Mastering the Art of Casting Off: Knitting in the Round Demystified

Knitting in the round is a popular method for creating seamless, continuous pieces of fabric. However, for beginner knitters, the thought of “casting off” in the round can be intimidating. But fear not, for in just a few simple steps, you will be able to confidently cast off your knitted project and admire your finished creation. In this article, we will guide you through the process of casting off knitting in the round, so you can add another skill to your knitting repertoire. So grab your needles and let’s get started!

Knitting in the round is a popular technique used by many knitters to create seamless, circular projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a polished finished product. However, one of the trickiest parts of knitting in the round is casting off or binding off. Many knitters struggle with this step as it can be confusing and intimidating. But fear not! With some knowledge and practice, you’ll be able to confidently cast off your knitting in the round like a pro. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the steps to successfully cast off your project.

Understanding Casting Off:

First things first – let’s understand what casting off actually means. Casting off is the process of creating a secure edge at the end of your work by essentially creating a row of stitches that will not continue to grow in length. This is different from knitting where you continuously add new rows to your project. Cast off stitches are often smaller than regular knit stitches and serve to anchor all stitches together.

The Importance of Tension:

Before we dive into casting off, it’s essential to briefly touch on tension or gauge. When knitting in the round, it’s crucial to maintain consistent tension throughout your project as there are no edges or seams to guide you along. Inconsistent tension can result in uneven stitches or puckering on your finished project. Make sure to check and adjust your tension as needed before casting off.

Casting Off Using Basic Bind-Off Method:

The most common method of casting off for knitting in the round is using a basic bind-off method also known as a traditional bind-off or standard bind-off. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Knit two stitches onto your right needle.
Step 2: Use your left needle to pull the first stitch on your right needle over the second stitch, i.e., pass the first stitch over the second stitch.
Step 3: Knit one more stitch and repeat Step 2 until all stitches have been bound off except for one.
Step 4: Cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about six inches, and thread it through the last remaining stitch to secure.

Casting Off Using Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Sewn Bind-Off:

Another method that’s perfect for beginners and produces a stretchy edge is Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Sewn Bind-Off. It creates a finished edge that mimics your knitting stitches and is ideal for projects like hats or socks. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Knit two stitches onto your right needle.
Step 2: Insert your left needle purlwise into the first stitch on your right needle and slip it off.
Step 3: Insert your left needle knitwise into the next stitch on your right needle, but instead of slipping it off, pull out some slack in your yarn (this will create a loop).
Step 4: Bring that loop through the first slipped stitch on your left needle to create a new stitch.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 2-4 until all stitches have been bound off.
Step 6: On your last bind-off stitch, cut your yarn leaving a tail of about six inches, pull it through the final stitch and secure.

Casting Off Using Three Needle Bind-Off:

The three-needle bind-off is another method used when casting off knitting in the round. It creates a sturdy seam and is ideal for projects like hats or mittens where you need neat joining edges. To do this:

Step 1: Hold both ends of your project with wrong sides facing each other.
Step 2: Insert another knitting needle into one front and back stitch on your right needle.
Step 3: Knit these two stitches together.
Step 4: Repeat Step 3 until there are no more stitches on your needles.
Step 5: Cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about six inches, and secure.

Finishing Touches:

After casting off your knitting in the round, there may be some extra loose ends of yarn from joining new yarn or changing colors. You can use a tapestry needle to weave in these ends discreetly to avoid unraveling or bunching. Simply weave the yarn through several stitches and trim the excess.

Tips for Perfect Casting Off:

– Practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first few cast-offs don’t turn out perfect.
– Keep an eye on your tension to maintain an even edge while casting off.
– Use markers at regular intervals to help you count your stitches while casting off, especially if you’re working with a large number of stitches.
– Blocking can help even out any uneven edges after casting off.

In

Casting off knitting in the round can seem daunting, but with these different methods and tips, it becomes much more manageable. Experiment with each technique to see

What is Knitting in the Round?

Knitting in the round, also known as circular knitting, is a technique used to create seamless tubes of knitted fabric. Unlike traditional flat knitting where you turn your work at the end of each row, in circular knitting, you work in a continuous spiral around a set of double-pointed needles or a circular needle that has no beginning or end. This method is commonly used to make items such as hats, socks, and sweaters. If you are new to knitting in the round, don’t worry! It may seem intimidating at first, but with some practice and these easy steps, you’ll be casting off like an expert in no time.

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin knitting in the round, you’ll need to gather your materials. You will need yarn, double-pointed needles or a circular needle (depending on your project), stitch markers, scissors, and a tapestry needle. When choosing yarn for your project, consider its weight, fiber content, and color. The weight of your yarn will determine the size of needles needed for your project and the thickness of your finished item. When it comes to fiber content, natural fibers such as wool or cotton are best for beginners because they are easy to work with and have good stretch. Once you have all your materials ready, it’s time to get started on casting off!

