Tubular bind off (Italian bind off) for 1×1 rib
The tubular bind off (Italian bind off) closes 1×1 rib with a tapestry needle for a rounded, stretchy edge. Step by step, with the foundation rows.
By Julia WallinCo-founder and editorThe tubular bind off, also called the Italian bind off, closes 1×1 rib with a tapestry needle instead of lifting stitches over. It joins the knit and purl stitches into a rounded, stretchy edge. It matches the Italian cast on, so both ends of a cuff look the same.
The foundation rows
The bind off adds about 1 to 2 rows of height, so start the foundation rows that much earlier. Work 2 or 4 rows.
Flat: knit the knit stitches and slip the purl stitches with the yarn in front.
In the round: on round 1, knit the knit stitches and slip the purl stitches with the yarn in front. On round 2, slip the knit stitches with the yarn in back and purl the purl stitches.
Set up
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail 3 times the width of the edge, and thread a blunt tapestry needle. Pull the yarn through each time you insert the needle.
Insert the needle purlwise into the first stitch (a knit stitch). Leave it on the knitting needle.
Behind the work, insert the needle knitwise into the second stitch (a purl stitch). Leave it on.
How to work it
Knit off: insert the needle knitwise into the first stitch and slip it off.
Purl on: insert the needle purlwise into the next knit stitch, from the front. Leave it on.
Purl off: insert the needle purlwise into the first stitch, now a purl stitch, and slip it off.
Knit on: behind the work, insert the needle knitwise into the next purl stitch. Leave it on.
Repeat steps 1 to 4 to the end. Pull the yarn through the last stitch and weave in the end.
Every few stitches, tighten the yarn until the new stitches match the knitting next to them. If you pull it tight like a seam, the edge loses its stretch.
If you lose track, say the four steps out loud. Take breaks only after step 4.
Another way: kitchener stitch
Slip the knit stitches onto a front needle and the purl stitches onto a back needle, all purlwise. Then join them with kitchener stitch. The result is the same, and it is easier if you already know kitchener stitch.
When to use it
Use it on 1×1 rib that shows: neckbands, sweater hems and cuffs, top-down hat brims and toe-up sock cuffs. It is slower than a regular bind off. Jeny's stretchy bind off is quicker and almost as stretchy.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Italian bind off the same as the tubular bind off?
Yes. Tubular bind off, Italian bind off and sewn bind off are names for the same technique.
Do I need the foundation rows?
They are optional, but most knitters work them. They give the edge its rounded shape. Work as many rows as after your cast on, so both ends match.
Why is my tubular bind off tight?
You pulled the yarn tight, as if sewing a seam. Tighten each stitch only until it is the same size as the stitches next to it.
Can I work it on 2×2 rib?
Only if you first rearrange the stitches into 1×1 order. On 2×2 rib, Jeny's stretchy bind off is simpler.
Co-founder and editor at Knyt. Knits every guide before it is published.
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