How to do the three-needle bind-off - Step by step tutorial [+video] (2024)

A step by step tutorial on the 3-needle bind-off for beginners including a video

Do you want to join two knitted pieces together without seaming? Then you should definitely consider learning the three-needle bind off. It’s a very smart and easy way to finish a garment and a very nice alternative to the Kitchener stitch and grafting stitches.

In this tutorial, I’ll not only show you the standard technique. I’ll also provide you with some useful tips to make it much easier to knit this cast-off technique and some very surprising further applications and variations.

You see, typically you use it to finish a project in stockinette stitch. But if you understand the guiding principle behind this method, you will be able to use it for any other kind of knitting stitch pattern as well. And wouldn’t it be a pity if you missed these opportunities and options?

In patterns, you will find 3-needle bind-off and 3-needle cast-off. These refer to the exact same technique – the latter being more common in the UK.

Note: I am using a contrasting yarn for instructional purposes only! I also would like to inform you that I earn a small affiliate commission for purchases made through links in this article.

Joining two knitted pieces with a 3-needle bind-off

Now, here’s one important thing I want you to know. What I showed you so far is how lot of knitting books and tutorials teach you the 3-needle bind-off. I think this is wrong. It’s not one technique but two separate techniques and you’ll see shortly why this matters.

What you are actually doing is, you are joining two knitted pieces by knitting a k2tog in two stitches on separate needles. This can be a very useful technique for double hems or pockets. I even use it for my little mushroom pattern to create a more realistic cap.

Now here’s the first clue to why you should see them as separate techniques: Nothing in the world says you have to join them with k2tog. You can also p2tog, or p2tog tbl – or any other decrease technique on this planet. Pick the one that matches your stitch pattern.

There are just two things you need to adjust. If you just want to knit two pieces together, then you have to align them with the right sides facing towards you. And, you need to consider the slant of the decrease. In a K2tog, the left stitch will lay on top. But for a p2tog, the right stitch will lay on top, etc.

Three-Needle Binding off for garter stitch

For joining garter stitch with a three-needle-bind off you need to use a little trick.

1. Align the two pieces so the tail comes out on the right side. The last row facing you should appear like it’s all purl stitches (with those little bumps)
2. Then, slip the first stitch of the front needle with yarn in front
3. Then purl the first stitch on the second needle
4. Slip the slipped stitch over stitch you purled
5. Repeat steps 2+3
6. Slip the second stitch on the left needle over the first one.

Repeat these steps until you bound off all stitches.

This method will not be completely invisible, but I found it to be the best approximation of a garter stitch. I also found a technique where you go purlwise through the backstitch and knitwise through the front stitch as you knit them together. But that will leave two elongated knit stitch on both sides of the purl “ridge”.

As the garter stitch is reversible, you could also try a Kitchener stitch purlwise joining the two pieces with knit rows facing towards you as the last row.

Other variations

Just like you can join with the technique you like, you can also bind off with the bind-off technique of your choice.

For example, you can easily also join a 2×2 rib stitch with this method. In this case, you would have to k2tog the first two stitches, then p2tog the second two stitches, before you bind them off.

Another thing you absolutely need to consider is that you can combine the joining with any bind-off technique you like. You could even align the two pieces with the right side facing outwards and finish with an i-cord bind off – the possibilities are sheer endless once you understand what this technique is all about.

Three-needle bind off with provisional cast on

Last, but not least, I want you to be aware of another very fascinating possibility. Just like you can bind-off two separate knitted pieces, you can also bind off with a provisional cast on. Say, you want to knit a loop shawl or a cowl (vertically).

Simply slip the provisional cast-on stitches on a spare needle (like you normally would) and then follow the steps above. It’s exactly the same technique – you are just using a different portion of your knitting. Though, I feel a Kitchener Stitch might yield better results in these cases.

I always use this method to create a double hem (like for my cashmere hat or my reversible headband pattern). Here are some socks that I knit using this technique. So I start with a provisional cast-on, knit a bit of ribbing, then one purl row, then the hem, and when I knit exactly the same amount of rows on each side I knit them together (but not bind them off).

In a similar manner, you can also attach pockets to a sweater without seaming. In the above swatch, I joined the blue patch to the teal one by knitting them together like above. And if you add a provision cast on to the edge, you could join it one more time to the teal knitting to create a tubular front pocket as a hoodie has.

Anyway, this was my 3-needle bind-off tutorial. Feel free to comment below in case you still got any questions.