Expert: Cathy Serafinowicz - 10/21/2009

Question
I am about to bind off a back sweater neckline.  I am to bind off at the edges but the instructions say to "at the same time bind off 31 stitches at the center and working both sides at once, bind off at each neck edge 3 stitches 3 times".  How is this done?

Answer
Hi There,
Sorry for delay,just had a new baby grand daughter so been a bit busy!
What I would do is work along until you reach the centre 31 stitches,and then slip them and remaining sts onto a stitch holder. Cast or bind off 3sts on alt rows on the side you are left with as pattern tells you,until that side is complete.Then leaving 31 centre sts on holder,bind off 3sts at neck edge,as before to match other side.Personally I would leave the 31 sts from centre on holder and pick up those stitches to knit neckband (along with side edge sts and back neck)as this gives a stretchier finish.
Hope this helps,
Cathy.