How to close the last knitting row. Knitting - closing the loops of the last row. About closing with hanging hinges, photo

Almost every novice knitter who creates her first thread masterpiece is faced with a lot of technical problems and questions, in particular, how to beautifully and quickly close the loops with knitting needles. Of course, there are many visual diagrams of the entire process, but it is quite difficult to understand them without the relevant experience. We offer several of the most affordable options for how to close the edges of a hand-knitted item.

Method one

The most common option for how to close all the loops at the end of a row with knitting needles is as follows:

  • To get a neat finishing braid, set the degree of looseness of the loops and thread used for weaving;
  • To get one final loop, you need to knit the edge and first loop in one fell swoop, using the knit stitch on the back thread;
  • The resulting loop must be returned from the right knitting needle to the left one, and then again connected to the next one, using the same back walls;
  • The thread can be broken only after only one loop remains on the knitting needle.

This option for completing a row is applicable to patterns of any complexity, be it plaits, braids, checkerboards or regular garter stitch.

The resulting edge will not stretch during wear or washing.

Method two

This option is useful for decorating the neck of a sweater, the elastic of a sock or a glove. Its use will allow you to easily put on and wear the product without fear of stretching or deformation of the elastic band.

So, a step-by-step guide on how to bind off all the loops in an elastic way looks like this:


  • Remove the first edge stitch and transfer it to the right needle;
  • Knit the second according to the pattern used;
  • Two loops have formed on the right knitting needle: the unknitted edge loop needs to be slightly pulled out and pulled through the second one;
  • Then knit a third loop, again according to the pattern, and repeat the steps;
  • When you have formed the last one loop, break the thread, insert it into the loop and tighten.

Method three

Using this pattern, you will quickly solve the problem of how to bind off all the loops with knitting needles 1x1 and 2x2.

So, we do the following manipulations:

  • Initially, all the loops must be open, for which the last few rows of the item must be knitted with additional thread. Then tear it off, but leave a tail, the length of which should be enough for three more rows;
  • Through the first loop located on the right knitting needle, you need to pull the second one, for which you use the tip of the left knitting needle. This technique will make the edge elastic, but incapable of deformation during use;
  • Thus, you need to weave until the very end, following the pattern of your elastic band. Cut the thread and hide it in the last loop.

Method four

In order to get an even edging of the bottom of the shelf, for example, it is better to use a regular sewing needle rather than knitting needles.

This is done according to the following algorithm:


  • Cut the working thread, the length of which is enough to knit three more rows of fabric;
  • Thread the needle;
  • Insert a needle into the starting loop through the knitting pattern, after which the loop should be on the needle itself;
  • Then the needle is threaded through the third loop, as is done according to the rules of purl knitting, and the yarn is pulled through this very third loop;
  • Then the diagram of how to close the loops with a sewing needle requires you to pull the tip of the device into the second loop, as in the reverse version of weaving, and then remove it;
  • Then the needle and thread are placed on the wrong side of the fabric and inserted into the fourth loop, as in knit weaving;
  • At the end of all these manipulations, it turns out that you have removed and closed two loops. The removed ones can now be called the first and second, and then complete the row using the same method.

Method five

Crafters who have to weave armholes, necklines, or shoulders often find themselves having to make closures in groups, resulting in an unsightly “stepped” hem.

To avoid this, you need to master all the rules of how to close all the loops intended for the armhole with regular knitting needles:


  • To make the edge smooth, all the first loops of each group must be removed, and only then closed;
  • To do this, complete the first set of stitches in the usual way, and when the second set comes, simply remove the initial loop, as is done in the case of knitting;
  • Then make the next knit stitch, slip it through, and simply remove it from the knitting needle;
  • Then you just have to use this tactic until the end of the row.

It is worth noting that each craftswoman has her own version of how to close the loops for the armhole, front or neckline with knitting needles, pins, needles, etc. They do not hesitate to share them on numerous forums, present detailed master classes and willingly answer questions from beginners. Do not rush to give up needlework or finish it in the most primitive ways.

Most often, knitting a part ends with the loops being closed, otherwise the knitted fabric will unravel. There are several ways to close loops.

Closing one loop at a time

1. Slip the edge stitch onto the right needle. Knit the next stitch. There are 2 loops on the right needle.

2. Insert the left needle into the edge stitch and pull the first knitted stitch through it.

3. There will be one loop left on the right needle. Thus, close all the loops to the end of the row.

4. Then cut the thread, leaving a small piece. Insert the remaining piece into the loop and pull it off. Try to keep the tension of the loops of the closed row the same as the loops of the knitted fabric.

