Bind Off in Pattern

Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels
Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

After making a pattern of knits and purls, you will want to take your stitches off the needles in a way that matches the rest of your piece. Following the design of the previous row as you bind off creates an edge that blends with your work.

In this lesson, I’ll show you how to do a standard bind off while following a pattern. This method works on both flat knits as well as items knit in the round.

This sample is made with a knit, purl rib stitch pattern, which is just a swatch I made to show you this technique. If you would like to make it as well, you can follow these instructions:

Use US No. 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles and worsted weight cotton yarn.

Row 1: Cast on 14 stitches. Turn.

Rows 2 – 10: *knit, purl* x 7. (14 stitches)

Row 11: Bind off in pattern. Cut yarn leaving an 8-inch tail and pull through.

Before you start, remember to loosen up:

Keep in mind that the standard bind off tends to be a bit tight, so you may want to loosen up your tension when knitting this last row. Many patterns will specifically tell you to “bind off loosely,” to remind you to adjust the tightness of the stitches.

Or, go up two or three needle sizes:

Instead of adjusting how tightly you knit, you can also switch needle sizes. Try moving to a needle that is two or three sizes larger than the one you have been using for the rest of the pattern. This allows you to keep the same knitting tension in your yarn as you cast off, while still loosening the bind off stitches enough to match the rest of the piece. Some patterns instruct you to switch needle sizes for the last row, to help you ensure your ends are more even.

Video Guide: How to Bind Off in a Pattern

Written Guide: How to Bind Off in a Pattern

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 1:

Following the pattern you have been using for previous rows, make the first two stitches of your last row. In this example, knit one, then purl one.

Step 1: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 2:

Insert the left needle tip into the front loop of the first stitch on your right needle from front to back.

Step 2: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 3:

Lift the first stitch on the right needle up and over the second stitch on the right needle.

Step 3: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 4:

Pull the second stitch on the right needle through the first stitch on the right needle. 

Step 4: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 5:

Slide the left needle out of the stitch on the right needle.

Step 5: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 6:

At this point, the first knit stitch should be anchored onto the second, and only one loop should remain on your right-hand needle.

Step 6: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 7:

Following your pattern, work the next stitch off your left needle and onto the right needle.

Step 7: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 8:

In the same manner as before, lift the first stitch on your right-hand needle over the second stitch, drawing the second stitch through the first, leaving only one stitch on your right-hand needle.

Step 8: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 9:

Repeat steps seven and eight until you have reached the last two stitches and freed the left-hand needle from your work.

Step 9: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 10:

Lift the first stitch on the right needle over the second, leaving only one stitch on your right-hand needle.

Step 10: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 11:

Set your work down, leaving the knitting needle in the last stitch. With very sharp scissors, clip the working yarn about eight or ten inches away from your last  stitch. This will free your work from the ball of yarn.

Step 11: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Bind Off in Pattern, Step 12:

Pull the yarn tail through to anchor it in; do this by enlarging the last stitch with your knitting needle until the tail slides completely through. The loop will become a straight loose end.

Step 12: Learn to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Practice With My Knitting Patterns

Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

If you’ve been following my lessons, you now have enough information to knit all of the washcloths and face scrubbies in my Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection. Happy knitting!

Learn how to bind off in pattern - a knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Up Next

You can knits lots of patterns now that you’ve learned to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. Learn about these beginner knitting patterns in the next lesson.

Knitting patterns with only knits and purls by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Knit vs Purl

Knit vs purl - learn to tell the difference between knit and purl stitches - knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Did you make a knit stitch or a purl stitch? Learning to tell the difference between knits and purls will help you spot mistakes in your knitting. Then, you can go back and fix your mistakes before you bind off your project.

This article helps you to better visualize knit stitches and purl stitches after you’ve already learned to make them. Need a slower lesson for each stitch?

🧶 Learn to make the knit stitch

🧶Learn to make the purl stitch

🧶Learn to knit from start to finish with my free Learn to Knit Index

To help you “read” your knitting and make sure you are following patterns correctly, you can start to see the knit stitches as “V” shapes and the purl stitches as upside down “U” shapes.

It also helps to remember that a purl is basically a backwards knit stitch. This means that the back side of a knit stitch looks just like a purl stitch and that the back side of a purl stitch looks just like a knit stitch.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to tell knit and purl stitches apart.

