How To Knit: Sewn Bind Off | Brooklyn Tweed

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.
Yarn: Arbor in Mesa brooklyntweed....
See our How-To playlist for more technique videos: bit.ly/3ipXq4g
Visit our Resources page for more knitting tips: brooklyntweed....
If you found this tutorial helpful, we’d love your support! Shop our breed-specific American wool yarns & thoughtfully designed patterns at BrooklynTweed.com.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At Brooklyn Tweed we are passionate about wool, knitting and design.
We develop and manufacture breed-specific wool yarns that support domestic textile production. This means designing, sourcing, dyeing and spinning our yarns 100% within the USA.
We craft our knitwear designs with the same commitment to timeless quality that we apply to our yarns. Every pattern is meticulously drafted and edited to provide clear instructions that empower knitters to build new skills. Our design team explores the intersection of knitting traditions and contemporary style, to produce patterns that are a pleasure to knit and wear.
Learn more at: ‪@BrooklynTweed_Official‬
Visit us at: brooklyntweed....

[@lizzyhannan3875]

Many thanks for the most clear and straightforward explanation of this bind off method I have seen so far - it has worked first try and I'm over the moon - new sub here 😊

[@BrooklynTweed_Official]

Thanks so much! Happy knitting!

[@HannaneMojtabavi]

Big big thanks to you I've looking for this method for a long time❤

[@BrooklynTweed_Official]

You're very welcome! Happy knitting!

[@moniquem8093]

Well done video. Easy to follow. Thank you for sharing

[@BrooklynTweed_Official]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@hdpl]

Just used this to bind off the neck of a balaclava - it's perfect! Thank you so much!!

[@BrooklynTweed_Official]

A PERFECT place for a good stretchy bind-off! We're so glad this helped!

[@noelleparris9451]

I love this. I'll be using it on the cuffs (and maybe the hem?) of the Everyday Sweater I'm working on now. Thank you!

[@BrooklynTweed_Official]

It's a good one! Happy knitting!

[@liziking306]

This is awesome. I didn't about this method. Thank you for making this tutorial. Question: If I were working in the round with all knitted stitches and I use this bind off, would it prevent it from curling?

[@BrooklynTweed_Official]

You're very welcome! Great question - you might need a few rounds of ribbing to keep the edge from rolling - that stockinette urge to roll is powerful!

[@liziking306]

@@BrooklynTweed_Official - I was afraid you would say that... LOL And thank you for your response. I really appreciate it.

[@BrooklynTweed_Official]

@@liziking306 Absolutely! (Try it out on a little swatch in the round and see what happens - maybe it will surprise us!)

[@robinross5963]

I am just finishing Elmont by Julie Hoover
and doing this bind off at the neck. The instructions have me doing 5 rows of stockinette before binding off--so I assume it's just going to roll? I thought perhaps I was binding off too loosely.

[@BrooklynTweed_Official]

Hi Robin! Yes, in Elmont you're using the sewn bind off on the neckband stitches to create a nice stretchy edge so that it rolls neatly to the outside. Happy knitting!

[@mollyscloset]

Silly Q but what is that yarn?

[@BrooklynTweed_Official]

Hi Molly! Great question - that's our DK weight worsted-spun Arbor in the color Mesa! (Just updated the video description!)