3 Needle Bind Off – Knitting Technique

Two needle bind offs are a technique used to bind off stitches when finishing a knitting project. There are two types of two needle bind offs: the three needle bind off and Elizabeth Zimmermann’s easy bind off.

Three needle bind off is a technique used to bind off shoulder seams, as it is not very elastic and will keep the shoulder from growing and stretching. To do this, you will need two pieces of knitting with live stitches on their needles and the same amount of stitches on each needle. With the right sides facing, hold the two pieces with their needles in your left hand and take a third needle. Insert the tip of the third needle knit-wise into the first stitch of each left hand needle, wrap the yarn around the right hand needle and pull through both stitches, leaving the resulting stitch on the right hand needle. Insert the third needle into the next stitch on each of the left hand needles, wrap the yarn again and pull through, leaving the resulting stitch on the right hand needle. Repeat this process until only one stitch remains on the right needle and no more stitches are on the left needle. Cut the yarn and pull it through the loop on the right needle to lock the stitches and weave in the end.

Elizabeth Zimmermann’s easy bind off is another technique that mimics the cast on edge created by the long tail cast on almost exactly. Cut the end of the yarn about 4 times as long as the edge you are binding off and thread the end onto a tapestry or other blunt needle. Starting on the left, gently slip the first two stitches off the needle and take your tapestry needle and insert it into the two stitches that are loose, the stitch closest to the needle first and then the end stitch. Pull the yarn through loosely, but not too loose. Slip one more stitch off the knitting needle and thread the tapestry needle through it and the stitch closest to it that is already off the needle. Continue across the row until there are no more stitches on the needle. Cut the yarn about 4 inches or 10 centimeters back, and pull it through the loop on the right needle, locking the stitches and then weave in the end.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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