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How to Cast Off

This is the method by which you complete a piece of knittting which generates a straight edge along the work and can be secured so the work will not unravel. It can also be used part way through the a garment such as when shaping armholes or shoulders when the remaining work needs to continue at this point the required number of stitches would be cast off but the ends would not be tied off or secured.

Casting off can be done from knit or purl depending on the requirements of the pattern. The only difference is how you transfer the stitches to be cast off onto the right hand needle.

Casting Off

1.		Loosely Knit or Purl 2 stitches on to the right hand needle.
2.		Place the tip of the needle in your left hand catch the loop of the back stitch,and carefully pull it over the top of the stitch in front of it, before removing the needle.
3.		This will leave just one stitch on the right hand needle.
4.		Loosely knit or purl another stitch onto the right hand needle
5.		Again use the left hand needle catch the loop of the back stitch and pull it over the top of the first stitch and remove the needle.
6.		Repeat until the required number of stitches have been cast off or you have only one stitch remaining

Securing or Tying Off

1.		Tying off is performed once there is only 1 stitch left on the needle.
2.		Using the needle increase the size of the stitch loop by pulling more yarn into it. Break or cut the yarn using a long tail to allow it to be sewn in.
3.		Using the needle pull the free end of the yarn through the center of the stitch.
4.		Keep manipulating the yarn until all the free end of the yarn has passed through the center of the stitch.
5.		Pull the yarn tight. The loop of the stitch will pull tight locking the yarn in place. The end of the yarn can then be sewn in.