The tubular bind off is a fantastic technique for finishing your ribbed knitting projects. It creates a stretchy, seamless edge that looks professional and clean. Whether you’re working on hats, sweaters, scarves, or any ribbed item, this bind-off method is ideal. It gives your projects a polished look while maintaining their flexibility.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of the tubular bind off. You’ll find clear instructions and tips to make it easy. I’ll cover how to use this bind-off for different rib patterns, like 1×1 and 2×2. By the end, you’ll be ready to tackle any project with confidence.
So, grab your needles and let’s get started! Your finished pieces will thank you for it.
What Is a Tubular Bind Off?
The tubular bind off, often called the Italian bind off, sewn bind off, or invisible rib bind off, is the perfect technique for finishing your ribbed knitting projects. It creates a stretchy and seamless edge, ideal for finishing projects with ribbing, such as hats, sweaters, and scarves. This method mimics the look of a cast-on edge, providing a clean and professional finish.
The technique typically involves using a tapestry needle and a length of yarn. You alternate between knitting and purling stitches while binding off, similar to the Kitchener stitch. This creates a smooth, rounded edge that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Why Choose the Tubular Bind Off?
Choosing the right bind-off method can significantly impact your finished project. The tubular bind off offers several benefits that can make a difference in the final look and feel of your piece.
One of its key features is the invisible finish it provides, which mimics the look of the cast-on edge. It blends well with ribbing, making the transition between the last row of knitting and the edge nearly unnoticeable.
Another great benefit is the stretchiness of the tubular bind off. It creates a flexible edge, allowing your finished pieces to maintain their shape and comfort over time. This makes it ideal for projects that require a bit of give, like cuffs or necklines.
The versatility of the tubular bind off or italian bind off also stands out. It works well on a variety of knitting projects, especially those featuring ribbing, from hats to sleeves, ensuring a neat, professional finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tubular Bind Off
Learning the tubular bind off is easy with these clear, step-by-step instructions.
Before starting the tubular bind off, gather your materials. You will need your completed knitted piece (with the knitting needle and working yarn attached) and a blunt tapestry needle.
Now that you have your supplies, let’s dive into the steps for the tubular bind off.
While the basics remain the same, the process varies slightly between the tubular bind off 1×1 rib and the 2×2 rib. I’ll guide you through both techniques, so you can achieve a smooth, stretchy edge on any project.
Set Up
You always want to start the bind off with a knit stitch. If you’re knitting ribbing (or seed stitch) on a flat piece and the first stitch of the bind-off row is a purl stitch, work one more row. If the same occurs when knitting in the round, purl the first stitch and move it to the end of the round. This way, you will be able to start the bind off with a knit stitch.
Next, cut a tail at least three times the length of the bind off edge. As the tubular bind off is a type of sewn bind off, you’ll be sewing the stitches with the tail end of your projects. So you’ll want to leave a tail that’s long enough to work with. Then, thread this yarn through a tapestry needle.
Tubular Bind Off for 1×1 Ribbing
Step 1: Insert the tapestry needle purlwise into the first stitch on your left needle and pull the yarn through.
This first step is a set up step and now you are ready to begin the repeat.
Step 2: Insert the tapestry needle between the first and the second stitches purlwise from the back to the front and pull the yarn through.
Step 3: Insert the tapestry needle knitwise into the second stitch bringing it front to back behind your work and pull the yarn through.
Step 4: Insert the tapestry needle knitwise into the first stitch, slip this stitch off the knitting needle, and pull the yarn through.
Step 5: Insert the tapestry needle purlwise into the second stitch on your knitting needle, keeping the tapestry needle to the front of your work, and pull the yarn through.
Step 6: Insert the tapestry needle purlwise into the first stitch on your knitting needle, slip this stitch off the knitting needle, and pull the yarn through.
Continue repeating steps 2 to 6 until you only have two stitches on your knitting needle.
A great way to keep in track of the step you are at is to say the following repeat in your head (and you will also always knit the knits and purl the purls):
- Knit (don’t slip anything)
- Knit off (knit and slip the stitch off)
- Purl (don’t slip anything)
- Purl off (purl and slip the stitch off)
TIP! You can work steps 2 and 3 in a continuous movement and pick up the right leg of the second (knit) stitch from the back with the tapestry needle an then pull the yarn through. This way, you don’t need to first bring the tapestry needle front and then back to back.
Finishing
When working flat, finish your tubular bind off by working through step 4 (knit off) and then doing the step 6 (purl off). So, basically you will knit and slip off the knit stitch and purl and slip off the purl stitch.
When working tubular bind off in the round, work through step 4 and then follow these few final steps to make a neat connection:
Step 7: Insert the tapestry needle purlwise into the right leg of the first bind off stitch and pull the yarn through.
Step 8: Insert the tapestry needle purlwise into the last stitch on your knitting needle, slip this stitch off the knitting needle, and pull the yarn through.
Step 9: Insert the tapestry needle knitwise into the left leg of the first bind off stitch (other half of the V-shape) and pull the yarn through.
And that’s it! Finally weave in the ends.
Tubular Bind Off for 2×2 Ribbing
When knitting the tubular bind off for 2×2 ribbing, you first need to transfer your knitting into a 1×1 rib. Then you will bind it off the same way as on the 1×1 rib.
Here’s how you will transfer the 2×2 rib into 1×1 rib:
Step 1: Knit one stitch.
Step 2: Insert your right-hand needle into the back loop of the second stitch on your left-hand needle purlwise. This second stitch should be a purl stitch according to the pattern.
Step 3: Pull out the left needle, forcing the first knit stitch drop off the needle. You can use your thumb to press the stitch against the right needle so it should not unravel.
Step 4: Immediately catch the dropped stitch with your left-hand needle.
Step 5: Slip the first purl stitch on your right-hand needle back onto the left-hand needle.
Step 6: Continue knitting in pattern: purl one, knit one, purl one.
Step 7: Repeat steps 1 to 6 until the end of the row.
Once you’ve finished this preparation row and transferred your pattern into tubular bind off 1×1 rib, you can follow the repeat for the normal tubular bind-off as detailed above.
When to Use the Tubular Bind Off
The tubular bind off is excellent for various projects:
- Ribbed Edges: Perfect for cuffs on sweaters and hats, where you want that elasticity.
- Necklines: Ideal for necklines on sweaters or cardigans, providing a neat and clean finish.
- Hats and Scarves: Its stretchy nature is fantastic for the brim of hats and the edges of scarves.
Conclusions
The tubular bind off or Italian bind off is an excellent method for finishing knitting projects. With its stretchy and invisible edge, it adds a professional touch.
Remember to be patient with yourself as you learn this new technique. The more you practice, the more confident you will become—the results are well worth the effort.
Next time you finish a ribbed piece, give the tubular bind off a try. Your projects will truly benefit from this technique.
Happy knitting!
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