Kitchener Bind Off In the Round

A Kitchener Bind Off is the perfect bind off for socks which are knit from the toe to cuff or sleeves that are knit from the top down.

The set-up is very easy when using a 1 x 1 rib. When the rib is the correct length, change to a smaller needle.

Work two more rounds as follows. Assuming that a K1, P1 rib:

Set-Up:

Round 1: *Knit 1, slip the next stitch as if to purl with yarn in front. Repeat from * to end.

Round 2: *Slip the first stitch as if to purl with yarn in back, purl the next stitch. Repeat from * around.

Step 1:

Using two spare dpns, holding them in your right hand, slip simultaneously the knit stitches from the first working needle to one spare needle and the purl stitches onto the other spare needle.

Stop and look at the two needles. Knit stitches should be on the front needle and purl stitches on the back needle.

Place the two needles, keeping them in the same position front and back into your left hand. Slide stitches to the right. (Remaining fabric stitches are at rest, waiting their turn)

Step 2:

Thread a tapestry needle with the tail. The tail should be coming from the back of the two needles.

Step 3:

With the yarn coming from the back insert the tapestry needle as if to purl in the first stitch on the front needle. Leave the stitch on the needle.

Step 4:

Insert the tapestry needle as if to knit in the first stitch of the back needle and pull the thread, leaving the stitch on the needle.

This is the hardest part!

Now you can get into a rhythm of K1, remove, P1 on the front needle and P1, remove, K1 on the back needle.

Watch how it works.

Step 5:

Insert the tapestry needle into the first stitch on the front needle as if to knit and remove stitch from needle, insert in second stitch as if to purl, pull the yarn through and leave the stitch on the needle. (front needle K1, remove P1)

Step 6:

Insert the tapestry needle into the first stitch on the back needle as if to purl and remove from needle. Insert the tapestry needle into the next stitch as if to knit, pull the yarn through and leave stitch on the needle. (back needle P1, remove K1)

Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until you have one stitch left on each needle.

Repeat from Step 1 on the second needle, and then on the third (and fourth if using 5 dpns). End with inserting tapestry needle knitwise on the front needle, remove, insert tapestry needle purlwise on the back needle and remove. Weave in tail.

This sounds much more complicated than it is. Once I get going, I keep saying to myself, Front : K1, P1. Back P1, K1. The end result is worth it.

This is the one time not to try to pull the thread tightly to gauge. Work the bind off with adequate ease for elasticity..