The 3-needle bind off is a great technique for joining together two knitted pieces that are still on the needles. I love this method of joining pieces, as it reduces the sewing up and provides a neat finish.The best part is that it saves you time because you bind off and seam all at once!
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you step by step through the process of the 3-needle bind off with clear instructions and helpful visuals. In addition, I will show you some further applications and variations. Say goodbye to bulky seams and hello to polished joins!
With this technique, you’ll create beautifully finished projects from potholders to sweaters. Not only does the three-needle bind off provide a polished look, but it also adds strength and durability to your knitted seams. It’s also a fun way to add an additional decorative detail to your knitting when used for creating a structured ridge.
Get ready to learn the 3-needle bind off!
3-Needle Bind Off Step by Step
The 3-needle bind off is a popular finishing technique for joining two knitted pieces that are still on the needles. It’s quick and easy and no no sewing is required.
This bind off method is actually very similar to the kitchener stitch. However, the three-needle bind off is easier to do and since it creates an actual seam, it makes the join sturdier and more durable though more noticeable.
To do the 3-needle bind off you will need:
- A third needle
- Some yarn
I recommend using a slightly larger needle than your working needles for this bind off. The reason for this is that since you are knitting two together and binding off at the same time, your work can get a bit tight if you use the same sized needles. When the third needle is larger, the result will be a bit looser making the seam more flexible.
In general, you will need yarn approximately three times the length of the seam that you are joining. You can use a separate piece of yarn or the tail from either piece if it’s long enough. I am using a contrasting yarn below for instructional purposes.
Step 1
Align the two pieces you want to join next to each other, each on their own needles.
If you want the seam to be on the wrong side of your knitting, the right sides face should each other just like in my example. If you are doing a decorative bind off and want the seam to be on the right side, the wrong sides should face each other.
Make sure that you have an equal number of stitches on both needles.
Hold these two pieces on their needles parallel in your left hand.
Step 2
Pick up the third needle and hold it in your right hand.
Then insert it into the first stitch on each of the two needles on your left hand as if to knit.
Step 3
Wrap the yarn around the third needle as if to knit and pull it through both stitches to knit them together. Let both first stitches fall off from the needles.
Step 4
Next, knit together the next stitches on both parallel needles in the same manner.
Now you will have two stitches on your third needle.
Step 5
Insert one of the two needles on your left hand into the first stitch on the third needle.
Then pull it over the second stitch and off the needle just like you normally would.
The second needle on your left hand will tend to be in the way, which can make it a bit difficult to slip the stitches. Personally, I find it easier to use the back needle.
Step 6
Next, knit together the next two stitches on both parallel needles just like in steps 2 and 3 and bind off the next stitch just like in step 5.
Keep repeating knitting the next two stitches together and binding off until you only have one stitch left on your third needle.
Cut the yarn and pull the tail through the last stitch on your knitting needle. Pull the end tight to secure and finish the 3-needle bind off.
3-Needle Bind Off on Circular Needles
You can easily use this bind off also when knitting on circular needles. Here’s how to do it:
Make sure that you have finished your round and that your working yarn is coming from your end of round.
Divide your stitches in half so that the cord of your circular needles is coming out at the midpoint of the round.
It can be easier to do this if you switch to a longer cord so that there is a more pronounced loop at the midpoint. Alternatively, you can move your stitches on two straight or double pointed needles.
Then you will just follow steps 1 to 6 above to bind off all the stitches and finish the seam.
This technique comes in handy, for example, if you want to join the ends of a long knitted tube.
Other Variations
3-needle bind off is a versatile method and you can modify it by combining basically any joining with the bind off technique of your choice.
For instance, if you are working in a 2×2 rib stitch, you can use this method for joining two pieces. In this case, you will first knit together the first two stitches and bind them off and then purl together the next two stitches and bind them off.
There are couple of useful variations of this standard 3-needle bind off technique that I want to share with you. Let’s take a closer look.
