How to Cast Off Stitches in the Middle of a Row

Tutorial Overview

In some projects, such as shaping the collar of a jumper, you may be required to cast off stitches in the centre of the row, and then continue knitting. In this video we'll show you how to cast off mid-row, to create the neckline.

Follow the instructions in your pattern carefully, as there can be a lot of variations when it comes to necklines, from straight and rounded ones, to V-shaped. Each pattern will tell you when, and how many stitches, to knit and cast off for your project.

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Step-by-step guide

Step 1:

Knit until the cast off instructions begin.

Step 2:

Ensure that you start your cast off from the next stitch, keeping the right number of stitches on your right-hand needle for later.

• Knit the next 2 stitches.
• Using your left needle pick up the second stitch from the right-hand needle tip.
• Bring this stitch over the stitch closest to the needle tip, and slide it off the needle.
• You have now cast off one stitch.

Step 3:

• Knit the next stitch.
• Then pick up the second stitch on the right needle, slide it over the first one, and off the needle.
• You have now cast off the second stitch.

Step 4:

Repeat these steps until you have cast off the required number of stitches.

Step 5:

• There will be one stitch on your right-hand needle after the last cast off stitch.
• This single stitch counts as your first one for this side of the cast off.
• You'll now knit the remaining stitches to finish your row. 
• Once this row has been completed, you'll have the same number of stitches on either side of the cast off section.

Step 6:

Continue working across each shoulder section separately.
Your pattern will tell you how many rows to knit, and where to decrease.

Step 7:

Once you have completed your first shoulder, you'll re-join the yarn to knit your second shoulder.

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