Smoothing a “Stair Step” Bind off: When binding off for the shoulder of a sweater, the bind offs most often take place over a number of rows. This can leave the final edge looking like steps in a staircase. To work a more evenly shaped edge, slipping some of the edge stitches while binding off (as described below) works wonders. Work the first BO row as you normally would. *On the following row, slip the last st purlwise. Turn and slip the first 2 sts, one at a time, purlwise.  Then slip the first slipped stitch over the second.  BO the rest of the necessary sts, counting the slipped st as 1 bound off stitch; repeat from * the number of times required for pattern.
Work the first BO row as you normally would (photo 1).
*On the following row, slip the last st purlwise (photo 2). Turn and slip the first 2 sts, one at a time, purlwise (photo 3).
Then slip the first slipped stitch over the second (photo 4).  BO the rest of the necessary sts, counting the slipped st as 1 bound off stitch; repeat from * the number of times required for pattern (photo 5).
If the slipped stiches are not worked, the bind offs will looked stepped (photo 6).
Try out smoothing stair-stepped bind off stitches: Here are a few free patterns where you can try out this technique: • Summer Sox Set • Princess Lace Panel Cardi • Intrigue Bolero • Cotton Bam Boo Little Shell Top • Curvy Knits Flare Top • Soft Linen Jacket • La Gran Striped Pullover
Sign up to receive weekly Web-Letters from Classic Elite. Email: