Calling it a “bind off” might be a misnomer because it’s both a bind off and it creates those fun chains!

Here’s how to do both.

Working the Bind Off

Start at the beginning of the row.

Step 1: Bind off using the Lace/Decrease Bind off until you get to the next marker. Once you’re done, you will have one stitch remaining on the right needle.

Step 2: Remove that marker (rm).

Step 3: Slip 3 sts from the left needle to the right. You now have 4 sts on the right needle – the last bind off stitch and the 3 slipped stitches.

Step 4: Rm.

Step 5: Take the 3 slipped sts that are on the right needle and drop them all the way down to the end – including the cast on row. Note that I made it easier for me by putting that 1 stitch on a removable stitch marker.

A note about steps 6 and 7: Be sure that each chain is made entirely of just one color of yarn.

Step 6: Using your crochet hook, grab the first 4 strands (all the way at the cast on) and twist those sts.

Step 7: Grab the next 4 strands and pull them through the stitch on your crochet hook.

Work your way up to the top by repeat Steps 6 and 7.

Note that I used my crochet hook for Steps 8 thru 10

Step 8: Slip the st on the right needle over the chain strands.

Step 9: Sl the next st from the left needle to the right.

Step 10: Pass the chain strands over the st you just slid over.

Repeat starting at Step 1 until you come to the last 3 sts.

Once you’re at those final 3 sts

Step 1: Rm, and sl the final 3 sts to the right needle. Cut your yarn, leaving a 7 to 8 inch tail.

Step 2: Thread a tapestry needle, and run the tail behind the slipped stitches to the first BO stitch and secure the end in the first chain. Be sure not to pull this tightly because this will create the final rung for your last dropped st chain.

Note that I first unraveled several rows so I knew the length to leave before weaving in the tail.

Before you drop the sts, take a moment to make sure that your ends are secure. If they are not, weave in a st or two of each tail, TOWARDS the first lace repeat. Be sure to weave in the ends by ONLY going towards the first lace repeat. You DO NOT want to cross that 3-stitch column.

About the Instructor: Jody Richards

Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches. And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).

She’s a serial starter-of-projects and has a serious problem with finishing things without a deadline.

And don’t get her talking about hand-dyed yarns.  You’ve been warned.