Binding Off and Weaving In Ends: Ribbed Bookmark

Instructions

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1. 1Practice: basic bind-offStart with a trial: cast on 10 stitches and knit 4 rows. On row 5, k2, use the left needle tip to lift the first stitch on the right needle over the second and off; k1, lift over again, and continue to the end. Working the stitches on the shaft of the needle keeps the edge loose and stretchy; if your edge puckers, repeat the bind-off with a needle one size larger. You can unravel the trial and reuse the yarn.
2. 2Cast onCast on 14 stitches with the long-tail method, leaving a 20 cm tail (14 sts). Row 1 is the right side.
3. 3Bottom ribbingAlternate these two rows for rows 1-6: Odd rows: *k2, p2* 3 times, k2. Even rows: *p2, k2* 3 times, p2. In other words, work the stitches as they appear: knit the ones that look like Vs, purl the ones that look like bumps (14 sts).
4. 4BodyRows 7-76: Knit every stitch (70 rows of garter stitch, 35 ridges). Garter stitch spreads slightly wider than rib, which makes the two ends of the bookmark stand out (14 sts).
5. 5Top ribbingRows 77-82: As for the bottom ribbing, work *k2, p2* 3 times, k2 on odd rows and *p2, k2* 3 times, p2 on even rows (14 sts).
6. 6Ribbed bind-offOn row 83, bind off in pattern: work each stitch in this order, and whenever there are 2 stitches on the right needle, lift the first over the second: k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2. Remember to bring the yarn forward for purls and back for knits. This keeps the rib stretchy and makes the top edge match the cast-on edge. Pull the yarn through the last stitch, leaving 20 cm.
7. 7Weaving in endsThread the yarn onto the yarn needle. In the garter section, on the wrong side, run it 4 cm along a row of ridges through the lower halves of the stitches; then move up one row and come back 2 cm. If you can, split the plies of the yarn on the last pass; this locks the end. Trim close and stretch the fabric gently so the end disappears. Do the same with the cast-on tail, but if you plan to use one tail for the tassel, don't cut it.
8. 8Tassel and finishingWrap yarn 20 times around the card, tie the top with a separate piece of yarn and cut the loops at the bottom. Wrap another piece of yarn several times around the tassel 1 cm below the top, knot it and trim the ends evenly. Sew the tassel to one end of the bookmark with the tail you kept and bury the leftover in the tassel. As the yarn is acrylic, steam lightly from 2-3 cm above without touching the iron to the fabric and smooth it with your fingers.