Bind-Off Counter
Count stitches bound off.
How Bind-Off Counter Works?
The Bind-Off Counter works by adding 1 to Bound-Off Stitches each time you lift a stitch over its neighbour and off the needle. Stitches Remaining holds the stitches still left on the needle.
Enter the stitches on the needle
Raise Stitches Remaining with → to the number on the needle before you start, for example 96 for a hat or 24 for a neckline.
Tap per bound stitch
Tap the count pad or press Space each time a stitch passes over and off. Press ↓ to remove a mistaken tap.
Lower the remaining count
Press ← for each stitch bound off when you want the remaining number to count down.
Stop at the pattern number
Stop binding off when Bound-Off Stitches equals the pattern number, such as "bind off 6 stitches" at an armhole.
Bind-Off Counter Formula
The Bind-Off Counter formula is stitches left on the needle = starting stitches − stitches bound off. The last loop on the right needle counts as the first stitch of the next section, not as a bound-off stitch.
- Stitches remaining
Left = S − BS is the starting stitch count and B is the Bound-Off Stitches value.
- Yarn for a bind-off
Yarn ≈ 3 × stitch width × BA worsted stitch is about 0.22 in (0.56 cm) wide, so a bind-off uses about 0.66 in (1.7 cm) per stitch.
- Stepped bind-off
Total = b₁ + b₂ + … + bₙArmholes bind off in steps, for example 6 + 4 + 2 = 12 stitches.
Worked example: A 96-stitch hat brim with 40 stitches bound off has 96 − 40 = 56 stitches left. The full bind-off needs about 96 × 0.66 = 63 in (1.6 m) of yarn.
Bind-Off Counter Conversion Table
The Bind-Off Counter conversion table estimates the yarn needed to bind off common stitch counts in 4 yarn weights.
| Stitches | Fingering | DK | Worsted | Bulky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 9 in (0.2 m) | 11 in (0.3 m) | 13 in (0.3 m) | 17 in (0.4 m) |
| 40 | 17 in (0.4 m) | 22 in (0.6 m) | 27 in (0.7 m) | 34 in (0.9 m) |
| 60 | 26 in (0.7 m) | 33 in (0.8 m) | 40 in (1 m) | 51 in (1.3 m) |
| 100 | 43 in (1.1 m) | 55 in (1.4 m) | 67 in (1.7 m) | 86 in (2.2 m) |
| 150 | 64 in (1.6 m) | 82 in (2.1 m) | 100 in (2.5 m) | 129 in (3.3 m) |
| 200 | 86 in (2.2 m) | 109 in (2.8 m) | 133 in (3.4 m) | 172 in (4.4 m) |
| 300 | 129 in (3.3 m) | 164 in (4.2 m) | 200 in (5.1 m) | 257 in (6.5 m) |
Estimates use 3 times the stitch width per stitch. Leave a 6 in (15 cm) tail on top for weaving in.
What is Bind-Off Counter?
A Bind-Off Counter is a tally tool that counts the stitches you bind off, which UK patterns call casting off. Partial bind-offs at armholes, necklines and shoulders ask for exact counts, such as "bind off 8 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows".
The bound edge loses its stitches one by one, and the count is easy to lose in a long bind-off of 200 stitches or more. A miscounted armhole leaves the front and back panels with different widths.
The Stitches Counter Bind-Off Counter keeps the bound count and the remaining count on screen and saves both numbers in your browser.
What are the uses of Bind-Off Counter?
There are 5 main uses of the Bind-Off Counter, including armholes, necklines and shoulder steps.
Armholes
Bind off the exact number of underarm stitches on the back and front.
Necklines
Bind off the centre neck stitches before working each side separately.
Shoulder steps
Track stepped shoulder bind-offs, such as 7, 7, 8 stitches.
Buttonholes
Bind off 2 to 4 stitches for one-row buttonholes.
Final edges
Count long final bind-offs on shawls and blankets.
About the Bind-Off Counter
Ensure exact stitch counts when casting off necklines, armholes, or finished sweater hems with a dedicated bind-off tally assistant.
How to Use This Tool Efficiently
- ✓Remember that 1 stitch remains on your needle after binding off the requested number.
- ✓Keep tension relaxed so your bind-off edge maintains natural fabric elasticity.
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