Cast On, Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods

by Leslie Ann Bestor

Casting on and binding off are two basic skills every beginning knitter must master. While there are literally dozens of ways to get yarn on and off the needles, most knitters stick with the methods they learned as beginners, missing out on the opportunity to create edges that are more functional and long-lasting as well as decorative, adding distinctiveness to their finished knits.

In Cast On, Bind Off, master knitter Leslie Ann Bestor offers a one-of-a-kind reference to more than 50 different ways to begin and end a knitting project - from the charming bobbles of the picot approach to the tidy, refined edges of the tubular method. For each method, she provides detailed instructions with step-by-step color photography, advice about best uses, and tips for making the most of the technique's strengths and appropriateness. At-a-glance charts pinpoint the right cast on or bind off for various types of knitting and cast on/bind off pairs that work especially well together.

Today's knitters are branching out and exploring new knitting styles - from chunky cables to delicate lace - and all they are missing is the perfect cast on or bind off technique to create edges as beautiful, professional, and functional as the stitches that come between. Cast On, Bind Off is an indispensable tool for every knitting bag - a trusted reference that will ensure each project is polished and pleasing .... from start to finish.

Genres: Knitting, Reference, Crafts, Nonfiction, How To

216 pages, Spiral-bound

First published May 30, 2012

Reviews

[sidewalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A while ago, I was asked if I wanted to review a knitting book.
Well, those of you who know me, know that I am not big on knitting books.... I said yes regardless and told myself to be open minded and have a look.

Then cast on bind off came into my life.....
I have to say: WOW!
Here is FINALLY a knitting book worth it's money! I absolutely love it!
Ok, so after knitting for 30 plus years, I knew almost all of the techniques described in the book, BUT do I really use them? uh... that would be a big fat NO!
I have my go to ones. The ones I am used to and comfortable with.
Well SHAME ON ME!
Now, I'm not saying that having a "go to", "Staple" is a bad thing. It most certainly is not! But there are so many more possibilities out there and I am not utilising them to the fullest, because I just don't think of them!

I keep cast on bind off right next to my knitting chair! I have used it ever since it came into my house! I am consulting it for every new project! Is there a better way to cast on for this? Is there a more fun way? You betcha!

I would recommend this book to novice knitters as well as experienced ones. It's never a bad thing to have a little reminder about, that there is so much more then what is stored in our brains!

I also love the compact form! It fits neatly into my knitting bag and I have taken it to my yarn shop for the classes I teach. I showed it to my students and to other knitting friends. We all love it!

The pictures are clear and easy to understand instructions guarantee that even beginners will understand the cast on's and bind off's and can repeat them with success.
The little spiral binding is GREAT! I can flip to the page I need and turn it out without worrying that I break a spine and all the pages will fall out.

The only thing I have a problem with (and it's not just me) are the little inserts with the "right side and wrong side" picture of the cast on/bind off. I had a bit of trouble figuring out if it was a seamed sample or what exactly it was supposed to be. I think it would have been better to just do tow different shots of this instead of folding the knitted piece the way it is in those pictures. They are just too small to see it well.

I really really recommend this book to ANY knitter! Never mind the level of experience! I will definitely take it to my classes and tell my students this is a must have for their library!

Do check it out and see for yourself! But do it in a yarn shop, or a book shop, instead of the library, because once you have looked at it, you WILL want to buy it!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been knitting since I was 13 and now that I'm ready to move on to more professional and complex items (hopefully adult sweaters not baby!) I thought this would be a good book to check out for some new techniques. It was very informative and I hope to get my own copy for future reference.

[Marie Segares · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book from Storey Publishing.)

There are a lot of great things going for Cast On, Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods; Find the perfect start and finish for every knitting project by Leslie Ann Bestor. This book is all about edges - it includes 33 techniques for casting on and 21 methods for binding off.

