For most projects, doing a basic bind off is fine, but some projects require a special bind off. I will never forget a scarf I made many years ago where I did a basic bind off. To my horror, after the thing was off my needles, I realized that the bind off side had curved. It also had no give whatsoever and the bind off really ruined the finished piece. Ever since then, I’ve learned to do stretchy bind offs when needed.
My favorite stretchy bind off is this simple one that uses a tapestry needle from Elizabeth Zimmerman. But this bind off would not work with my Capella Shawl project, because the bind off edge was just too lengthy and it would not have been practical to use a tapestry needle and such an enormous length of yarn. So it was the Icelandic Bind Off to the rescue. This is a stretchy bind off that is perfect for a garter stitch edge and it is done right on the needles. It’s simple once you do a few of the stitches. I have step by step photos, followed by a video if that helps you more.
(Scroll to the bottom of this post for the video).
Italian Dish Knits 