Closing with two loops

1. Knit the edge and first loops together behind the back walls of the front stitch.

2. Transfer the new loop from the right needle to the left and knit it with the next loop in the same way as the first two. Thus, close all the loops to the end of the row.

3. Then cut the thread, leaving a small piece. Insert the remaining length into the last stitch and pull it off.

Closing loops at the sleeve armhole or neckline

This method is used when closing loops in the armhole of a sleeve or neck. Cast off the required number of stitches on the first row. Knit the purl row without changes. On the next row slip the first stitch. Knit the 2nd loop and pull the first loop through it. With this method of closing loops, the edge is smooth, without sudden changes.

Closing 2 x 2 elastic loops without using a needle

1. In the front row, knit 2 front loops. There were 2 knit stitches on the right needle.

2. Insert the left needle into the first knit stitch and pull the second knitted stitch through it. There will be one loop left on the right needle.

3. Purl the next stitch. Insert the left needle into the loop on the right needle and pull the knitted purl stitch through it.

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Simple ways to close loops.

Once you have finished knitting the knitted piece, you will need to bind off the stitches to prevent the edge from unraveling. The principle of closing loops is similar for both knit and purl loops. If in the future you need to return to knitting the edge, then the loops are not closed, but removed on an additional knitting needle, holder or waste thread.


Bind off the stitches like knit stitches.

1. First, knit the first 2 stitches. Insert the tip of the left knitting needle from left to right into the first knitted loop, lift it and pull the second knitted loop through it. Slip the first stitch off the right needle. There is one loop left on the right needle.

2. To cast off the next stitch, knit one stitch again on the left knitting needle and repeat step 1. Continue casting off stitches until one stitch remains on the right needle. (If the instructions say “cast off the loops according to the pattern,” then knit the loops the same as in the pattern: knit stitches with knit stitches, purl stitches with purl stitches.)

3. To prevent the last remaining loop from unraveling, cut the thread, leaving a tail 20 cm long, so that you can then easily thread this tail or then sew knitted parts with this tip of the thread. Thread the tail of the thread through the remaining loop and pull tight.

Transferring stitches from a knitting needle.

Using the holder: If you want to leave the stitches open so that you can temporarily put aside knitting and then return to it again, then you will need a stitch holder. Transfer the needles from the working needle to the holder.

Using scrap thread: If you don't have a stitch holder available, or it's not long enough to hold all the stitches, you can use regular thread from any leftover yarn. Place the end of the thread through the eye of a blunt-tipped needle, and then thread the needle through all the stitches, removing them from the working needle. Tie the ends of the waste thread into a knot.

Other ways to close loops.

If you need to close the loops to decorate the edge, add stretch, or vice versa, to achieve some other effect, use the methods of closing loops described below. The three-needle stitch method is suitable for attaching pockets and edges to knitted items.

Bind off the stitches purlwise.

1. Purl the first 2 stitches and place the yarn behind the work. Insert the end of the left needle into the first knitted loop and pull the second loop through it, slip the 1st loop from the right needle. There is one loop left on the right needle.

2. Thread before work, repeat steps 1 and 2 throughout the entire row, knitting only one purl loop all the time (as in step 1). Finally, pull the end of the thread through the last loop.

Closing the loops of the elastic band 1x1.

Used after knitting 1x1 rib to give the edge a ribbed finish. This method produces a more stretchy edge than the knit or purl binding methods.

1. Knit the 1st stitch and purl the 2nd stitch. Thread at work. Insert the end of the left needle into the 1st stitch. Pull the 2nd stitch through the 1st and slip the 1st stitch from the right needle.

2. Knit the next loop and pull it through the previous one, removing the previous loop from the knitting needle.

3. Thread before work, purl the next loop. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the end of the row. Pull the end of the thread through the remaining loop and tighten.

In this collection I collect various methods of closing loops from the Internet.
I will summarize the methods and types of closing loops when knitting (I look on the Internet, so if anyone knows anything else, write and I’ll add it to the post):
Closing the loops– securing loose knitting loops so that they do not unravel. The resulting edge can be connected to other parts of the product, or can be an edge. The closed edge should be elastic but tight - neither stretched nor too tight. Often, when closing, the loops are tightened too tightly; to avoid this, use thicker knitting needles. Unless otherwise instructed, always bind off the stitches in the pattern of the fabric.

The loops are closed not only when completing work on the part, but also when modeling armholes, necklines and shoulder bevels. The 1st row of buttonholes can be made using closed loops; when creating voluminous patterns, methods of closing loops can also be used.

In addition to the universal ones, there are other types of loop closures, such as discreet closure of the elastic edge loops or various closure methods to form decorative edges.

