When you are working the edge of a shawl, you may sometimes want a finish that is very flexible and decorative. This is a frequently used edging that creates a series of crochet loops is easy to create for even a novice crocheter. You can modify the size of the loops and the number of stitches from the shawl you bind off to suit your own shawl. If you have a series of decorative 'points' in your lace it works well to ensure your bind offs are centered around these.
SET-UP
Slip three* stitches from the knitting needle to crochet hook (*or number required to suit the pattern).
Slipping initial stitches onto crochet hook
Wrap the yarn around the crochet hook and pull this loop of yarn through all stitches on the hook.
This forms the first stitch of your crochet chain.
Chain 6 stitches: wrap the yarn around the crochet hook, and pull through the previous stitch. Repeat this step 5 times more.
The length of the chain can be varied to suit your shawl style. Remember though to keep each chain the same length or it will look uneven.
CROCHET LOOP BIND-OFF
1. Slip three stitches from your needle onto the crochet hook, remember you also have one more stitch (the end of your crochet chain) on the hook also.
2. Wrap yarn around hook, pull this loop through all three knitted stitches on the hook. There are now two loops of yarn on the crochet hook.
3. Wrap yarn around the hook and pull this loop through both stitches on the hook.
You can also see now that the first crochet chain you made forms a crocheted 'loop' at the start of your work.
4. Chain 6 stitches
Repeat steps 1-4 until you reach the last stitches to be bound off. It's possible that you have less (or more) than three stitches left at the end of the bind off, just complete the bind off with the stitches you have left. Work steps 1 -3, break yarn and pull the yarn tail through the final stitch on your hook.
Read more about How To Bind Off / Cast Off.
