This technique is used on Shetland lace shawls and was shown to us by Margaret Stove. It is ideal for sweater necks, toe up socks, top down hats, or any edge where a too-tight bind off might give you a headache, literally!

It’s demonstrated here on a rib, but it works just as well on garter or stockinette stitch.

 

Step 1(below). Work one stitch. Where the next stitch to be worked is a knit stitch, knit the stitch onto the right needle. 

 

 

                                                            

 

 

Step 2. Insert the left hand needle into the two stitches on the right hand needle, on top of the right needle as shown.

                                                                           

 

                                                            

 

Step 3. Knit the two sts together through the back of the loop (tbl). Below they have been knit together.

                                

                                                          

                                                            

 

Step 4. Where the next stitch to be worked is a purl stitch, purl the next stitch.                                                     

 

 

                                                             

 

Step 5. Insert the left hand needle into the two stitches on the right hand needle under the right needle as shown.

 

                                                          

                                                           

 

Step 6. Purl the two stitches together. Below the stitches are now purled together. 

 

                                                      

                                                           

 

Continue in this way along your ribbing and you will find you have a very stretchy bind off, thereby putting an end to the trauma inflicted upon children who find their faces stuck halfway into the neck of a pullover you made with the best of intentions.