Closing tools:
1. Knitting needles
2. Needle
3. Hook

Closing the loops with knitting needles

1. Classic loop closure

The knitting process is very exciting and takes up long hours of a woman’s free time. The three basic principles that make the knitting process possible are the patience of the knitter, the necessary yarn and tools for making the product.

No matter how strange it may seem, in ancient times only men were engaged in this type of needlework, and all the methods of knitting known to us were invented by them. The first ancient knitting needles were made from ordinary twigs. Later, women joined the process and reserved the privilege of practicing this skill for themselves.

The assortment is now so wide that you can choose knitting needles or a hook made from materials such as metal, plastic, bone, or wood. All you have to do is make a choice and you can start engaging in an exciting hobby. Before starting, you usually select the required product model. As a rule, knitting methods are so diverse that you can create the same vest with completely different patterns.

The process ends with closing the row. At the very end, the needlewoman needs to know how to close the loops on the parts of the product. This can be done either using knitting needles or using a crochet hook.

We close the loops with knitting needles

Now we will learn how to bind off stitches with knitting needles in two ways.

First way. The loops that have already been closed resemble a pigtail in appearance, smooth and neat. You can close them tightly or loosely - it depends on the quality and volume of the threads. By closing the loops in this way, we can be sure that the edge of the product will never stretch. This method can be used on any product or pattern. It looks like pulling loops, one through the other.

We take knit together with the first loop, catching them on the back walls. As a result, you will end up with one loop. Now we pass it from the right knitting needle in the opposite direction - to the left knitting needle. We knit it together with the next loop in knit stitch, making sure to catch it on the back walls. We carry out such manipulations until the very end of the row. At the very end, we break the thread, leaving a tail 4-5 centimeters long. Now you know how to close the loops, but make sure that the fabric is not pulled tight. With this method, you can use a short crochet hook. It allows you to not tighten the loops too much, and the process itself will go much faster.


Second way. The loops closed in this way are an elastic braid that can stretch well.

It can be used for any patterns, even the most embossed ones.

Any details of your product can also be made in this way.

Remove the edge loop to the right knitting needle, and knit the second one strictly according to the pattern: it can be knitted or purl.

You should get two loops on the right needle. Insert the left needle into the removed loop, pull lightly and pull the second needle through it.

Then knit a third stitch, pulling the second stitch through it on the right needle. Do all the manipulations until the end of the row. Now you are familiar with how to close loops in the second, no less easy and interesting way.

A selection of ways to close loops with knitting needles + video

After knitting the required number of rows, you need to close the knitted fabric. Closed loops should not stand out from the general background of knitting, be too large and rough. If a continuation of a part of knitting is required, then such loops are not closed, but remain free; they are assembled using special stitches. pins or scrap thread to hold the knitting together.

Easy closure

Open hinges. If the part is already finished and does not require additional tying, then the open loops are transferred to a pin. This way the piece can be stored while you knit the remaining parts of the product. When tying elements into parts, open loops can be gathered onto a waste thread in order to freely turn over and bend the part being tied.


Closing the purl loops. When using similar methods of closing loops, the finished product looks different. The closed edge is made tighter or looser, it all depends on its location. This may be final processing or preliminary. Work a certain number of rows in stockinette until the piece is completed. Stop on the wrong side. Cover the part as a whole. Slip the first stitch unknitted onto the right needle. Purl the second stitch. Using the left needle, grab the first loop from the front wall.



Pico closure. This is a purely decorative method of processing a closed row. Often used in children's things.



Closing in two steps


Closing loops with a needle. This method is suitable for closing a 1*1 elastic band.



Elastic closure


Piping closure. This closing method is suitable for rounded relief lines.


Decorative crochet closure


Closing shaped lines


close the spoke row

Natel, this is done like this: remove the first loop on the right needle without knitting. You knit the second loop according to the pattern (i.e. if it is a knit stitch, you knit it with a knit stitch, if it is a purl stitch, you knit it with a purl stitch), on the right knitting needle - 2 loops. Now pull the knitted loop on this needle through the first unknitted one. There is 1 loop left on the right needle (the one that was knitted, not vice versa). Then - in the same way - knit the next one, pull it through the one that was on the right needle earlier.

