Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off

Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off

Knitted sweaters should be snuggly, but also stretchy in the right places—especially the cuffs and hems!

Have you ever wondered how other knitters achieve that stretchy, yet fitted look on their sweaters?

That’s because they know how to knit Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off!

No kidding, that’s the actual name of this nifty bind off technique. Fun, right?

Though, it can be a mouthful to say “Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off”. Some knitters just refer to this technique as “JSSBO”.

Well, I’m going to show you all the steps so you can use it to bind off your own knitted projects.

What is Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off For?

As the name suggests, it’s a knitting technique that helps knitters create a stretchy bind off in knitted items such as sweaters, cardigans, mittens, and socks! It’s honestly so surprising how stretchy these simple stitches are and you want to have an edge that matches that stretch-factor.

This technique was first popularized by Jeny Staiman in 2009 and was welcomed by the knitting community! The finished edge doesn’t flare out, it stretches to fit the wearer, and it snaps back into shape when taken off.

Handy, right? I’m sure as heck going to incorporate this stretchy bind off in all of my snuggly knitwear from now on.

Binding Off Ribbing

Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off is typically used with ribbed stitches. But it still works well with the plain knit and purl rows! To use this bind off for ribbing match the knit and purl stitches from the previous row. When you come to a knit stitch you’ll work the bind off using the knit stitch version (the first section in this tutorial). When you come to a purl stitch, us the purl bind off option (from the second section in this tutorial).

How to Bind off With Knit Stitches

This section will walk you through the three steps to binding off using knit stitches (aka: knitwise).

Step 1:

Knit one stitch.

Step 2:

Yarn over backwards: bring the yarn bring yarn up over the right needle from the back to the front (clockwise).

Step 3:

Knit one stitch.

On the right needle you now have: 1 knit, 1 backward yarn over, 1 knit.

Step 4:

Slip the first knit and the yarn over together up over the last knit stitch, dropping them off the needle.

You now have one knit stitch remaining on the right needle.

Repeat Steps 2-4:

Until you have one stitch left on your right needle.

Cut your yarn leaving a 6″ yarn tail, thread it through the last stitch and cinch it closed.

How to Bind off With Purl Stitches

This section will walk you through the three steps to binding off using purl stitches (aka: purlwise).

Step 1:

Purl one stitch.

Step 2:

Yarn over: bring the yarn up and over the right needle from the front to back (counterclockwise).

Step 3:

Purl one stitch.

On the right needle you now have: 1 purl, 1 yarn over, 1 purl on the right needle.

Step 4:

Slip the first purl and the yarn over together up over the last purl stitch, dropping them off the needle.

You now have one purl stitch remaining on the right needle.

Repeat Steps 2-4:

Until you have one stitch left on your right needle.

Cut your yarn leaving a 6″ yarn tail, thread it through the last stitch and cinch it closed.

Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off: Pro Tips

Jeny’s Stretchy Bind Off will feel awkward to stitch up at first, don’t worry. That’s completely normal! So I’m giving a few handy pro tips that may help you along:

Tip #1: Use your index finger to pin the backwards yarn over

The stretchy bind off portion can be tricky to get to with your needle. You can use your index finger to pin the backwards yarn over in place to make it easier for you to pick up!

Tip #2: Don’t over-tighten the stitches

It’s important that you keep the tensions between the stitches even during Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off. Don’t make the loops too tight or you’ll struggle when it’s time to do the “stretchy bind off” round.

At the same time, if your stitches are too loose the bind off might look ragged. For stitches that are too loose, simply give the working yarn and extra tug to keep your loops.

Tip #3: Use a different needles size

Sometimes the tight stitches used for your sweater or socks don’t work well with Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off. So don’t be scared to use needles of different sizes! Try going one size bigger for looser (and stretchier) stitches if you’re having trouble with a too-tight edge after working this bind off technique.

If you have detachable circular needles, all you have to do is replace the needle ends. But if you’re working with straight needles, take your time in transferring each loop to the new pair.

Tip #4: Get creative!

This bind off technique is not just limited to the knits and purls of the rib stitch. You can even add a stretchy hem or edge to cabled knits.

If you ask me, I would even want try adding this finish off to my crocheted items!

Tip #5 Work slow and steady

You might feel that you have to knit as fast as other knitters, but remember that this is not a race.

Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off takes some getting used to. So work at your own pace!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Simple wasn’t it?

Sure, Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off can be confusing to make the first few rows, but once you get into the rhythm, it becomes an easy cruise!

Plus, it looks amazing once you finish off your piece.

Don’t feel too bad if your sweater’s cuff or hem doesn’t come out perfect the first time. That’s completely normal for all beginners. As always we recommend practicing on a swatch first to get the hang of a new technique!

Eventually, this technique will feel as easy as the usual knits and purls.

Want to try out this stretchy bind off technique in other snuggly projects?

Check out our selection of free sweater, cardigans, and beanie patterns next!