This is a very stretchy sewn bind-off that’s good for beginners. This was famously Elizabeth Zimmerman’s favorite stretchy bind-off (which is what the “EZ” stands for).
Video: EZ Sewn Bind-Off
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This bind-off is very stretchy but, importantly, bounces easily back into shape. Nobody likes a stretched-out bind-off.
It's great on Garter stitch and Stockinette stitch as well.
Instructions
- Cut yarn, leaving a tail 3x the width of the edge to be bound off + 6 in. for weaving in later.
- Thread yarn onto a tapestry needle.
- With tapestry needle, go purlwise in to 1st 2 sts on L needle. Pull yarn through.
- Go knitwise into 1st st on L needle. Pull yarn through.
- Push 1st st off L needle.
- Repeat steps 3-5 across.
- Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.
Tips
Pull the yarn snug but not tight after each step.
EZ Sewn Bind-Off - Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
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More Information
When I tried this bind-off I was surprised at how easy it was. It really only has two movements so, as an introduction to sewn bind-offs, this one is great.
This bind-off does have the tendency to roll forward, which is fine as long as it doesn’t take you by surprise. It is also quite slow (which is the norm for sewn bind-offs of any kind).
A warning for you about sewn bind-offs and delicate yarn: Any time that you're using a delicate yarn, you'll want to be careful when doing a sewn bind-off because you are pulling on the yarn more than you would for a knitted bind-off.
If you are using a delicate, one-ply yarn like Noro or Malabrigo Worsted, it could break.
I don't think that will happen in this case, because you're not putting a lot of stress on the yarn in this bind-off, but it's important to know.
Also be careful because, like all sewn bind-offs, this bind-off is difficult and time-consuming to undo. Basically you have to take your tapestry needle and go back the way you came, slowly retracing your steps and putting each stitch back on the needle.
Therefore, you may want to try this bind-off on a small swatch before you do it on a larger project, just to make sure you understand it before using it on hundreds of stitches.