Closing the loops - this means - close, not turn it down
Apparently, you have a description of the sleeve or back. When you have knitted the length of the product you need, you begin to close off the loops for the armhole, i.e. remove the first loop on the right needle, knit the next one according to the pattern (exactly as May be described to you) and pull the knitted loop through the removed one. You again have 1 loop on your right knitting needle, knit the next loop according to the pattern and again pull it through the loop on the right knitting needle, you again have 1 loop left on your right knitting needle. Repeat this 4 times. Then knit the row to the end, using the pattern you knitted earlier. Unfold the knitting and cast off 4 stitches from the beginning of knitting in the same way as you did in the front row. Again, knit the row to the end, turn it onto the face and knit further according to the description. 1x3 - close 3 loops on each side once, 2x2 - close 2 loops twice, i.e. in one row, 2 loops on the face and 2 loops on the back and immediately a second time, 2 on the face and 2 on the back - all this is done from the beginning of the front or back row.
Good luck to you, what is written just seems so incomprehensible, but try it and you will succeed - it’s very easy

close the shoulder bevel with knitting needles

At the same time, I’ll tell you how to close the shoulder slope so that there are no steps.
When you make a shoulder with a bevel, not straight, you use partial knitting, i.e. close the shoulder loops in parts, in several steps.
Let's say 7 loops each time. The first time, let it be the front side of the product - as above - you remove the first one, knit the second, stretch it, etc. cast off 7 loops, knit to the end of the row. You turn the knitting, knit it back along the wrong side of the product, but here you do not knit the last loop. Turn the knitting needles and the product with the front side facing you. You have one loop on your right needle. And here you don’t knit the 2nd loop, but immediately pull it through the first (you get a smooth transition from one row to another). Then you knit one loop again and pull it through the previous one. And so close 7 loops (together with the first unknitted one), knit to the end of the row, etc.

When a piece of a product is knitted, the knitter is faced with the question of how to finish the knitting. Depending on the model and the type of yarn used, the completion of the piece may be different. The loops may remain open, in which case the loops may unravel and in this case various techniques are used to prevent this from happening. But most often they are knitted in a special way to secure them and prevent them from unraveling. In this case they say that the loops are closed. And they use all sorts of techniques for this. We'll look at the easiest way to close loops in this lesson.

This method is used to close straight sections of knitting and, using some additional techniques (more on this in other lessons), when closing shoulder bevels, when forming curved lines of a part. Therefore, it is important to learn how to first close a straight section of knitting, for example, a scarf. This method of closing loops is used to close such types of knitting as stockinette, knit and purl stitch, garter stitch, shadow patterns obtained by alternating knit and purl stitches, and openwork fabrics. In a word, homogeneous fabrics that do not shrink, like, for example, elastic bands.

1. We begin closing the loops in the same way as knitting any row: remove the first, edge loop, undone:


2. We knit the next loop behind the edge loop if the pattern follows knit stitches, and purl if the pattern follows purl loops. In our case, this is a garter stitch, we knit a knit stitch:



4. Using the right knitting needle, we pull through the edge loop the loop we just knitted, located on the right knitting needle:


5. Thus, the edge loop was removed from the knitting needle and secured using the next loop. There is one loop left on the right needle:


6. We knit the next loop, on the right knitting needle there are again two loops. In the same way as in step 3, we bring the left knitting needle to the outer loop, which replaced the edge loop, pull it towards us and pull the newly knitted loop through it. That is, we repeat step 4


7. In this way, the next loop is secured, as we see two loops are closed: the edge loop and the loop following it, and on the right knitting needle there is again one loop left, through which we will fasten the next knitted loop:


8. We repeat the steps: we knit the subsequent loops and fasten them through the outermost loop located on the right knitting needle until we reach the end of the row. As a result, a pigtail has formed along the edge, and one loop should remain on the right knitting needle:


9. Transfer the last loop back to the left needle, break the thread and pull it through the loop:


Thus, all the loops are secured, and an even braid is formed along the edge of the product. When closing the loops, it is important not to tighten the loops so that the closed edge does not tighten the knitting.

I remind you that you can ask questions on the topic directly in the form of comments below.

There are many ways to finish knitting. At school, girls are taught only one thing - this is the classic version, which results in a rather stiff braid that does not allow the fabric to stretch. But for stand-up collars, golf collars, cuffs knitted from top to bottom, and other elements made with elastic, a method of closing loops with an elastic edge would be more suitable.

Traditional method

Completing knitting requires closing off loose loops. They are secured (sealed) so that the finished canvas does not unravel. The edge is also closed when designing necklines, armholes, sleeve caps, cuts on the shoulders, as well as when knitting three-dimensional patterns or decorative elements. It should not be too tight, nor excessively loose, except in cases where this is provided for by the master's plan. To prevent the edge from being too tight, you can use thicker knitting needles.

The resulting edge can be connected to other parts of the product or remain free. In the latter case, you can use one of the options for closing the loops, creating a decorative edge. Whatever method is chosen, the first loop (edge) is usually removed undone, unless this point is specified separately. The remaining stitches are knitted according to the pattern: knit stitches in knit stitch, and purl stitches in purl stitch.

