How to Work the Invisible Sewn Bind-Off in Knitting
The standard chain bind-off is just fine in many situations. But it’s notoriously inelastic. And it’s not a good visual match for many cast-ons, including the always-popular Long-tail Cast-on. That’s where the Invisible Sewn Bind-off comes in. Read on to learn the how and why of this simple bind-off technique.
What is the Invisible Sewn Bind-off?
As its name implies, the Invisible Sewn Bind-off is a sewn with a tapestry needle, not knitted. It was famously championed by knitting guru Elizabeth Zimmerman. Some references refer to this technique as the Half-Hitch Bind-off. Whatever you call it, the Invisible Sewn Bind-off is quite stretchy and is a good visual match for the Long-tail Cast-on.
Invisible Sewn Bind-Off Tutorial
Watch Now
Andrea will demonstrate the technique in this video. For more detail, scroll down for step-by-step photos.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Begin your bind-off with the right side facing. You’ll need a strand of yarn about three times the width of the edge to be bound off. I’ve spliced in contrasting colored yarn so it’s easy to see the path the yarn takes; you’ll use the same color used for your project. Thread your yarn onto a tapestry needle (Photo 1).
2
Insert the tapestry needle into the second stitch as if to knit (Photo 2) and draw the yarn through.
3
Insert the tapestry needle into the first stitch as if to purl (Photo 3) and draw the yarn through.
4
Let that first stitch fall off the tip of your needle (Photo 4).
5
Repeat Step 2 (Photo 5). Pull the yarn through.
6
Repeat Step 3 (Photo 6). Pull yarn through and let that stitch fall off the tip of your needle.
7
Keep going, repeating Steps 2–4 until just one stitch remains on the needle (Photo 7).
8
To finish it off, insert the tapestry needle through the last stitch as if to knit. (Photo 8), pull the yarn through, and drop the stitch off the needle.
Not Too Tight, Not Too Loose
Watch your tension while working the Invisible Sewn Bind-off. You’re aiming for that Goldilocks spot: not too tight, and not too loose. The stitches should be smooth and even, but relaxed. If your tension is too loose, the edge will look sloppy. If you pull too tight, the edge won’t have any stretch.
Have you used the Invisible Sewn Bind-off, or other sewn bind-off methods? What do you think? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
Thank you to Ancient Arts Yarns for providing the yarn used for these samples. These swatches were made with Herlig.
Sandi Rosner is the technical content editor for all things yarn at Interweave. When she isn’t knitting, she usually has her nose in a book. You’ll find new technical content from Sandi nearly every week at www.interweave.com.
Knitting Tricks + Inspiration
I loom knit and need a looser bind off. I believe this will work. Thank you!
I use this bind off a lot. I use it mostly for cowls and fingerless gloves/mitts. It’s firm enough without being rigid. Once you get the rhythm it goes quickly.