Bind-Offs For Seed Stitch
The bind-offs in this section are perfect for seed stitch.
Seed stitch is basically a knit-one, purl-one rib where the knits and purls switch off on each row. It makes a tight fabric with an all-over bumpy texture pattern that is reversible and lays flat.
If you bind off on seed stitch, you’re going to want the bind-off to look good with it, so I’ve got two choices for you.
Seed Stitch Bind-Off Sampler Instructions
Seed Stitch Bind-Off Sampler Instructions
With white yarn, CO 24 sts.
Work 3 rows in 1×1 rib.
Switch to yellow yarn.
Row 4 (rs): K
Rows 5, 7, and 9: K1, p1 across.
Row 6 and 8: P1, k1 across.
- BO 12 sts using the In-Pattern Bind-Off.
- BO rem sts using the Cable Bind-Off for 1×1 Rib.
Block this sampler normally.
The Bind-Offs
In-Pattern Bind-Off for Seed Stitch
Like the In-Pattern Bind-Off for Ribbing, this bind-off makes a chain that lays flat across the top of your work, making this a completely reversible bind off which is not very stretchy.
You would use this bind-off to finish the edge of a seed-stitch sweater where you were going to go then seam this piece to another piece, or on any project where you don’t really need the edge to stretch, like a dishcloth (many basic dishcloths are worked in seed stitch).
Use a needle that’s one to two sizes smaller than the one that you used to knit the seed stitch. Seed stitch tends to pull in a little bit and you want to make sure that the bind-off does the same.
Binding off in pattern on seed stitch is very simple: do the Standard Bind-Off, but instead of knitting every stitch, work each stitch as if you were still doing seed stitch (knit the purls and purl the knits).
In technical language, that’s:
- If 1st st is a k stitch, P1, *K1, BO 1, p1, BO 1, rep from * to end.
- If 1st st is a p stitch, k1, *P1, BO 1, k1, BO 1, rep from * to end.
Similar bind-offs: In-Pattern Bind-Off for Ribbing
Based on: Standard Bind-Off
Cable Bind-Off for Seed Stitch
This is a decorative bind-off that is based on the Cable Bind-Off for 1×1 Rib.
The technique makes the seed-stitch texture seem to continue into the bind-off row.
This is not a stretchy bind-off. Use it on the edge of a potholder or a dishcloth — anything where you don’t need the edge to stretch.
Similar bind-offs: Cable Bind-Off for 1×1 Rib
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To Do the Cable Bind-Off for Seed Stitch:
Use a needle 1-2 sizes smaller in your R hand than the one you used to knit.
- 1st st is a purl st.
- K1.
- Move yarn to the front.
- Move st from R needle to L needle.
- P2tog.
- Move yarn to the back.
- Move st from R needle to L needle.
- K2tog.
- Repeat steps 3-8 across.
- Cut yarn and pull through last st.
To make it easier to get the tip of the left-hand needle into the stitch…
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