Uploaded May 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This method of binding off, "un-vented" by the illustrious Elizabeth Zimmermann, uses a tapestry needle and a long yarn tail. It's our preferred method when a highly elastic bind-off edge that holds its shape is needed – excellent for garter stitch (and other stitch patterns as well!)
Break your working yarn, leaving a tail at least three times as long as the edge that will be bound off. Thread yarn tail onto a blunt tapestry needle and work the following steps:
Step 1: Slip the tip of your tapestry needle through the first two stitches on L needle as if to purl and pull yarn through, leaving these two stitches on the L needle.
Step 2: Place the tip of the tapestry needle through the first stitch on L needle knitwise and slip this stitch off the needle. Pull yarn tail through. 1 stitch has been bound off.
Note: As you work, pay attention to the elasticity of your bound-off edge. If it needs to be stretchier, pull the yarn less tightly when working the bind off. If it is too loose, pull the yarn more tightly as you work the bind off.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until a single stitch remains on L needle. Slip final stitch off the needle (it has already been secured by the working yarn) and pull working yarn snugly. Weave yarn tail in invisibly on the WS of fabric.
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If you found this tutorial helpful, we’d love your support!
At Brooklyn Tweed we are passionate about wool, knitting and design. We craft our patterns with a commitment to timeless quality, publishing size-inclusive, stylish designs for all shapes, identities, and skill levels.
Contemporary design, superior craftsmanship, and clear instructions give knitters the opportunity to elevate their skills and explore the intersection of crafting traditions with current style and new techniques.
Our extensive library of educational resources and skill-building tutorials give crafters the tools to succeed and the confidence to make their projects their own.
Learn more at: @BrooklynTweed_Official
Visit us at: brooklyntweed.com
This method of binding off, "un-vented" by the illustrious Elizabeth Zimmermann, uses a tapestry needle and a long yarn tail. It's our preferred method when a highly elastic bind-off edge that holds its shape is needed – excellent for garter stitch (and other stitch patterns as well!)
Break your working yarn, leaving a tail at least three times as long as the edge that will be bound off. Thread yarn tail onto a blunt tapestry needle and work the following steps:
Step 1: Slip the tip of your tapestry needle through the first two stitches on L needle as if to purl and pull yarn through, leaving these two stitches on the L needle.
Step 2: Place the tip of the tapestry needle through the first stitch on L needle knitwise and slip this stitch off the needle. Pull yarn tail through. 1 stitch has been bound off.
Note: As you work, pay attention to the elasticity of your bound-off edge. If it needs to be stretchier, pull the yarn less tightly when working the bind off. If it is too loose, pull the yarn more tightly as you work the bind off.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until a single stitch remains on L needle. Slip final stitch off the needle (it has already been secured by the working yarn) and pull working yarn snugly. Weave yarn tail in invisibly on the WS of fabric.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you found this tutorial helpful, we’d love your support!
At Brooklyn Tweed we are passionate about wool, knitting and design. We craft our patterns with a commitment to timeless quality, publishing size-inclusive, stylish designs for all shapes, identities, and skill levels.
Contemporary design, superior craftsmanship, and clear instructions give knitters the opportunity to elevate their skills and explore the intersection of crafting traditions with current style and new techniques.
Our extensive library of educational resources and skill-building tutorials give crafters the tools to succeed and the confidence to make their projects their own.
Learn more at: @BrooklynTweed_Official
Visit us at: brooklyntweed.com
