Alternating Cable Bind Off
A Beautiful Bound Off Edge for 1×1 Ribbing
The alternating cable bind-off creates a beautiful, slightly stretchy edge for 1×1 ribbing, with a neat zigzag finish that looks similar to a tubular or Italian bind-off, but is much easier to work! It's a lovely choice for sweater cuffs, necklines, and hat brims, especially when you want an edge with a little structure and spring.
In this tutorial, designer Alexis Winslow demonstrates two methods that produce the same result. The first is easier to understand, while the second has a smoother rhythm and works beautifully with circular needles or continental knitting.
For a matching finished edge, check out the Alternating Cable Cast-On tutorial. https://www.knitdarling.com/videos/alternating-cable-cast-on
Written Instructions
Both methods follow the same principle: knit the purl stitches and purl the knit stitches, as if working seed stitch.
Method 1: Wrap Around the Needle
Use a straight or double-pointed needle in your right hand.
- Work the first stitch opposite as it presents (knit a purl or purl a knit).
- To prepare for the next stitch, move the working yarn to the opposite side by wrapping it around the right side of the stitch just worked and under the right-hand needle, rather than between the needle tips.
- Work the next stitch opposite as it presents.
- Pass the previous stitch over the new stitch to bind off.
- Repeat steps 2–4 across the row.
Method 2: Slip, Switch, Slip
My preferred method! Works with circular needles and is especially comfortable for continental knitting.
Begin by working the first stitch opposite as it presents.
- Slip: Transfer the stitch on the right needle back to the left needle.
- Switch: Move the working yarn between the needle tips to prepare for the next stitch.
- Slip: Return the stitch to the right needle.
- Work: Knit the next purl stitch or purl the next knit stitch.
- Bind off: Pass the previous stitch over the new stitch.
Repeat: Slip, switch, slip, work, bind off.
Video Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and finished edge
01:21 – Basic technique: Knit the purls, purl the knits
01:38 – Method 1: Wrap around the needle
03:21 – Why needle choice matters
04:18 – Method 2: Slip, Switch, Slip
05:46 – Finding the rhythm
06:43 – Close-up of the finished edge
07:04 – Stretch, structure, and recommended uses
For more knitting patterns and tutorials, visit https://knitdarling.com
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