Video Guide: How to Identify Knits and Purls

Written Guide: How to Identify Knits And Purls

To me, knit stitches look like the letter “V,” while purl stitches look like the letter “U” turned upside-down.

You can see the difference between knits and purls when you examine a swatch made by alternating the two stitches.

The sample I knit in the video and photos is made with a knit, purl rib stitch pattern. This is just a swatch I made for the purpose of this lesson. If you would like to make it as well, you can follow this pattern:

Use US No. 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles and worsted weight cotton yarn.

Row 1: Cast on 14 stitches. Turn.

Rows 2 – 10: *knit, purl* x 7. (14 stitches)

Row 11: Bind off in pattern. Cut yarn leaving an 8-inch tail and pull through.

Knit Stitches

Knit stitches are smooth, flat, and resemble the letter “V.”

Identify a knit stitch - learn to read the little "v" stitches - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsandPixels.

After knitting a few rows in the knit, purl pattern, the column of knit stitches will be more prominent. You’ll see the “V” shapes stack on one another as you work.

Identify a column of knit stitches - learn to read the little "v" stitches - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsandPixels.

Purl Stitches

Purl stitches appear bumpy and look a bit like the letter “U” turned upside down.

Identify a purl stitch - learn to read the upside down "u" stitches - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsandPixels.

In a column of purl stitches, the bumps will stack. The line of upside-down “U” stitches will sink backward in the work, so stretching your knitting just a bit can help you see your purls more clearly.

Identify a column of purl stitches - learn to read the upside down "u" stitches - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsandPixels.

Practice With My Knitting Patterns

Simple Washcloth Knitting Pattern Collection from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Now that you have learned to knit and purl, you can make all of the washcloths and face scrubbies in my Simple Washcloth Collection.

Knit vs purl - learn to tell the difference between knit and purl stitches - knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Up Next

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Knot in Yarn Tails

Step 13: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

After weaving in my loose end for a few stitches, I always tie my yarn tail onto one of my knit stitches with a tiny, strong, and almost invisible knot. This allows me to use less duplicate stitch and end my knitting more quickly. I also find that this knot holds my tails in place much longer than weaving in alone. Here, I’ll show you how you can knot in your yarn ends before you trim them away.

First, you will need to split the yarn tail in two pieces. Then you will tie two small knots, which pull against one another to lock in place. After tying your knot, you can clip the excess yarn away with your scissors. Stretching the piece a little hides the knot within most knitting patterns.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to make a knot that will anchor your tail to your knitting.

Video Guide: How Knot in Yarn Tails

Written Guide: How to Knot in Yarn Tails

After using the tail to finish out your pattern and fix any strange corner loops, you can tie the yarn onto one of your interior stitches. Make sure you’ve already woven in your tail a little bit before you tie your knot. See the guides at this link if you aren’t sure how to weave in your tail.

Split & Anchor Yarn Tails

To prepare to tie in your end, you must first split the tail and anchor it to one stitch in your knitting project.

Step 22: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Split & Anchor, Step 1:

Inspect your yarn tail by untwisting it a bit, near your work. Identify the individual yarn plies and count them. Here, you will see a four-ply yarn; the yarn pictured is made of four smaller strings.

Step 2: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Split & Anchor, Step 2:

Use the tip of your darning needle to help you split the plies into two equal sections. With the four-ply yarn shown, the plies should be split so there are two on each side.

Step 3: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Split & Anchor, Step 3:

Gently separate the two halves of the yarn with your darning needle by sliding it out toward the end of the tail. Take care not to break the strands by pulling too quickly or roughly.

Step 4: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Split & Anchor, Step 4:

Once the tail is split in two, set one half aside and thread the other half through the eye of your darning needle.

Step 5: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Split & Anchor, Step 5:

With the darning needle, sew this half of the tail around the knit stitch that it is coming out from under. Do this by bringing your needle tip under and through the other side of the knit stitch.

Step 6: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Split & Anchor, Step 6:

Ensure that the darning needle runs parallel to the other half of the yarn tail before you sew it through.

Step 7: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Split & Anchor, Step 7:

Pull the tail through, only tightly enough to match the pattern of your knitting. Do not pull too tightly.

Step 8: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Split & Anchor, Step 8:

Remove the tail from the darning needle.

Tying Off / Knotting in Yarn Tails

After splitting the tail and anchoring it to a stitch, you are ready to begin tying your tiny knot.

Step 9: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Tie Off, Step 1:

Arrange the two halves of the tail so that the ends are pointing in opposite directions, laying one string toward your left side and the other toward your right. Then, set the strings down.

