When binding off a button band, you want to find that stretchy sweet spot: not so stretchy that it sags, but not so tight that it constricts. Usually, a standard bind-off in pattern works just fine. But after some experimenting, Julie found that perfect balance of stretch and structure by modifying Lori's Twisty Bind-Off to have half the twist.
This technique is used on 1x1 ribbing. For a tutorial on the full Lori's Twisty Bind-Off, which this tutorial is based on, click here.
Optional: Julie likes to use a needle that is 1 size smaller for binding off. In this tutorial, she knit her Beatriz button band with a US 7 (4.5 mm), and bound off with a US 6 (4 mm).
For your Right Hand (RH) needle, it may be easier to use a DPN or an interchangeable needle tip with the cord removed.
If the first st on your Left Hand (LH) needle is a knit stitch: K1.
If the first st on your LH needle is a purl stitch: P1, K1, then BO 1 by inserting the tip of your LH into the front of the right stitch on your RH needle and lifting it up and over the left stitch.
One stitch remaining on RH needle. The next stitch on your LH needle should be a purl stitch.
...twist the stitch on the RH needle.
Rotate your RH needle counterclockwise (with the needle tip turning toward you) a full 360°. This has just twisted the stitch on your RH needle!
P1
BO 1 by inserting the tip of your LH into the front of the right stitch on your RH needle and lifting it up and over the left stitch.
...do NOT twist. Bind off normally.
K1
BO 1 by inserting the tip of your LH into the front of the right stitch on your RH needle and lifting it up and over the left stitch.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have bound off all your stitches. Cut yarn tail and pull through.
Seen in this tutorial, Beatriz is an oversize cardigan with drop shoulders and cable increases at the shoulder.
The sister pattern to the Emma (A & B) pullovers, this cardigan version (with optional pockets) knits up quickly with bulky weight yarn and is a great introduction to the Cocoknits Method.
This simple unisex cardigan was one of our most popular patterns before we developed the Cocoknits Sweater Worksheet. It's knit a little differently, but still creates English Tailoring using top-down seamless construction.
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