Decrease Bind-Off Knitting Tutorial

The Decrease Bind-Off is quick, easy, and stretchy. It’s a great bind-off for ribbing, and pairs well with the German Twisted Cast-On. Learn the technique in this knitting tutorial!

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Knit 2 Together (k2tog)

This version of the Decrease Bind-Off uses the knit 2 together decrease. For more information on that decrease, check out this Knit 2 Together Tutorial.

Back Legs and Other Decreases

A common variation of the decrease bind-off uses k2tog decreases worked in the back legs of the stitches instead of the front legs. This gives it a slightly different look, more similar to a traditional, basic bind-off.

It can also be done with other single decreases such as slip-slip-knit (ssk), slip-slip-purl (ssp), or purl 2 together (p2tog). Which to use is a matter of personal preference and the look you are trying to achieve. Try a few different decreases to see how they look! Do you have a favorite?

How to Knit the Decrease Bind Off

(Scroll down for video tutorial)

Step 1: Knit 2 together (k2tog)

Hold the needle with all your stitches in your non-dominant hand, as though ready to knit a row or round. Insert your needle knitwise through both of the first 2 stitches together and knit them as though they were one stitch.

Step 2: Pass stitch back to other needle

There is now one stitch on the needle in your dominant hand (working needle). Transfer that stitch back to the other needle, being careful to insert your needle from the back of the stitch so that it is not twisted.

Decrease Bind Off - Pass stitch back to other needle

Finishing

Repeat Steps 1 & 2 to bind off as many stitches as needed. If binding off all stitches, repeat until only 1 stitch remains, ending after a repeat of Step 1.

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail to weave in. Pull up on the last stitch, making the stitch bigger and bigger, until the tail comes through.