LOOSE CAST-OFF METHODS

a If you need a stretchy edge to your knitting project, there are lots of good cast-off methods to try, as Helen Spedding explains

- elen Spedding

About our expert

Helen Spedding is the operations editor of The Knitter. She enjoys exploring the possibilities of the knitted stitch, swatching unusual or unfamiliar stitch patterns, and learning new techniques.

MOST OF us are familiar with the knitted cast-off technique, and regularly use it for a range of projects. However, this method can leave you with a too-tight cast-off edge, making it unsuitable for items which need a bit of stretch. This could be the cuff of a toe-up sock, the neck of a sweater, or a shawl project where you want to block out a curved shape or a pointed edging.

In this masterclass, we explore five useful stretchy cast-off methods: the Russian, the Icelandic, the yarnover, the elastic, and the sewn technique. Another excellent method is Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off, which we covered in detail in Issue 135, or you can read more at http://bit.ly/jenyssbo

RUSSIAN CAST-OFF

This loose and stretchy method is often used for lace shawls, as it enables the edging to be blocked out aggressively, allowing the intricate lace patterning to ‘shine'. It's particularly useful when the shawl has a border with scallops or points.

1 K2, slip both stitches back to left-hand needle.

2 Knit these two stitches together through the back loops (K2tog tbl).

3 K1, slip 2 sts back from RH to LH needle, K2tog tbl; rep from * to end.