Italian Bind Off
With the help of this technique, 1x1 rib stitch pattern bind off edges can look like magic - at least that's my opinion. The bind off edge gets a super clean and almost commercial look. You can achieve this with the help of a wool needle and a little patience. But it doesn't take long and then you'll get used to the technique.
I'll show you below how to do an Italian Bind Off for a 1x1 rib stitch pattern that starts either with a knit stitch or a purl stitch.
Starting with a Knit Stitch
There are a few set-up steps needed before you repeat 5 steps over and over again. Follow these and then continue with steps 1-5 below.
Cut your working yarn to about 4x the circumference of your bind off edge.
Insert your needle purlwise into the first knit stitch and pull the yarn through.
Bring your working yarn behind to the wrong side, go in between the first 2 stitches on the knitting needle back to the right side and pull your yarn through.
Steps 1 - 5
Repeat the following 5 steps one after the other until you reach the end of your round. Tip: I always remember the order well like this: (1) knit, (2) knit & slip off, (3) purl, (4) purl & slip off, (5) through the back to the front.
1. Insert your needle knitwise through the second stitch on the knitting needle and pull through.
2. Insert your needle knitwise through the first stitch on the knitting needle, pull through & let that stitch fall off the knitting needle.
3. Insert your needle purlwise into the second stitch on the knitting needle and pull your yarn through.
4. Insert your needle purlwise into the first stitch on the knitting needle, pull your yarn through ...
... and let that stitch fall off the knitting needle.
5. Bring your working yarn behind to the wrong side, go in between the first 2 stitches on the knitting needle back to the right side and pull your yarn through.
Starting with a Purl Stitch
There are a few set-up steps needed before you repeat 5 steps over and over again. Follow these and then continue with steps 1-5 below.
Cut your working yarn to about 4x the circumference of your bind off edge.
Insert your needle knitwise into the first purl stitch and pull the yarn through.
Insert your needle purlwise into the second stitch on the knitting needle and pull your yarn through.
Insert your needle purlwise into the first stitch on the knitting needle, pull your yarn through & let that stitch fall off the knitting needle.
Bring your working yarn behind to the wrong side, go in between the first 2 stitches on the knitting needle back to the right side and pull your yarn through.