How to Cast Off Purlwise for Ribbing

Learn how to Cast Off Purlwise for Ribbing with my close-up photo and video tutorial. This knitting technique is helpful when casting off in-pattern.

My easy-to-follow demonstration shares how to bind off your knitting stitches both knitwise and purlwise. Below find my video tutorials that include up-close demonstrations for both right and left-handed knitters.

Love Knitting Help? Visit my entire Cast On and Cast Off Collection for more great tips!

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What is Casting Off Purlwise?

Unlike the classic knitwise cast off, casting off purlwise finishes with the purl bumps on your finished edge, rather than the smooth knits. Your knitted edge is stretchy and follows the shape of the pattern texture.

This technique allows you to cast off in-pattern off stitch textures like ribbing.

To begin your rib stitch edge in pattern, you’ll want to first Cast On Purlwise, please check out my entire tutorial complete with close-up videos, too!

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HOW TO CAST OFF IN PATTERN FOR RIBBING

CASTING OFF 2X2 RIBBING EXAMPLE

This technique is helpful for edges in Rib Knit Stitch Patterns.

The sample pictured is the 2×2 Rib Stitch pattern. As you can see, on the right side of our work, when we are ready to cast off the stitches follow its stitch pattern. The first two stitches are purl stitches, then two purl stitches, and it repeats.

1. Row 1 (Right Side): * K2, P2 *
2. Row 2 (Wrong Side): * K2, P2 *

Casting Off Knitwise

• For the first two knit stitches of this 2×2 Rib Stitch sample, simply cast off knitwise.
• Knit the first two stitches, then pass the first stitch over the second.
• Take the point of your needle and lift the first stitch up and over the second stitch.

Casting Off Purlwise

• For the next purl stitch, cast off purlwise.
• Bring your yarn to the front and purl the first purl stitch, then pass the first stitch over that second.
• For the next purl stitch, cast off purlwise again.
• With your yarn in the front, purl the stitch then pass the first stitch over that second.

Pro-Tip: Cast Off your stitches somewhat loosely so that your edge is not too tight. You may use a larger knitting needle to bind off, if desired.

Continue Casting Off in Pattern

Continue casting off in pattern for your ribbing pattern. Simply either knit or purl the stitch, depending on which type it is, then pass the previous stitch over.

Once you have just one stitch remaining on your needle, cut your yarn. Make sure your yarn tail is at least 3 inches long, or longer, so you have enough to thread through your tapestry needle.

Carefully remove your knitting needle from the last stitch.

With your Tapestry Needle, you will pull the yarn tail through your last stitch. This last little step is called “Finishing Off.”