The pattern instruction “Cast (bind) off loosely in rib” strikes fear into many knitters, as they find that their casting off causes a tight edge on their work. Some cast off using a larger size of needles, but this does not always give satisfactory results, and can often leave a “saggy” edge on the work.
There are many types of cast offs, however, and one of the best for ribbed work (particularly K1, P1 or “single” rib) is the suspended cast off, which gives a looser edge to the ribbing, while still retaining a definite cast off edge.
Uses
- Sweaters and Cardigans: This type of cast off is particularly useful on necklines, where stitches have been picked up from the main garment pieces, and the ribs have then been worked. It is important to keep the neckline firm, but without the final row pulling it too tight.
- Socks: If you’re making socks using the toe-up method, the last part that you knit will be the ribbed cuff. This requires a great deal of “stretch” as not only does it fit over the widest part of the leg that your sock touches, but it also needs to go around the heel when being put on. A flexible cast off is needed, therefore, to get the maximum benefit of the ribbing.
How to cast off using the suspended method.
Work your first two stitches, and then put your yarn into the right place for the next stitch (at the front for a purl stitch, at the back for a knit). Using your left hand needle, pick up the first worked stitch on the right hand needle and lift if over the second, and over the end of the right needle, but do not drop it off the left needle, as with a usual cast off, but leave it on the left hand needle.
Work into your next stitch (this can appear a little awkward at first, as you’re working behind the carried stitch), and when you drop your stitch off the left hand needle, the carried stitch will drop off at the same time.
Although this method of cast off does not naturally fit into the flow and rhythm of usual knitting, most knitters find that they get used to it very quickly, and reap the benefits when it comes to the edges of their ribbing.
This method gives a neater edge than casting off using bigger needles, and keeps the flexibility of the rib itself.
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