How to Create a Smooth Cast off Corner - 3 Methods

We knitters create fabric in very different ways. We create the stitches by holding the yarn in different hands, some of us are throwers, some are pickers. We tension the yarn with various methods. What one knitter finds difficult another finds easy. We have highly idiosyncratic preferences in needle materials and types. We use different yarn and different fibres and each has an impact on your project. I can teach a knitter three ways to do something and occasionally I hear a little "ahhh" sound. When I hear that I know that one method, for whatever reason, speaks to the individual knitter. I don't know why! I just know it does! If I ask, most knitters can't explain it either.

Have you noticed the way the corner of the cast off edge sticks out of alignment? I've listed 3 methods below that will make it smoother and tidier. I hope one gives you an ahhh feeling!

First, this is the way the standard cast off is worked:

Start by knitting the first two stitches of the row. Use the tip of the left hand needle to pull the first stitch back up and over the second stitch and over the tip of the right-hand needle. This will leave one stitch, the second stitch which was worked, on the right-hand needle. Repeat the process until  one stitch remains on the right-hand needle. Cut the working yarn to about 8 inches (20 cm). Slip the yarn end through the loop and pull tight, securing the yarn so the loop won't unravel.

Method 1: This is the one I use most often. Work until the last 2 stitches remain on the left needle. K2tog and pull the second to last stitch over the k2tog in the usual way. Secure the loop by pulling the working yarn through it.

Method 2: Work until the last stitch remains on the left needle. Slip it purl wise and pull the second to last stitch over the slipped stitch in the usual way. Secure the loop by pulling the working yarn through it.

Method 3: Work until the last stitch remains on the left needle. Slip it purl wise onto the right hand needle. Find the knot on the edge of the work that is on the back of the work just under the final stitch, pick it up with the left needle, slip the last stitch back to the left needle, knit the knot and the stitch together. Then pull the second to last stitch over the slipped stitch in the usual way. Secure the loop by pulling the working yarn through it.