The concept is that this book can serve as a one-stop resource for finding the perfect cast on and/or bind off for your project. The design of the book - small enough to be portable and including a spiral binding so you can lay it flat while reading and knitting - actually helps to advance that concept. The front and back inside cover include handy lists of different types of cast ons and bind offs so you can quickly find a technique to match your project. To further assist you, the cast on and bind off methods are listed in sections. For cast ons, the sections are Basic, Stretchy, Decorative, Circular, Double-Sided, Multicolor, Provisional, Tubular, and Mobius, and for bind offs, the sections are Basic, Stretchy, Decorative, and Sewn. There is also a detailed index.

Each cast on or bind off method includes a list of common alternate names, a brief introduction, a picture of the front, back, and top/bottom of the method, a list of characteristics (e.g., "Firm edge that does not stretch") and a list of project types that the method is good for. Each method is then described in step-by-step photographs with brief accompanying text. Some of the methods include extra tips in a side box called Getting It Right.

If you have a vague awareness of different cast on and bind off methods, I think this is the perfect guide to jog your memory and also to remind (or inform) you which projects you might want to match to a particular technique. I'm not as convinced that the average knitter could learn to master these methods from the pictures and text alone. For example, while the pictures do show step-by-step action, there are no illustrative graphics (such as arrows) which might indicate how the needles, fingers, and/or yarn got from one position to the next. Similarly, the text is rather brief because it is assumed that the pictures are "doing the talking."

As a one-stop resource guide, the book doesn't quite hit the mark. However, it is a great little book that can definitely serve as a reminder about a technique you may not be very familiar with. It would be much better to have this book and supplement it with a YouTube video about a particular method than to try and do a Google search for random cast on or bind off methods that might be suited to a particular project type. In fact, the resources section in the back includes some great links to videos demonstrating some of the techniques in the book.

Overall, I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars for an intermediate knitter. If you like to start and end projects on the go (especially when you may not have internet access), this book is especially great because of the portable, lay flat design. I liked it so much that I kept my review copy (instead of hosting a blog giveaway, as I usually do) so I can share it with my knitting students.

[Altivo Overo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In keeping with most books released by Storey, this is a practical manual for all knitters. Starting and ending a knitted piece can be more complicated than the stitches that make up the bulk of it, and this manual offers advice and methods grouped by the type of item and the pattern in use, such as "stretchy," "double-sided," "tubular" and so forth.

I've been a practical knitter for more than half a century, yet had not seen even half of the tricks and methods provided here. There is a lot of useful potential, and only a few bits of foolishness as I see it. The illustrations are clear, as are the instructions, and this is a useful manual for all knitters to keep at hand unless they rely entirely on printed patterns created by others. Since I like to make up my own designs as I go along, this will find a prominent and accessible place on my shelf.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing every new knitter must learn is how to cast on. It is also the first thing they forget - all that knitting and purling in between starting and finishing gets you lots of practice - but you only cast on or bind of once each project. I can't even begin to remember how many times I googled "long tail cast on" before mastering it.

Fast forward a bit, as an intermediate (or even pretty experienced knitter) you have come across quite a few different methods. And there are so many methods that it just gets easier to memorize a few, pick the one most likely to work with a pattern. (Or, if you are a stickler for perfection - back to googling.) There are just too many methods to remember them all, and every designer has their favorites. That is why this book is so amazing.

Leslie Ann Bestor had compiled a treasure trove of instruction in one, easy-to-grab place. She quite literally has every method I have heard of, and many, many more. She divides the different cast on and bind off methods into category types, then breaks each one of them down step by step, with detailed pictures for each step. She also lists (and shows pictures of!) the strengths and weaknesses of each method, and lists instances when they would be best used. For the first time in my knitting life, I actually felt like I could tackle the infamous Kitchener's Stitch - and that is saying something! (And the Möbius cast on? Be still my heart!)

I will not only be buying this book, I will pre-order it as soon as it is available. This is a must-have book for any knitter.

[Tisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seems easy to follow, with lots of pictures. There was nothing groundbreaking in it, though. I've seen all the options in other places. I'll probably get a different book for my reference library.

[Mootzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for any beginning knitter.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Various cast ons and bind offs organized into groups of similar styles with photo pics.