3-Needle Bind Off With a Less Bulky Seam
If you want the ridge to be less bulky, you need to do a few extra moves when doing the 3-needle bind off. Basically, you will go knitwise through the front stitch and purlwise through the back stitch as you knit them together.
This way, you can create a less structured seam that looks like a chain and lies flat on the fabric. And on the wrong side, you will see only a row of purl stitches.
This is a very subtle way to join two pieces and you can use this modification regardless of the stitch pattern. Again, also this seam can be used as a decorative detail on the right side of your work.
Here are the detailed instructions:
- Hold the two pieces you want to join parallel in your left hand.
- Insert the third needle knitwise into the first stitch on your front needle.
- Next, purl the first stitch on your back needle.
- Then pull the yarn also through the stitch on your front needle.
- Let both first stitches fall off from the needles on your left hand.
- Repeat steps 2 to 5.
- Pull the first stitch on your third needle over the second one and off the needle.
Repeat these steps until you have finished binding off all stitches.
3-Needle Bind Off for Garter Stitch
If the two knitted pieces that you want to join are in garter stitch, the modified method described above is a great choice because it resembles the most the pattern of a garter stitch. This way, the seam on one side will be almost completely invisible.
All you need to do is to pay attention to the way you align the two pieces. You can find the correct way to do it in the instructions below. I will also explain an alternative way to do the modified 3-needle bind off. So you can use the one that feels easier to you.
Here’s how to do it:
- Hold the two pieces you want to join parallel in your left hand so that the last row on the side facing you looks like it’s in purl stitches.
- Slip the first stitch on your front needle knitwise to your third needle.
- Then purl the first stitch on your back needle.
- Next, pull the slipped stitch over the stitch you purled and off the needle.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3.
- Now you will have three stitches on your third needle. First, pull the slipped stitch over the stitch you purled and off the needle.
- Then pull the first stitch on your third needle over the second one and off the needle.
Repeat these steps until you have finished binding off all stitches.
When To Use the 3-Needle Bind Off
The 3-needle bind off is commonly used to achieve a neat seam between two knitted pieces that are still on the needles. By binding off stitches from both knitted pieces simultaneously, you can create a smooth and polished seam, eliminating the need for sewing.
This bind off reinforces the edge, providing added durability. That’s why it’s a popular choice for example for shoulder seams, where the bulky and sturdy seam gives the garment shape and prolongs the life of the seam. It ensures that your knitted items can withstand regular wear and stretching, making them more long-lasting.
Time efficiency is a significant advantage of the 3-needle bind off. By combining the bind off and seaming steps into one, you save valuable time in your finishing process. Quick and efficient!
The three-needle bind off forms a bulky structured ridge on one side of the work. In most knitting projects, this ridge is hidden on the wrong side of the work. However, it looks very effective on the right side as a decorative element. I personally like using it like this in my knitting as a detailed feature.
If you want to test a pattern that uses this bind off as a decorative seam, check out my free double thick knit potholder pattern. You can also use a contrasting yarn for binding off to create an eye-catching and unique seam.
All in all, the 3-needle bind off is a versatile technique that can be applied in various knitting projects. Knowing when to use this method can elevate your projects and streamline your finishing process.
Conclusions
The 3-needle bind off is a popular method for joining together knitted pieces that are still on the needles. It provides a neat and fairly unnoticeable finish and saves you valuable time by combining the bind off and seaming steps into one. It really is a must-learn technique for knitters!
By mastering the 3-needle bind off, you’ll create beautifully finished projects with enhanced durability. It’s perfect for seams where extra support is needed, for instance shoulder seams. However, you can very well use it also as a decorative seam to spice up your knitting.
So grab your needles, yarn, and elevate your knitting with the versatile and efficient 3-needle bind off technique.
Read also:
- Easy Knitted Potholders: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Double Thick Knit Potholder Pattern
- 6 Useful Knitting Tips for Beginners
- Long Tail Cast On for Knitting Beginners
- A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting Socks