Step 10: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Tie Off, Step 2:

Pick up the strings so that the left-pointing string is in your right hand and the right-pointing string is in your left hand.

Step 11: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Tie Off, Step 3:

Cross the two ends by bringing the yarn in your right hand in front of the yarn in your left hand.

Tie Off, Step 4:

Bring the right-hand string around and behind the left-hand string, then tuck the right-hand string tail through the loop created.

Tie Off, Step 5:

This will cross the ends, forming first small knot. Tighten the knot by gently pulling on both tails of the yarn.

Step 14: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Tie Off, Step 6:

Pull this first knot only tightly enough to allow it to hug the surface of the knitting. Pulling this knot too tightly will cause your work to become misshapen.  

Step 15: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Tie Off, Step 7:

After tying the knot gently to the surface of your work, lay the ends down in the direction you were pulling them. One end should point toward the left, and the other should point toward the right.

Step 16: How to tie off loose ends, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Tie Off, Step 8:

Now, grab the ends, switching the hands that held them. So, pick up the left-pointing string in your right hand and the right-pointing string in your left hand.

Tie Off, Step 9:

Cross the strings in the same way as you did in Step 3; bring the yarn in your right hand in front of the yarn in your left hand.

Tie Off, Step 10:

Bring the right-hand string around and behind the left-hand string, then tuck the right-hand string tail through the loop created.

Tie Off, Step 11:

This will cross the ends, forming your next small knot. Tighten this knot by gently pulling on both tails of the yarn.

Tie Off, Step 12:

Pull this second knot as tightly as you can to test if it will slip. If the knot does not move when the two tails are pulled very hard, you can move on to cutting away your yarn tails in the next step. But, if your knot starts to slip when you pull the tails, stop pulling and make one more knot by repeating steps  7 through 12.

Tie Off, Step 13:

Using the sharpest scissors you have available, clip off both halves of the yarn tail, one at a time, as closely as possible to the knot, without cutting the knot itself.

Tie Off, Step 14:

Stretch the corner of your work to help the knot settle into the project. It will hide itself amongst the other stitches.

At this point you should be free of your loose ends and ready to move on to blocking your work or starting a new project.

Practice With My Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

You can learn to knit along with me using my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

Up Next

Learn how to make the purl stitch, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

The next step in learning to knit is to make the purl stitch to start adding texture and patterns to your knitting projects.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Weave in Bind-off Tail

The standard bind off will also leave a tail. This tail can be used to fix odd corner stitches at the same time they are being woven in.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to weave in your bind off tail.

Video Guide: How to Weave in the Bind-off Tail

Written Guide: How to Weave in the Bind-off Tail

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 1:

Pick up the loose end you would like to weave in; here we will use the loose end from the bind-off edge (located at the top of the work).

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 2:

Thread the loose end through the eye of a darning needle.

Step 3: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 3:

Examine the edge of your work and try to identify the pattern. On the bind off edge, you will see side-leaning a tear-drop shapes. You will use the tail to copy the shape of the bind off edge stitches as you start to weave in. Use the purple line as a guide.

Step 4: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 4:

Using the natural holes in your knitting as a guide, insert the darning needle down and through the bump on the edge stitch in the row below the bind off.

Step 5: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 5:

Pull the tail through, only tightly enough to match the pattern of your knitting. Do not pull too tightly.

Step 6: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 6:

Rotate your work counterclockwise, inspecting the corner to find the loose stitch that is usually left from a standard bind off. Insert your darning needle up and under the loose stitch.

Step 7: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 7:

Pull the tail through with the darning needle, and once again, pull only as tightly as needed to match the knitting work.

Step 8: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 8:

Remembering that you are trying to recreate the teardrop shape of the bind off edge stitches, bring your darning needle down and through the center of the last complete bind off stitch.

Step 9: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 9:

Pull the tail through, again ensuring you are neither pulling too tightly nor leaving the thread too loose.

Step 10: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 10:

Locate the second stitch from the edge in the row just below your bind off. Sew the needle tip down and through that stitch.

Step 11: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 11:

Pull through, but not too tightly.

Step 12: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 12:

Insert your darning needle up and through the next stitch bump, working away from the edge of the work. This will duplicate the shape of the stitching. Pull through, as before.

