Hi All,
I am so confused about what binding off in pattern really means as I am doing the 1st garter stitch swatch.
I think binding off in pattern doing the garter stitch would mean binding off doing knitting (no purl) stitches.
However, holding the swatch up with the ending point on the left upper edge, I can plainly see that the lower cast-on edge is bumpy (purled) and the upper edge bind off is smooth (knitted). They don't match at all!
But, if I purl the upper edge then it won't be done "in pattern" because it won't be knitted i.e. garter stitch.
So, is it more important to bind off in pattern, even if it means the upper and lower edges don't match?
OR
Should one bind off to match the lower edge and stay in that pattern, sort to speak?
I'd be so thankful for any help!
Thank You,
Theresa

You're right about binding off in pattern-bind off in whatever pattern you have been doing.

Thank you Sheepish,
So, to clarify, it is more important to stay in the garter stitch for binding off "in pattern" rather than to have matching cast on lower edge and upper bind off edges?
I don't know what is wrong with me today.
I seem to have been stewing about this little swatch all day long.
Something tells me that I am making it way too complicated.
In an earlier BBB lesson, it was mentioned that one might want to try to have cast on and bind off edges that matched well for a nice finished look.
Thank you for your help!

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. I am on vacation (sunny Florida) and I have had problems with my internet connections.

Binding off in pattern for Garter stitch is a bit confusing. You are knitting every row but your "pattern" is purl bumps. So if you are to bind off in pattern, you need to purl the bind off stitches for the pattern.

It is nice to know this sort of stuff as it reduces the mystery of knitting but as practical information, it isn't all that important. If you are seaming the piece, the bind off will be hidden in the seam. If you are not seaming the piece (say a scarf), you can pick which one you like as the right side but chances are if you are not seaming it, the piece is reversible so does it really matter?

My philosophy of knitting is that I want to know as much as I can to help me make decisions about what to do (which side of the cast on to use, when to bind off, etc.) but I always try to keep in mind the practical side--how much does it really matter.

Arenda

Thank you Arenda,
It's so kind of you to answer knitting questions even when you are on vacation.
I purled the bind off and it blends really well with the garter bumps on this swatch.
I think I understand what you mean about how far one wants to go to have the very best made knitted project. That the quest for complete perfection, while very admirable, may not be of enormous practical importance in the actual finished piece, i.e. a reversable scarf, as you mentioned.
I hope you are having a lovely time in sunny Florida!
Thanks again,
Theresa