Stitches

Is there a knitting bind off method that looks similar to the cable cast on?

I've been trying many different ways to bind off, but they all are a little tight, and they have a "ridge" or hard edge. The cable cast on that I usually use has a much softer looking, stretchier edge. I'm wondering if there's a way to bind off that looks more like a cable cast on. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Public Comments

1. To make regular casting off a bit stretchier, cast off in k1p1 rib. It also gives it a less rigid look. If your casting off is too tight, pull the yarn just a little as you're casting off. Keep your tension looser than you usually would. Practice a few times with plain old worsted weight flat yarn (like Red Heart Classic) in a light color. The light color lets you see exactly what you're doing when you're practicing a new stitch.
2. On the bind-off row, k into the back of the first st. Return the st to the left-hand needle. *K the first two sts together through the back of the sts. Return the st to the left-hand needle. Repeat from * to the end of the row. You'll have a stretchy bind-off that resembles the cable cast-on.
3. There are many different bind-off methods, and they all have a purpose. To get the exact duplicate of the cast-on edge, you should try the Elizabeth Zimmermann Sewn Cast-off. It's very simple to do, and you will have a nice stretchy edge, that looks exactly like your cast-on edge. See http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/FEATsum06TT.html for complete directions about all the methods.