You have probably enjoyed knitting your project, but now you are finished. Maybe the boring dishcloths just need some extra pizzazz. Perhaps you just want another idea for how to bind off, or cast off as some call it. Well, every project must come to an end, and there are certainly lots of creative ways to end the process of knitting stitches.
Basic bind off relies on working two stitches, passing the first stitch that you worked over the second one, and then dropping it off the needles. This locks that stitch; it's now secure and won't come unraveled. This is a "dead stitch" as opposed to a "live" one that can still be unraveled.
Bound off stitches are usually done as a mirror image of the cast on stitches; however, you can change the bind off to be more decorative just by what you decide to do with that last row of stitches.
In some cases the bind off row will determine how strong the finished garment will be, such as a shoulder seaming in a Cowichan sweater. Most savvy knitters use a three-needle bind off for this type of seam. This bind off not only ends the knitting, it makes a very strong shoulder seam in the one-step process.
Decorative bind offs are versatile, and they can be the perfect touch on an otherwise plain Jane piece of knitting. You can find some really good ideas for a bind off in many knitting books, such as "Knitting on the Edge" by Nicky Epstein, or you can ask at your favorite knitting store for some assistance with your particular garment.
I-cord bind off can be a color detail that could define a purse or bag just by continuing the I-cord in a contrasting color until you are satisfied that you have a length for the handle or strap. You can also use this bind off for the ties on a hat.
All projects must end, that's true. We all get melancholy when we know that our needles are now without that familiar fiber wrapping around them, waiting to be picked up and knitted. The space of time between the old project and the new project is both joyful and angst-filled, especially if you are a knitting addict, as I am. There might be a little bit of grieving over the lack of stitches in your basket or knitting bag, until you have found the time to plan another project, purchased your yarn and swatched the work.
This starting process is my least favorite time in any knitting project. It's too fussy. I don't want to think, and I don't want to go through the motions of swatching for my perfect stitch and gauge. I just want to sit down and pick up my needles. I crave the feeling of the yarn under my fingers. I need the motion of working the stitches to keep my world normal. I soothe my otherwise stress-filled life with the rhythm of knitting. It's how I end each day. It's my touchstone. It soothes my soul.
I feel every bit of this anxiety now as I tell you this is my last column on these pages. The upcoming changes at the Daily News are a lot like binding off, and the work has to end. This is that space between my projects, and I confess I will miss the familiar work, Two Sticks waiting in my bag. I know that soon I'll be filled with creative excitement at the next project, but for now, I will miss this weekly time with you. Thank you for these past three years.
Catherine Hollingsworth, interior designer, artist and professional knitwear designer, has lived in Alaska for 18 years. She is interim president of the Alaska State Yarn Council and past president of Knitters of the North. To reach her, e-mail twosticks@ymail.com.
By CATHERINE HOLLINGSWORTH
Daily News correspondent