[Lee Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast On Bind Off - Leslie Anne Bestor

Before Christmas 2023 I watched a Podcast from 2019 about “The Top 10 Knitting Reference Books.” I quickly realised I had none of these and I have lots of knitting books 😶
.. So I watched to the end and there were two books with the same title “Cast On Bind Off” but by two different Authors. I asked my other half For this one by Leslie Anne Bestor as it was voted top on an Instagram poll.

I got it for Christmas! And it’s really interesting to learn more about different techniques I never even knew existed! I have tried one technique already and I was amazed at how easy it was to do and it made my sample piece much neater than usual. I also found the matching Cast Off which I haven’t tried yet but will also use on my next project.

So happy I found this book as it will be a great helping hand going forward with my knitting journey.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lived in a country with expensive internet and found this book invaluable to guide me through cast ons and offs when I could not watch an internet video. I still use it as a guide even though I now have internet access.
My only quibble is that some of the instructions are laid out so you have to turn over the page which can be difficult when you have your hands full of yarn and needles trying to master the technique.

[Madelon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful book with lots of options for casting on and binding off. Had some difficulty following some instructions, but generally well exlained. I just have difficulty sometimes following instructions from paper. But it offers a good overview off all options, with indications of which method is useful for which type of edge and what its characteristics are. And if you don't follow the instruction you can always search for a good youtube clip after choosing a good method with the book.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having directions to so many cast on & bind off options in one place is handy and a great idea. Unfortunately, I do better watching (in person or via video) when learning new techniques, so this probably isn't for me.

[Anna M. Ruppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very. Detailed and simple to follow. Liked the graphics and chose this rating due to my previous answers

. I would definitely recommend to my craft friends. This book in my opinion is simple and to the point.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will look for the spiral bound edition to purchase but in the meantime I'm thrilled that my local library has the ebook available if I need it.

More than enough options all in one place with great tips, photos and instructions!

[Tina Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consulted regularly when working on my projects.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great reference for different cast on and off techniques - with very clear picture illustrations.

[Rachael · Rating 2 out of 5]

i can't really see what's going on based on the images, and white yarn on metal needles for a bunch of the photos was a terrible idea. i'll have to stick with youtube videos i guess.

[Kiery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful! Lots of great methods I'd never seen!

[Veronica Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear informative pictures. A great way to learn different methods of casting on and binding off. Want to add this to my knitting library.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to add to your knitting library.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with very clear instructions.

[Syd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is what happens when you get invested in knitting while you’re also invested in crocheting.

[Lois]

LOVE IT! Use it all the time.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference to have on hand.

[Lark of The Bookwyrm's Hoard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.

The first thing I thought when I opened Cast On, Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods was, "Wow, I wish I'd had this book years ago." Laura Ann Bestor and Storey Publishing have come up with a winner: a knitting technique guide that is focused, clearly written, lavishly illustrated with photographs showing each step, and best of all, small enough to carry around in a knitting bag.

Look, I've been knitting for six years now (not counting a fling with knitting during college, which produced a lovely pair of legwarmers so mind-numbingly boring to knit that I didn't pick up the needles again for over 20 years.) In that time, I've made countless scarves, hats, a purse, socks, and two sweaters... all using one or the other of the only two cast-on methods I know. And that's been fine, except that I sometimes ran into patterns which called for a different cast on, maybe one that's less stretchy than either of my tried-and-true methods. Or stretchier. Or more decorative. Then I either had to find the cast on on-line or substitute one of my familiar methods and hope for the best. The same can be said of binding off, except that I only know one method of doing that. (Well, two if you count kitchener stitch as a bind-off. Though I can't be said to really know kitchener stitch; I have to look at the instructions every time. Even after four pairs of socks.)

I need this book. And if you like to knit, you probably need a copy, too. Within its pages are "33 cast ons and 21 bind offs," covering almost everything you're likely to come across in any project.

The book starts off with the absolute basics: how to make a slip knot, how to measure enough yarn for a cast-on tail, how to slip stitches knitwise and purlwise -- great for brand-new knitters. But even if you're a seasoned knitter, you're likely to find something useful in this little volume.

