Keeping the pattern when binding off in ribbing can be difficult. I am using 2 x 2 rib in this post because I have the most experience with it due to a recent design project.
I have found a way that I think looks smooth and even and doesn’t make the edge flare. If you are interested, there’s a companion tutorial video HERE.
To work along with me grab some needles and yarn and follow the instructions below.
CO 12 sts using desired cast on.
Work 10 rows of K2, P2 rib.
This bind off is worked similar to the traditional basic bind off but switching from knit to purl in a special way.
When switching from knit to purl bring the yarn to the front of your work by bring it UNDER the needle. When returning the yarn to the back of the go UNDER the needle.
I like to use an interchangeable needle attached to nothing or a short dpn if available as the empty needle, this is the receiving needle.
Bind off as follows:
With the yarn in the front, P1, *take yarn to the back, K1. Pass the second st on the giving needle over the first st.
K1. Pass the second st on the giving needle over the first st. Bring yarn to the front. P1. Pass the second st on the giving needle over the first st. P1. Pass the second st on the giving needle over the first st. Repeat from * as needed and ending where needed.
As the yarn needs to be moved from back to front or front to back to work the different stitches, pass the yarn UNDER the needle, not over.
This bind off can be used for any number or combination of knit and purl rib. The goal is to work the first stitch in each rib section using the opposite of what it is and then finishing that section by matching the section. For the 2 x 2 rib, the first section is a knit section, so the first stitch is purled and the second stitch is knitted. Then the purl section, the first stitch is knitted and the second stitch is purled.
If you have 1 x 1 rib, just work the opposite what the stitch is.
It can be 3 x 1, which would be 1 purl, 3 knits.
Check out the link to the video tutorial HERE.
Happy Making!