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Italian Bind Off

With the help of this technique, 1x1 rib stitch pattern bind off edges can look like magic - at least that's my opinion. The bind off edge gets a super clean and almost commercial look. You can achieve this with the help of a wool needle and a little patience. But it doesn't take long and then you'll get used to the technique.

 

I'll show you below how to do an Italian Bind Off for a 1x1 rib stitch pattern that starts either with a knit stitch or a purl stitch.

Starting with a Knit Stitch

There are a few set-up steps needed before you repeat 5 steps over and over again. Follow these and then continue with steps 1-5 below.

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Cut your working yarn to about 4x the circumference of your bind off edge.

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Insert your needle purlwise into the first knit stitch and pull the yarn through.

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Bring your working yarn behind to the wrong side, go in between the first 2 stitches on the knitting needle back to the right side and pull your yarn through.

Steps 1 - 5

Repeat the following 5 steps one after the other until you reach the end of your round. Tip: I always remember the order well like this: (1) knit, (2) knit & slip off, (3) purl, (4) purl & slip off, (5) through the back to the front.

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1. Insert your needle knitwise through the second stitch on the knitting needle and pull through.

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2. Insert your needle knitwise through the first stitch on the knitting needle, pull through & let that stitch fall off the knitting needle.

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3. Insert your needle purlwise into the second stitch on the knitting needle and pull your yarn through.

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4. Insert your needle purlwise into the first stitch on the knitting needle, pull your yarn through ...

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... and let that stitch fall off the knitting needle. 

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5. Bring your working yarn behind to the wrong side, go in between the first 2 stitches on the knitting needle back to the right side and pull your yarn through.

Starting with a Purl Stitch

There are a few set-up steps needed before you repeat 5 steps over and over again. Follow these and then continue with steps 1-5 below.

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Cut your working yarn to about 4x the circumference of your bind off edge.

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Insert your needle knitwise into the first purl stitch and pull the yarn through.

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Insert your needle purlwise into the second stitch on the knitting needle and pull your yarn through.

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Insert your needle purlwise into the first stitch on the knitting needle, pull your yarn through & let that stitch fall off the knitting needle.

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Bring your working yarn behind to the wrong side, go in between the first 2 stitches on the knitting needle back to the right side and pull your yarn through.

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