This is a nice variation to the traditional 3 Needle Bind Off.
But, because of that BYO (Backwards Yarn Over), it’s more stretchy than the traditional one. So, you can use it when you want the pieces that you attach to have more give to them.
Having said that, I DO NOT recommend replacing the traditional BO with this one in all cases. For example, it shouldn’t be used to join at the shoulders of a sweater. In that case, you actually WANT it to stretch less. You want that structure.
But, this bind off is a great alternative to use when you want that extra give.
How to work a Judy’s Surprisingly Stretchy 3 Needle Bind Off
Get ready – place both sides with RIGHT SIDES facing each other, with both needles being parallel to each other. Have a THIRD needle to do the actual knitting.
Step 1: K2tog – 1 from each needle
Step 2: K2tog – 1 st on the needle
Note that the first stitch will be loose and weird. You can tighten that up by pulling on the yarn tail.
Step 3: BYO
Step 4: K2tog – 1 from each needle. 3 sts on the needle.
Step 5: Pass over the sts in the previous 2 steps. 1 st on the needle.
Repeat Steps 3-5 until 1 st rem. Clip yarn and pull through.
You’re done!
How it looks
And from the back. Note that this is NOT an invisible BO.
This bind off does add a nice amount of stretch.
The BO is just one extra step from the traditional 3 Needle Bind Off. That BYO makes all the difference.
About the Instructor: Jody Richards
Jody is the co-founder and creative director of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches.
She’s also on a mission to get everyone to embrace the blocking. And, to avoid using garter stitch edges in knit swatches made for gauge.
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).
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