Binding Off to Enhance a Wavy Edge

In Words about Completing the Mini Flag, I promised I would talk more about a special bind off technique that retains a look-alike waviness along the bound off edge of natural bias stitch patterns that is similar to the cast on edge.

The approach used for this special bind off can be used for variations of the Feather and Fan family of lace patterns and many other natural bias stitch patterns where the characteristic waviness is caused by the grouping of yarn overs that are separated from their compensating decreases. 

Technique Discussion

The idea behind this bind off technique is to (1) introduce extra stitches in some areas of the bound off edge, and optionally (2) decrease stitches in other areas.

1. Introduce extra stitches along the sections of the bound off edge where the stitch pattern had yarn overs.

Visually, the introduction of the extra stitches is where the “peaks” occur.

Chain 1 in knitting is the extra stitch that is used in the bind off row. It is similar to chain 1 in crochet, except using knitting needles. Also, the resulting stitch retains the orientation of the knitted bound off edge.

To “Chain 1” in knitting, slip a stitch from right-hand needle to left-hand needle, then knit into the stitch again.

The chain stitches of the bind off allow extra ease along the bound off edge so that the scallops can be emphasized during blocking.

For the bound off edge of Mini Flag in the stripe area, I added 2 chain stitches for each 13-stitch multiple of the Feather and Fan lace stitch pattern.

2. Decrease stitches along the sections of the bound off edge where the stitch pattern had compensating decreases.

Visually, the elimination of extra stitches is where the “valleys” occur.

k2tog (or a similar decrease) is used for each stitch to be eliminated in the bound off edge.

For the bound off edge of Mini Flag in the stripe area, there are 2 decrease stitches for each 13-stitch multiple of the Feather and Fan lace stitch pattern.

Notes on Carrying this Bind Off Technique to Other Natural Bias Stitch Patterns and Projects

Note 1: Target the number of extra chain stitches/decreases introduced in the bound off edge to be anywhere from approximately 50% to 100% the number of yarn overs/decreases in the corresponding stitch multiple.

Note 2: A higher percentage will allow blocking of a more pronounced scallop.

Note 3: Depending on the bias lace stitch pattern and widthwise stretch needed (for example, a loosely knit lace scarf or shawl), you might not need/want any decreases along the bound off edge.

For the Mini Flag, there are 4 yarn overs and 4 stitches decreased in each 13-stitch multiple. At 50%, the bound off edge has 2 chain stitches and 2 decreases for each stitch multiple.

To provide an example of 100% with no decreases, in the Elegantly Simple Triangle Shawl (available for purchase from places selling HeartStrings patterns), there are 6 yarn overs and 6 stitches decreased in each 15-stitch multiple. The bound off edge has 6 chain stitches and no decreases for each stitch multiple.

Have fun with this bind off technique in your Mini Flag. I hope you find it useful as a technique in your knitting skills bag when binding off other natural bias stitch pattern projects, too.