This bind off method is useful when you have to graft 2 pieces of knits (having live stitches) together but you only want to use knitting needles. I use this method in most of my pixie hat patterns where the cast off edge of the workpiece will be the back side of the hat. This method creates a seam-like finish without seaming :).

Like all the techniques in knitting, 3 needle bind off can be carried out in many ways. In the video I show you only one method, which is how I do it.

We usually work this bind off from the wrong side of our work to hide the seam it creates (unless it is part of the pattern, and it has to be seen…in that case it is worked from the right side), so when we fold our work in two, we have to make sure the wrong side is facing outside (it is the same when you want to join 2 separate knitted pieces together, instead of folding, you align the 2 pieces facing each other).

You also have to make sure there are equal amount of stitches on both of your needles. In the video I used a stitch marker to indicate the center of my workpiece, where I have to make the fold.

And here comes the fun part…

Step 1. Now we have to knit the first stitches from both needles together with the help of a third needle and we can do it either from the back or from the front loop. I’ve seen people doing both versions. It doesn’t make much of a difference in our case. I always use the back loop, as shown:

Step 2. Repeat with the second stitches on both needles.

Step 3. Now you have 2 stitches on your right hand needle. From here it is quite the same as the basic chained bind off, which means you have to pass the first stich over the second one. You can use any of the left hand needles as a help but I find it is easier to do with the one on the far side.

You have to repeat steps 2 and 3 until you run out of stitches on your left hand needles. Secure the yarn through the last stitch and there you go! 🙂

I hope this was helpful to you. Once again, you can watch the video on YouTube here:

If you still need assistance, please contact me via this form or send an e-mail to gynkaknitwear@gmail.com.

Happy Knitting!

Mici