbed items however it is not as stretchy as other cast off methods.