Getting Started: Casting On

When beginning to knit in the round you must first cast on stitches onto your needles. The number of stitches you need will depend on the pattern or project you are working on. To start knitting with double-pointed needles (DPNs), hold three or four DPNs in one hand with their points even at one end creating what looks like spokes coming out of a wheel. Thread yarn from any ball onto one needle and hold the loose end behind your work and cast on stitches using the long tail cast on. Once you have cast on your desired number of stitches, divide them evenly among the DPNs you are using by sliding them off the needle onto another. Be careful not to twist your stitches as you divide them. For circular knitting with a circular needle, simply cast on all of your stitches onto the needle, making sure not to twist them.

Knitting Your Project

Once your stitches are cast on, join them by pulling the first stitch of your last needle over to meet with the last stitch of your first needle. Be careful not to twist your stitches in this step either. Place a marker on this stitch to signify the start of each round. The knitting technique used in circular knitting is very similar to flat knitting except that all of the rows are knit in a clockwise direction rather than turning at the end of each row. Working in rounds is generally easier than flat knitting because it eliminates seaming in many projects and you do not have to think much about right side and wrong side rows.

How To Cast Off Knitting in the Round

Once you have finished creating your desired length, it’s time to cast off or bind off.
1. Start by working one stitch from your second needle onto the third needle by sliding it off one end and onto another.
2. Next, move another stitch from that same second needle onto that same third needle.
3. Now pull that second stitch over first stitched worked slipping it off altogether so only one stitch remains at its top
4. Knit 1 more stitch from new needles thus replacing just bound-off one again.
5. Repeat steps two through four around until done one full round.
6. Cut yarn leaving yourself a fairly long tail then loosing last slip loop sideways
7. Thread yarn through tapestry needle.
8. Start at same spot as you tied on one completed round and start weaving that working yarn tail through alternating stitches.
9. Once around, tighten up fully.
10. Send tail (which has snug the space closed making a nice round neater closure), threaded all way through to inside underside of that work.
11. Securely knot on wrong side like you would starting new ball of yarn
12. Bring knotted end to right side when cutting off any excess length

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While casting off knitting in the round may seem daunting, it’s actually quite simple once you understand the technique. However, it’s important to be aware of some common mistakes that beginners make and how to avoid them.

One mistake is twisting stitches when joining them in the round. This can easily happen if you are new to circular knitting, but can be easily avoided by double-checking your work before joining.

Another mistake is not working in a continuous spiral, resulting in a seam running down the side of your project. To avoid this, make sure each stitch is joined tightly as you begin to knit each new stitch.

Lastly, it’s easy to forget to use stitch markers or not place them correctly which can throw off your entire pattern

Q: What does it mean to ‘cast off’ in knitting?
A: Casting off, also known as binding off, is a technique used to end a knitting project by creating a secure edge. It involves removing stitches from the needle and securing the remaining loops so they do not unravel.

Q: Do I need special needles for casting off in the round?
A: No, you can use the same needles you used for knitting in the round to cast off. However, if you prefer, you can also switch to double-pointed needles for easier maneuvering.

Q: Can I cast off at any point in my pattern when knitting in the round?
A: It is best to follow your pattern’s instructions for casting off. However, if there are no specific instructions, you can usually cast off after completing a round or at the beginning of a new round.

Q: How do I start casting off when knitting in the round?
A: To begin casting off in the round, knit two stitches onto your right-hand needle. Using your left-hand needle, lift up and over the first stitch on your right-hand needle so that it falls over the second stitch and completely off your right-hand needle.

Q: What happens if I accidentally drop or lose a stitch while casting off?
A: If you lose a stitch while casting off in the round, don’t panic! Simply pick up the dropped stitch with your left-hand needle and continue as normal. If needed, consult online tutorials or ask a fellow knitter for guidance.

Q: How should I secure my work once I am finished casting off?
A: Once you have completed casting off all stitches in the round, cut your working yarn leaving at least 6 inches of tail. Using a tapestry needle, weave this tail through each remaining stitch and pull tight to fasten off. This will secure your work and prevent unraveling.

In conclusion, learning how to cast off knitting in the round can seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, it is a skill that anyone can master. By understanding the basic steps and techniques, as well as common mistakes to avoid, you can confidently finish your knitting projects in the round. It is crucial to keep in mind that casting off is not a one-size-fits-all process and may vary depending on the pattern or project you are working on. However, by following the general guidelines discussed in this guide, you can successfully cast off any project in the round with ease.

It is essential to remember that perfecting any knitting technique takes time and practice. Do not be discouraged if your first few attempts at casting off do not turn out as expected. With each project, you will gain more experience and improve your skills. Additionally, do not hesitate to seek advice from fellow knitters or online resources for further clarification or tips.

The act of casting off may mark the end of your knitting journey for a particular project, but it also symbolizes the beginning of something new. As you bind off your stitches and admire your finished piece, remember to appreciate the joy that comes from creating something with your own hands and imagination. Knitting in the round offers endless possibilities for

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.