There are a number of basic cast ons, six different stretchy versions, a lace cast on, one that produces a picot edge, cast ons for beginning a circular piece in the middle (with or without a hole), double-sided cast ons that are great for toe-up socks or bottom-up bags, tubular cast ons for when you don't want an obvious "edge", and even multicolor braided and twined cast ons for Fair Isle, Swedish, Latvian, or other traditions. And there are three different provisional cast ons, which means I no longer have an excuse for avoiding shawls and scarves that start in the middle and work toward the ends. Among the 21 bind offs are basic and stretchy bind offs, decorative bind offs such as picot edging and I-cord, and sewn bind offs (including the dreaded kitchener stitch.)

I love the way each group of stitches -- basic cast ons, stretchy cast ons, decorative bind offs -- is illustrated with photos using the same color yarn, a different color for each group. It provides a visual emphasis of the stitch groups, making it easier when you're flipping through to see when you've moved out of one group into another. The photos are perfectly matched to the text, showing exactly how each step should be done. Each cast on or bind off also includes one or more photos of the finished edge. Bestor doesn't just tell you how to do a given cast on or bind off, but where and when you might want to use it.

At 5.5" x 7", this little book is easy to slip into a knitting bag, which is important if you may be starting a project away from home. The spiral binding is sturdy but lays flat when you need it to. I plan to add a rubber band or elastic to hold the edges together when the book is in my bag. Other than that, I'm just delighted with Cast On, Bind Off, and can't wait to try a new cast-on with my next knitting project.


FCC disclosure: I received a review copy from Storey Publishing.

You can read more of my reviews at The Bookwyrm’s Hoard.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource with step-by-step instructions and a clear picture for every step.

[Jane Lebak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm such a pathetic knitter -- I didn't even know there were different ways to bind off and that you use them for different kinds of projects. Well, now I do.

A funny story: I saw this in the New Acquisitions of my local library, thumbed through it, and put it back. It was the large hardback edition, and I figured it was too bulky and I could look up any of these on Youtube anyhow. By the time I got to the car, I already had Non-Buyer's Remorse, so at home, I logged into the library website and requested they hold the book for me.

Two days later I returned to the library, and there on the hold shelf was...the smaller, spiral-bound edition of the book. The librarian asked why I was surprised, and I said, "It shrank!" and then I said, "They must have washed it in hot water."

We had a good laugh. And I borrowed a good book. It's now on my wishlist for permanent acquisition.

[Cissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the positive side, this is a very valuable book. The standard cast-ons and bind-offs are fine much of the time... but sometimes one needs or wants something different. This book offers a number of variants of each, for different purposes.

The production values are excellent, and the photos and directions helpful.

However- sometimes the photos and the directions were a bit sketchy for me. I tried and failed to do an extra-stretchy cast-on several times until I finally figured it out. To be fair, I did figure it out; it's just that the illustrations and text confused me some.

I do think this is a very valuable book for any knitters who are not always pleased with the result of the standard starts and finishes.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a beginning-intermediate knitter. I've always used one method to cast on (Long Tail) and one way to bind off (Slip-Stitch Crochet). These were the methods I learned from my mother. I didn't even know there were other ways until I saw this book in the library.

So once I looked through the library copy I knew I had to have this for my personal library. I ordered the spiral-bound edition and love it.

There are more ways to cast on and more ways to bind off than I'll probably ever use but it's nice having options.

The spiral-bound book lies flat and the illustrations are very easy to read and use - even for me.

This is a great little book for anyone's knitting library.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps you start and finish your projects with pazazz. I first used it for a sewn bind off that was stretchy enough to allow me to slide my head through a hooded cowl without binding, but firm enough to hold the garment's shape. It was a total success, and I've found several more perfect cast ons and bind offs since. I never knew how much difference the perfect cast on and bind off can make in the look and wearability of a garment. I usually doubt craft books that say they are for all skill levels, but this book really does have tricks to help all knitters create more attractive and comfortable projects.