The live stitches on a knitting needle of a knitted piece are secured with a bind off row. This is also the last row. There are many bind off techniques. Some examples include the basic knit bind off, the stretchy bind off and the crochet bind off. Other examples include the picot bind off, the Icelandic bind off and so on. The basic knit method is the most common bind off method. In this technique, the first knitted stitch on the right knitting needle is passed over the second knitted stitch. This basic knit bind off is my favorite for blankets, dishcloths etc. since I can easily pick up the stitches to make a more decorative crochet or knitted border edge. I use knitting needles a size or two larger for the basic knit bind off. This makes the stitches easier to pick up for a border edge. The video and written instructions below for the basic knit bind off method are for right-hand knitting.

The Basic Knit Bind Off:

Written instructions for Basic Knit Bind Off Method:

1. Knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) the first 2 stitches at beginning of the row
2. Pass the first stitch knitted over the second stitch on the right hand knitting needle
3. Slip the passed stitch off the right knitting needle (one stitch remains on the needle)
4. Knit the next stitch on the left knitting needle
5. Pass and slip the remaining stitch over the newly knitted stitch on the right knitting needle (one stitch remains on the right knitting needle)
6. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 till the end of the row
7. Break yarn and pull the working yarn through the last remaining stitch