This bind-off is very similar to regular “binding of in pattern”. I don’t have a tutorial about one showing this for 2×2 rib, but I do have one for 1×1 rib that shows you the principal of it. The main difference with the stretchy yo bind-off, is that it adds a yarn over for every purl stitch of the ribbing. As such, it’s less stretchy than a bind-off that includes a yo after every stitch, but much more stretchy than a regular ribbing bind-off that doesn’t include one. I really like to use this one for toe-up socks, and ribbing on sleeve cuffs. It doesn’t flare out as much as, for example, the Russian bind-off does.
Let’s get started!
Materials used
Yarn:Â Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, a good value, good quality 100% acrylic yarn, here in the color Marine Blue
Knitting needles: This is a pair of straights that I picked up at the second-hand store when I started knitting, brand unknown.
The stretchy yo bind-off for 2×2 rib step by step
In patterns, you may see the following instruction for this bind-off:
K2, insert tip of the left-hand needle into first stitch on the right-hand needle, pass this stitch over the second stitch, (yo, p1, then grab the 2nd and 3rd sts, and pass them both over the st just purled) twice, *(k1, insert tip of the left-hand needle into first stitch on the right-hand needle, pass this stitch over the second stitch) twice, (yo, p1, then grab the 2nd and 3rd sts, and pass them both over the st just purled) twice*; repeat *-* to end.
Below, I’ll show you step by step how this looks like in knitting!
- To start, take the piece of knitting you want to bind-off.
In this case, I’m using a swatch in 2×2 rib.
- Knit the first stitch on the left-hand needle.
- Next, knit the new stitch nearest to the tip of the left-hand needle.
- Insert the tip of the left-hand needle into the second stitch on the right-hand needle….
- …., and pass this second stitch over the first one.
You have now bound-off a stitch!
- Next, work a yarn over by wrapping the yarn around the needle.
- Next is working a purl stitch.
Depending on your knitting style, it may help to secure the yo of the previous step with your right index finger while you work the purl stitch.
- Insert the tip of the left-hand needle into the second and third stitches on the right-hand needle….
- … and pass them over the purl stitch.
- Repeat steps 6-9 for the second purl stitch to be bound off for the ribbing.
- Continue working steps 3-5 for every knit stitch you encounter, and steps 6-9 for every purl stitch.
To bind-off the last stitch you end up with, just break your yarn, and pull it through.
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