How to Bind Off Knitting With a Crochet Hook {Video and Photo Tutorial}

You can use a crochet hook to bind off knitting instead of using two knitting needles! I find this crochet bind-off technique quicker and easier than a traditional bind off, and it also helps me maintain even tension so the finished edge isn’t too loose or too tight.

Also called a crochet cast off, this technique simply replaces your right-hand knitting needle with a crochet hook. It works for both a knit bind off and a purl bind off and is easy to learn with just a few simple steps.

Below I’ll show you how to bind off knitting with a crochet hook using both a video tutorial and step-by-step photos.

What Is a Crochet Bind Off?

A crochet bind off is a method of binding off knitting using a crochet hook instead of the right-hand knitting needle. You work each stitch from the left needle with the hook, pulling each new loop through the loop already on the hook to create a finished edge.

This method is especially handy if you find traditional binding off awkward or have trouble maintaining even tension. You can use it when finishing scarves, blankets, dishcloths, and other knitting projects that call for a standard knit or purl bind off.

What Size Crochet Hook Should I Use?

To keep your bind-off edge from becoming too tight, choose a crochet hook that is the same millimeter size as your knitting needles or slightly larger.

For example, if you are using US 5 / 3.75 mm knitting needles, start with a US F-5 / 3.75 mm crochet hook or try a US G-6 / 4 mm hook. If you tend to bind off very tightly, you can even try a US H-8 / 5 mm crochet hook.

Check the tension of your bound-off stitches as you work and adjust your hook size if needed.

How to Bind Off Knitting With a Crochet Hook: Video Tutorial

In the video below, I show how I use a crochet hook to do a knit bind off. As mentioned above, you can just as easily use this technique for a purl bind off as well by inserting the hook purlwise instead of knitwise.

How to Bind Off With a Crochet Hook: Step-by-Step Instructions

Put aside your right-hand needle and use a crochet hook.

First Stitch

1. Insert the crochet hook knitwise (or purlwise for a purl bind off) through the first stitch on the left needle.
2. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch, then slip the stitch off the left needle. One loop will remain on your hook.

Remaining Stitches

3. Insert the crochet hook knitwise (or purlwise) through the next stitch on the left needle.

4. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch on the left needle and through the loop already on your hook.

5. Slip the stitch off the left needle. One loop will remain on your hook.

6. Repeat until you reach the last stitch (or the number of stitches specified for a partial bind off).
7. Cut the yarn, leaving a few inches for a tail. Pull the tail through the final loop to fasten off, then weave in the end.

These travel crochet hooks are great for carrying in your knitting bag. They are handy for knitters to have on hand for picking up dropped stitches and binding off knitting projects.

Tips for a Neat Crochet Hook Bind Off

If your bound-off edge feels too tight, try using a crochet hook one size larger than your knitting needles. Keep your stitches relaxed as you work, and avoid pulling the yarn too tightly when drawing each new loop through.

If the edge looks too loose, try a smaller hook or adjust your tension slightly.

Remember that this technique creates a standard bind-off edge, not a stretchy bind off. For projects that need extra stretch, such as sock cuffs or fitted necklines, a stretchier bind-off method may be a better choice.

Ready to Knit? Try these free patterns …

• Easy Textured Knit Dishcloth Pattern
• Stormy Seas Knit Shawl
• Grow With Me Knit Baby Blanket
• The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Knitting