Step 13a: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 13a:

Sew the tail under and through a nearby stitch that is next to the bind off edge. Do not cut your tail at this point if you want to secure it with a knot. Move on to the instructions for “How to Tie Off Loose Ends.”

Step 13b: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

OR Weave in Bind-off Tail, Step 13b:

Or, if you do not wish to tie a knot in your work, weave in the tail for several rows. Angle diagonally toward the center of your project, as illustrated by the purple line. After weaving two to three inches of tail into your project, remove the tail from the darning needle. With scissors, clip the excess loose end away.

Practice With My Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

You can learn to knit along with me using my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

Up Next

Knot in Yarn Tails:

I always tie my yarn tail onto one of my knit stitches with a tiny, strong, and almost invisible knot. Learn how to knot in your yarn ends before you trim them away. Go to full tutorial.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Weave in Cast-on Tail

Step 10: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the bind off edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

A long-tail cast on, like most other cast ons, will always leave a tail. Learn how I weave in then tie off this loose end on flat knitting projects.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to weave in your first tail.

Video Guide: How to Weave in the Cast-on Tail

Written Guide: How to Weave in the Cast-on Tail

To weave in your end, you will use a darning needle to help you sew the tail into your work.

Step 1: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 1:

Pick up the loose end you would like to weave in; here we will start with the loose end from the cast-on edge (located at the bottom of the work).

Step 2: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 2:

Thread the loose end through the eye of a darning needle.

Step 3: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 3:

Examine the edge of your work and try to identify any unfinished parts of the pattern. On the cast on edge, as show here, you will be missing one leg of an imaginary > shape.

Step 4: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 4:

Using the natural holes in your knitting as a guide, insert the darning needle through the edge stitch, which would form the point of the > shaped stitch.

Step 5: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 5:

Pull the tail through, only tightly enough to match the pattern of your knitting. Do not pull too tightly.  

Step 6: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 6:

Remembering that you are trying to trace around the knit stitches with the tail, bring the darning needle up and under the loop at the edge in the next row up. 

Step 7: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 7:

Pull the tail through with the darning needle, and once again, pull only as tightly as needed to match the knitting work. 

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 8:

Sew the darning needle tip down and under the next stitch, moving from the edge of the work into the project. 

Step 9: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 9:

Pull the tail through, again ensuring you are neither pulling too tightly nor leaving the thread too loose.

Step 10: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 10:

Sew the needle tip up and through the next stitch, doing your best to follow the winding pattern of the knitting.

Step 11: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 11:

Bring your needle down and under the third stitch bump in the second row.

Step 12: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 12:

Pull through, but not too tightly.

Step 13a: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 13a:

Remove the tail from the darning needle. Do not cut your tail at this point if you want to secure it with a knot. Move on to the instructions for “How to Tie Off Loose Ends” that follow this section.

Step 13b: Learn to weave in loose ends and and tie up excess yarn tails - the cast on edge - a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

OR Weave in Cast-on Tail, Step 13b:

Or, if you do not wish to tie a knot in your work, weave in the tail for several rows. Angle diagonally toward the center of your project, as illustrated by the purple line. After weaving two to three inches of tail into your project, remove the tail from the darning needle. With scissors, clip the excess loose end away. You are now ready to weave in the bind-off tail.

Practice With My Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

You can learn to knit along with me using my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

Up Next

Knot in Yarn Tails:

I always tie my yarn tail onto one of my knit stitches with a tiny, strong, and almost invisible knot. Learn how to knot in your yarn ends before you trim them away. Go to full tutorial.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Weave in Loose Ends on Flat Knits

Learn how to tie up loose ends on flat knitting projects in this lesson from Liz @ PurlsAndPixels.
Learn how to tie up loose ends on flat knitting projects in this lesson from Liz @ PurlsAndPixels.

After you bind off a piece of knitting, you will almost always have one or more yarn tails to weave into your piece. There are two schools of thought on how to get rid of those loose yarn ends on knitting. Knitting purists say you should weave in your ends so there are no knots in your knitting. I say, go ahead and knot if that will anchor your yarn better. Here, I will show you a standard way to weave in your loose ends using a “duplicate stitch” pattern. Then, you can learn how to make a tiny knot, which will tie your loose end into the fabric.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how to weave in your ends.

Video Guide: How to Weave in Loose Ends on Flat Knitting

Written Guide: How to Weave in Loose Ends on Flat Knitting

To be rid of your loose ends without ruining your work, you cannot just cut them off with scissors. Before snipping your ends off, you will need to sew or “weave” them into your project.  Anchoring your tails to the knitting by weaving them into the fabric in prevents your stitches from coming unraveled.

