How can I bind off a piece if knitted ribbing without loosing elatisicty?

Question

I need to bind off a piece of knitted ribbing without loosing the elasticity of the fabric. I had thought about threading elastic through the loops, but cannot figure out how to connect the ends so they don't work loose. Is there a way to bind it off and keeping it stretchy.

Answer 1

If you bind off in pattern, the edge will not stretch much. You can use larger needles for the bind off which will allow it to stretch further, but if you increasing the size of the needles a lot in order to get more stretch, the edge will look end up looking ruffly when it's not stretched.



However if you use a technique called "tubular bind-off", you'll get a very stretchy edge which looks neat when it is not stretched.



Here's a link that shows a tubular bind-off for socks--it's perfect for toe-up socks. Go to the URL below and take a look at the instructions called "Faux Kitchener Bind-off for 1 x1 or 2x2 Rib".

http://www.software4knitting.com/psockwizard/WebHelp/sock_knitting_techniques/toe_to_cuff/toe_to_cuff_finishing.htm

Answer 2

Definitely bind off is pattern... as the first person stated... that will maintain part of the elasticity... the other thing to keep in mind is to bind off as loosely as you can with out messing up the knitting... Even if you bind off if pattern, if you do it too tight you will loose your elasticity.



If once you bind off you want more support for the elasticity, you could thread an elastic thread thru the knitting... but be aware, it usually only comes in white and black..... Believe me I looked for some to make something for my son and had an awful time finding something small in diameter and elastic....





http://knitting.about.com/library/bllearnbo.htm

Answer 3

You have to bind off in the same pattern as your ribbing. So for example, if you did knit 2, pearl 2 etc...you will need to bind off doing knit 2, pearl 2. That will keep your end from getting loose.

Answer 4

First of all ask yourself if you can afford another piece of that same fabric, and if you are able to and don't care them do that. But if it is that important to you then I would say what you do if I think I know what you are talking about is get as small pair of scissors. Then slowly start to cut into it, if it feels like it is slipping stop hold it and make a wee little knot. then start again and just do that the whole time.