I use this all the time, but usually as part of a bind off instruction. I didn’t realize it didn’t exist as a stand alone technique, so now, here it is!
Cut Yarn to Pull Through Last Stitch
At the end of binding off (regardless of method used) there will be one stitch remaining, sitting on your right needle. To make a smooth finish, just cut the yarn and then use your needle to pull the yarn tail out of the stitch with a rightward movement. No knot, no threading the yarn through the loop. You are done and ready to work in the end when you get there!
This is as stable as any other method.
I remember Cat Bordhi being so excited when she learned that trick. Seriously, it was probably 2008 or 20010. I felt vaguely superior that I actually had known something she didn’t know.
Transition at end of ITR Bind Off before Cut Yarn to Pull Through Last Stitch
If you are working in the round, before cutting the yarn, follow these instructions before cutting the yarn to pull through, making a nearly invisible transition from beginning to end. (Here’s a video!)
- Use the tip of the right needle to pick up the loop at the base of the first bind off;
- Pull yarn through to make a new stitch on the right needle; and
- Bind off the final stitch using the 2 sts now on the right needle.
- Cut yarn and pull through.
See also join JSSBO at end of bind off ITR.
For more about working ITR, see ITR in the round.
For more about about bind offs, see bind off or BO, Three Needle Bind Off (3-needle BO), Easy Ribbed Bind Off, bind off in pattern or BO in pattern, JSSBO or Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off, Yarn Over Bind Off – YO BO, decrease bind off.