How to weave in loose ends a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

You will thread the loose end through a darning needle, which you can weave through your work to duplicate the pattern you have knit. This generally is referred to as “duplicate stitch” in knitting. The curving purple lines below represent possible routes you might follow when trying to replicate the snake-like weave of a knitting project.

Those who weave in their tails without tying a knot must sew the tail into the work for several rows before trimming it off; this ensures that if the tail comes loose, you will have enough yarn to weave it back in again.

If you choose to tie in your loose end with a knot, you will only need to duplicate a few stitches when you weave in. Then, you can tie a tiny knot to hold your tail in place before trimming away the extra yarn.

I have divided this lesson into three more parts, to make it easier for you to read (and for your computer to load). Choose the lesson you’d like to learn below, to be directed to more specific written instructions for each part.

How to Weave in the Tail on the Cast On Edge

Weave in the Cast-on Tail:

A long-tail cast on, like most other cast ons, will always leave a tail. Learn how I weave in then tie off this loose end on flat knitting projects.

Go to full tutorial.

How to Weave in the Tail on the Bind Off Edge

Weave in the Bind-off Tail:

The standard bind off will also leave a tail. This tail can be used to fix odd edges at the same time they are being woven in. Find out how to finish off your bind off edge with the loose end.

Go to full tutorial.

How to Tie In a Loose End with a Knot

Knot in Yarn Tails:

I always tie my yarn tail onto one of my knit stitches with a tiny, strong, and almost invisible knot. Learn how to knot in your yarn ends before you trim them away.

Go to full tutorial.

Practice With My Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

You can learn to knit along with me using my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

Up Next

Learn how to make the purl stitch, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

The next step in learning to knit is to make the purl stitch to start adding texture and patterns to your knitting projects.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

How to Hold Yarn When Knitting

How to hold yarn knitting tutorial from Liz @PurlsAndPixels
How to hold yarn knitting tutorial from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Before you start learning the knit stitch, you’ll need to know how to hold your yarn. Getting a good grip on the working yarn creates tension in the string that will allow you to knit more evenly.

There are a number of ways to hold your yarn when you knit. In this post, I’ll shown you my favorite yarn hold, plus two alternate ways to hold your yarn when knitting. These are three ways you can work with the yarn held in your left hand (this is known as “Continental Style Knitting“).

Video Guide: How to Hold Yarn When Knitting

Written Guide: How to Hold Yarn When Knitting

Option 1:

Wrap a loop around your pointer finger using the working yarn that is coming from the needles.

Option 2:

Wrap the yarn coming from the needles around your last three fingers and then up and over your pointer finger.

Option 3:

Wrap the yarn coming from the needles around your last three fingers and then up and over your pointer finger.

Practice With My Free Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

If you want to follow along with me while I show you how to knit, use my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

How to hold yarn knitting tutorial from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Up Next

After you’ve chosen a comfortable way to hold your yarn, you will be ready to make the knit stitch.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

Turn Your Work When Knitting

How to turn your work, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.
How to turn your work, a knitting lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

After you have cast on all your stitches (or finished a row) in a flat knitting project, your pattern will ask you to “turn your work.” This instruction is asking you to flip your needle over so that you can prepare to work the next row.

Whether you are working on circular needles or straight needles, turning your work is the same; the tip of the needle that is full of stitches will need to be turned 180 degrees and moved from your right hand into your left hand.

Below are both video and written tutorials to help you learn how turn your knitting and prepare to start the next row.

Video Guide: How to Turn Your Work When Knitting

Written Guide: How to Turn Your Work When Knitting

Turn Your Work, Step 1:

After you have cast on (or finished working a row), your stitches will be on the needle held in your right hand. The tip of the needle will be pointing toward the left.

Turn Your Work, Step 2:

To turn your work, flip your knitting needle over, so the tip points  toward the right, then place it in your left hand.

Practice With My Free Knitting Pattern

Free Beginner Face Scrubby knitting pattern by Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

If you want to follow along with me while I show you how to knit, use my Free Beginner Face Scrubby Pattern.

How to turn your work when knitting, a lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

Up Next

How to hold your yarn when knitting, a lesson from Liz @PurlsAndPixels

After you’ve learned to turn your work when knitting, you will be ready to learn how to hold your yarn to make the knit stitch.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

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