Sloped Bind-Off

This bind-off is an easy alternative to the “stair-steppy” bind-off many patterns call for when knitting a shaped edge (like when shaping armholes, sleeves, or necklines.) The edge this bind-off leaves makes seaming and picking up stitches easier.

Instructions for working this technique:
Please follow your pattern for the exact bind-off numbers for the shaping you’re knitting.
Left-Leaning Slope
BO the number of stitches specified in your pattern, then work across the rest of the row in pattern. Turn work, and work in pattern to last stitch. Slip last stitch without working it, turn work. Slip first two stitches, and BO the first stitch over the second (this counts as your first BO stitch, follow your pattern for the number to BO).

Right-Leaning Slope
BO the number of stitches specified in your pattern (most likely on the wrong-side of the work, possibly purl-wise), then work across the rest of the row in pattern. Turn work, and work a right-side row to the last stitch, slip that stitch without working it. Turn work. Slip first two stitches, and BO the first stitch over the second (this counts as your first BO stitch, follow your pattern for the number to BO).

Information on things you’ll see in this video:
The needles I’m using are by Clover, and the yarn is – I’m not sure what the yarn is! It’s a worsted wool.

The nail polish I’m wearing is by Julep, color “Amanda”.

My silver ring is actually a knitting needle gauge, and can be found here.

7 comments on “Sloped Bind-Off

  1. This is great.

    I have a suggestion for a future tutorial – using short rows to shape a sleeve cap, if you think folks would be interested. Thanks for all your good work here!

  2. I second the suggestion for a tutorial on shaping a sleeve cap with the sloped bind-off method. I think I can figure it out, but it would be helpful to see it done. :)J

  3. Doree – there really isn’t a lean on the actual bind-off, but the stitch you make below it (before pulling one stitch over the other) matters. The bind-off always creates a series of Vs at the top of the work, in the same direction.

    S t a c i

  4. I just finished making a sweater without a pattern. Set in sleeve seams look good thanks to your video on the mattress stitch, but I should have tried the sloped bind off method on sleeve cap. Well, next time… I’ve watched nearly all of your videos and suggest them to our needles group members. You express humility yet confidence that the rest of us can also succeed. Good lighting, closeups, color contrast, perfect stitches, needle options, and punctuated with your charm and encouragement. Thanks so much. (Stylish short hairdo was so cute!)

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