Problems w/Binding Off Scarves

[iknit]

Hello, I have always seemed to have problems binding off scarves. The bound off edge always ends up being bigger than the cast on edge. It kinda fans out after binding off. How can I make sure my bound off edge looks like the cast on edge?

I've tried tightening my tension at bind-off but that just makes the edge really tight but it still fans out wider at that row.

I have just completed the "my so-called scarf" pattern. Should I bind off in pattern? I bound off purl-wise.

[suzeeq]

With that particular pattern the width overall is drawn in, so binding off in either purl or knit is going to be larger. I'd try redoing it, binding off with the purl row stitch pattern.

[iknit]

okay. i will try that. thank you.

what about a regular garter stitch scarf? Are there any tricks to make the edges both the same. Every scarf I make no matter the pattern fans out at one end.

[Sheri]

blocking will help

[knitasha]

Blocking will help, but there's another way to get identical ends on a scarf if you're a bit of a perfectionist. Basically, you make two half-scarves and graft them together at the back of the neck.

Cast on the scarf, knit the pattern you want until you're halfway done with the length, and put the live stitches on a length of yarn.
Cast on again, knit half the length again. Then use Kitchener stitch to invisibly join both sets of live stitches. Bingo: you've got a scarf with two identical cast-on ends and no bind-off at all.

This is a great technique for patterns that run in one direction.

[Sheri]

binding off IN pattern also helps