The classic version is considered a common one, which results in an even braid. This edge is rigidly fixed and does not stretch. It is formed by knitting in pairs:

The edge of the thread can be longer if you plan to use it to connect the elements of the product with each other.

This method is applicable to any part of the product, regardless of the type of knitting of the main fabric. There is another variation of the standard knitting finish. It is most often used on an elastic band or a similar pattern, where knit and purl stitches alternate with great frequency. The result will be a slightly tight, but quite elastic pigtail. The so-called transfer method is used here:

After checking the pattern, knit another, third, if you count from the beginning of the row, loop. There will again be two of them on the right knitting needle. And again the second of them is threaded into the first. This way the entire row is covered.

The latter is pulled out by cutting the working thread.

Getting an Elastic Edge

Sometimes you need to finish the job so that the edge is not only even, but also has enough stretch. There are several ways to achieve this result. They are often used to decorate the edge of an elastic band. This is done more often with knitting needles, but sometimes a hook is used. In any case, you get a corrugated edge that looks beautiful and neat.

Clarification of the concept of yarn overs

The yarn over is an additional element, an “extra” loop in the row. It is used to give the fabric openwork or volume, as well as to increase the total number of loops. This element got its name because it is formed by throwing the working thread onto the right knitting needle. This can be done in one of two ways, according to which straight and reverse yarn overs are distinguished.

Direct, “toward oneself.” To do it, you just need to put the right knitting needle behind the working thread, as a result of which the thread will be thrown over it. In this case, the knitting needle moves towards itself, and the thread moves away from itself. Hold the resulting yarn over with your index finger so that it does not slip, and knit the next loop.

Reverse, “from oneself.” It is usually used before knitting a knit stitch. It is performed by moving the needle away from you. In this case, the working thread first passes along its back surface, and then along the front. This type of yarn over is less convenient, so it is rarely used, for example, to close loops in an elastic way.

Knitting edges

This option involves making yarn overs before each of the knitted loops. It is important here that before the purl stitches they are performed by moving the knitting needle towards you (straight yarn over), and before the knit stitches - away from you (reverse yarn over). Step-by-step instructions for elastically closing 1x1 elastic loops with knitting needles:

The resulting edge will be zigzag-shaped and will be able to stretch in accordance with the stretch of the entire elastic band. Using the same method, you can elastically close a 2x2 elastic band by knitting according to the pattern and making a corresponding yarn over in front of each of them. However, the conclusion that it is only suitable for rubber bands would be erroneous. This method is universal, suitable for any type of knitting and does not depend on its density. You just need to take into account that the resulting edge will be somewhat thickened due to the presence of yarn overs. This will be especially noticeable when working with thick yarn.

Elastic closure of loops with knitting needles can also be done using only straight yarn overs. But in this case, the edge will be smooth and not compressed, although its elasticity will not decrease.

In addition, it will look different from the front and back sides.

Closing loops using a needle

You can get a beautiful elastic hem without yarn overs. This method does not allow you to tighten the edge too much, so you can tighten the thread as much as you like while working. The operating procedure is as follows:

The edge does not tighten with this approach. There are no problems putting the product on and there is no discomfort when wearing it. This method of finishing knitting is most suitable for stockinette stitch, garter stitch and not particularly embossed patterns. It is better to cover the elastic with knitting needles. Using a needle will make the edge elastic, but it will not follow the curves characteristic of such knitting, and the elastic will fan out.

Decorative options

A beautiful edge can be obtained by closing the loops using one of the openwork methods. All of them are only suitable for decorating an open edge that will not go into a seam. Children's products are often designed this way. Some options for creating a decorative edge involve the use of a hook. The second knitting needle is not needed here. All manipulations are performed with a hook equal in thickness. The technique is simple:

The result is an openwork rounded edge. You can also make it jagged. The knitting used is known as picot. Its execution is similar to the previous method.

Picot can be crocheted either with or without a hook. This is more convenient for anyone. Step-by-step method with knitting needles:

Steps 1 to 7 are repeated, with the only difference that now the first loop on the left needle needs to be knitted, since it is not an edge stitch. First, 2 loops are sequentially knitted and closed, then a two-loop bridge is made and secured.

The number of closed and air loops can be changed. The size of the teeth and the distance between them depends on this. For small cloves, close 1 loop, then the bridge will consist of a single loop. And for a large zigzag you will need to close at least three pieces.

All of these methods of securing the loops of the last row are easy to master. Which one is best to choose to finish the knitting depends on the pattern, the overall design and the personal preferences of the knitter.

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