When I was designing the Inspiration Wharf Shawls I knew I wanted to add picot edging to finish the project. It is truly one of my favorite ways to create that finishing touch to shawls and other creations. Just like in crochet picot edges, in knit there are ways to really make the shawl your own by using these tips on How To Knit Picot Bind Off And Make Your Inspiration Wharf Shawl Your Own. You will be able to make your shawl shine with finishing that suits your personal style. You can use these methods on any shawl you like to make them your own.

Picot edging takes a considerable amount of extra yarn so keep that in mind as you add this finishing touch to your projects. While I accounted for this in the yarn allowances and needs for the Inspiration Wharf Shawl, you will want to make sure to have additional yarn for your other project if you decide to add picot edging to other shawls. The stretchy bind off also uses additional yarn but not nearly as much.

For the classic bind off on this shawl I chose to use the method I learned as Jeny’s Stretchy Bind Off. I believe this was first shown by Jeny Staiman and I love it. It takes a minute to get used to but then it is going to quickly become your new favorite bind off. I like this method for shawls because it lets the shawls have a lovely flow and bit of flounce when blocked. It is less constricting than the typical bind off and helps the shawls lay flatter.

To do this method follow these steps (for the Inspiration Wharf Shawl or any shawl):

Step 1: Knit the first stitch.

Repeat the following steps from this point to the end of the shawl:

Step 2: Yarn Over.

*** Yarn over going back to front if you are binding off the knit stitch as in the Inspiration Wharf Shawl. Yarn over going front to back if you are binding off the purl stitch.

Step 3: Knit the next stitch

Step 4: Pass the YO over the stitch you just knit.

Step 5: Pass the first stitch you knitted over the last stitch you just knit. Leaving one stitch on your right needle.

Continue repeating steps 2-5 to complete the bind off.

You will see this creates an even stretchy bind off that will give your shawl some flounce when blocked.

The fancy and rather classic picot edges is the most traditional of the Picot Edging styles and what you might be most familiar with seeing. To create the fancy, classic stacked picot edges like shown in the pink and teal shawl, follow these steps and begin with the very first stitch on your shawl:

Step 1: Using Cable Cast on - Cast on 2 stitches

Step 2: Knit 2 stitches

Step 3: Pass the first stitch over the second stitch, leaving a single stitch on your right needle

Step 4: Knit 1

Step 5: Pass the first stitch over the second stitch, leaving a single stitch on your right needle

Repeat Steps 4 & 5 two more times

Step 6: Slip remaining stitch back to your left needle

Repeat all steps to the end.

Sometimes I want something that stands out a bit more. For the more dramatic effect of your picot bind off as shown on the purple and grey shawl, follow these steps and begin with the very first stitch on your shawl:

Step 1: Using Cable Cast on - Cast on 2 stitches

Step 2: Knit 2

Step 3: Pass the first stitch over the second stitch, leaving a single stitch on your right needle

Step 4: Knit 1

Step 5: Pass the first stitch over the second stitch, leaving a single stitch on your right needle

Repeat Steps 4 & 5 three more times

Step 6: Slip remaining stitch back to your left needle

Repeat all steps to the end.

You can use these bind off methods on any shawl you like, not just the Inspiration Wharf Shawls. Just keep in mind you may need additional yarn than called for in the pattern. Happy binding off.