Tubular Bind-Off for 1x1 Ribbing

Now that I've completed all that sampling of Cast-Ons for 1x1 ribbing, what about Bind-Offs? This is actually much simpler. A number of years ago I learned Tubular Bind-Off for 1x1 Ribbing and it is without question my favorite.

Arguably, it was my satisfaction with this Bind-Off that got me started experimenting with Cast-Ons. I was sure there had to be a Cast-On of equal magnificence to this delightful bound off edge ...

The method I use for Tubular Bind-Off for 1x1 Ribbing is described in Hand Knitting Techniques from Threads. I tracked down online versions here and here. Neither of these are exactly the same as the process I use so I'll describe it (and document it) below.

Note: The following assumes an even number of stitches and that the first stitch is a knit stitch. (Although, I'm sure it could be adapted for an odd number of stitches and/or a purl stitch as the first stitch.)

To prepare for the bind-off, first work 2 or 4 rows of tubular 1x1 ribbing (k1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front). This creates 2 layers of stockinette stitch which, in the bind-off will be grafted together. (Is "Kitchenered" a word?) Some folks separate the 2 layers to 2 needles (as in the first online version cited), but this is not necessary (and I don't do it).

After the 2 or 4 rows of tubular ribbing, break the yarn, leaving a tail at least 3 times longer than the width of the edge to be bound off. Thread the yarn on a tapestry needle and begin the bind off. When I do this, I think, "Knit, purl - Purl, knit ... Knit, purl - Purl, knit ... Knit, purl - Purl, knit ..." Here's how it goes ...

Step 1 - "Knit" by bringing the tapestry needle to the front of the work and inserting it knitwise into the first stitch on the knitting needle (a knit stitch) and dropping the stitch off the knitting needle. (You don't need to draw the yarn through at this point.)

Notice that after step 1, the first stitch remaining on the knitting
needle is a purl stitch and the second stitch is a knit stitch.

Step 2 - "Purl" by keeping the tapestry needle on the front side of the work and inserting it purlwise into the second stitch on the knitting needle (a knit stitch). Then, draw the yarn through. Pull it up to be a nice even tension with the knitted fabric (not tight, but not sloppy).

This the first part of Step 2. There are 2 loops on the tapestry 

needle. The one on the right is the stitch that was dropped off 

the knitting needle during step 1. The one on the left is the knit 

stitch into which the tapestry needle has been inserted.

The yarn has been drawn through, completing step 2.

Notice that the tail is on the front side of the work.

Step 3 - "Purl" by inserting the tapestry needle purlwise into the first stitch on the knitting needle (a purl stitch) and dropping the stitch off the knitting needle. (You don't need to draw the yarn through at this point.)

Although not shown in a photo, step 3 is not complete until the 
stitch shown above (the one with the tapestry needle inserted into it) 
is dropped off the knitting needle. When step 3 is finished, the first 
stitch remaining on the knitting needle will be a knit stitch 
and the second stitch will be a purl stitch.

Step 4 - "Knit" by bringing the tapestry needle around to the back of the work and inserting it knitwise into the second stitch on the knitting needle. This will require that you insert the tip of the tapestry needle from the back to the front between the first stitch on the knitting needle (knit stitch) and the second stitch on the knitting needle (purl stitch) and then back through the center of the stitch, catching the front leg of the knit stitch with the tapestry needle. It's a little awkward at first. Draw the yarn through and pull it up to a nice even tension.

The tip of the tapestry needle has been inserted from back to front 

between the first and second stitches on the knitting needle.

A look from the back side of the work. Once again, there 

are 2 loops on the tapestry needle. The one on the right is the 

stitch that was dropped off the knitting needle during step 3. 

The one on the left is the purl stitch into which the 

tapestry needle has been inserted during step 4.

The yarn is drawn through most of the way, but not entirely.

Notice that the tail is now on the back side of the work.

Repeat "knit, purl" ... "purl, knit" (steps 1, 2 ... 3,4) all the way across.

Knit,

Purl ...

Purl,

Knit.

Tapestry needle inserted from back to front between 

first and second stitches on the knitting needle.

Tapestry needle inserted through front loop of knit stitch (second 

stitch on knitting needle). Ready for yarn to be drawn through.

After binding off a few more stitches, here's what the bound off edge is beginning to look like:

When only 2 stitches remain on the knitting needle --

Insert the tapestry needle knitwise through the first stitch on the knitting needle (a knit stitch), drop the stitch off the knitting needle and draw the yarn through.

Then, insert the needle purlwise through the last stitch on the knitting needle (a purl stitch), drop the stitch off the knitting needle and draw the yarn through.

Ta-da!! Here is this lovely, round bound off edge.

Can you see why I was "bound" and determined to identify an equally magnificent 1x1 Cast-On?