Jacklien Fernendus
Author for handknitty.com
I have worked in the knitting industry for the past 15 years. When I was a child, my grandma used to knit and enjoy spending time with them on an easy chair in the winter to keep them warm and occupied. Now that I work in the modern knitting & Fashion industry, I see the same fascination in my 4-year-old daughter’s eyes when seeing me working.
Knitting Cast on
What are Knitting Cast on methods, and Elaborate15 Common Knitting Cast-On Methods
Cast on methods are techniques used to create the foundation row of stitches on a knitting needle. There are many different cast-on methods that can be used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the desired outcome of the project. Here are 15 common knitting cast-on methods:
Long tail cast-on: This is one of the most common cast-on methods, and is great for creating a sturdy and stretchy edge. It involves using a long tail of yarn to create both the first row of stitches and the foundation for subsequent rows.
Knitted cast-on: This is a simple and versatile cast-on method that creates a row of stitches that look similar to the knit stitch. It’s great for creating a decorative edge or adding stitches to an existing piece of knitting.
Cable cast-on: This method creates a sturdy and structured edge that’s great for projects that need extra support, such as sweaters or socks. It’s also a good choice for projects that require a lot of stretch, as it creates a slightly elastic edge.
Provisional cast-on: This is a temporary cast-on method that’s used when you want to start a project from the middle, or when you need to join two pieces of knitting together later on.
Tubular cast-on: This is a stretchy and decorative cast-on method that creates a seamless edge. It’s great for projects that need a lot of stretch, such as hats or socks.
German twisted cast-on: This is a sturdy and elastic cast-on method that’s great for projects that need to hold their shape, such as sweater collars or cuffs. It’s also a good choice for projects that need a lot of stretch, as it creates a slightly elastic edge.
Cable CO: This is another cast-on method that creates a structured and sturdy edge. It’s great for projects that need extra support, such as sweaters or socks.
Channel Island CO: This is a decorative cast-on method that creates a twisted and textured edge. It’s great for projects that need a bit of extra flair, such as scarves or shawls.
Italian tubular CO: This is a stretchy and decorative cast-on method that creates a seamless edge. It’s great for projects that need a lot of stretch, such as hats or socks.
Twisted German CO: This is a sturdy and elastic cast-on method that’s great for projects that need to hold their shape, such as sweater collars or cuffs. It’s also a good choice for projects that need a lot of stretch, as it creates a slightly elastic edge.
Backwards loop CO: This is a simple and easy cast-on method that’s great for adding stitches to an existing piece of knitting. It’s not very sturdy, however, so it’s not a good choice for projects that need a lot of support.
Emily Ocker’s circular CO: This is a cast-on method that’s used for starting circular projects, such as hats or socks. It creates a neat and tidy center point that’s easy to work from.
Norwegian CO: This is a decorative cast-on method that creates a braided and textured edge. It’s great for projects that need a bit of extra flair, such as scarves or shawls.
Crochet cast-on: This is a versatile cast-on method that’s great for creating a decorative edge or adding stitches to an existing piece of knitting. It involves using a crochet hook to create the first row of stitches.
Pinhole cast-on: This is a stretchy and decorative cast-on method that creates a lacy edge. It’s great for projects that need a bit of extra flair, such as scarves or shawls.
I-cord cast-on: This is a decorative cast-on method that creates a small cord-like edge. It’s great for projects that need a bit of extra flair, such as hats or bags.
Turkish cast-on: This is a seamless cast-on method that’s used for starting circular projects, such as hats or socks. It creates a neat and tidy center point that’s easy to work from.
Judy’s Magic Cast-On: This is another seamless cast-on method that’s used for starting circular projects, such as socks or mittens. It creates a double-layered edge that’s both stretchy and sturdy.
Two-Color Italian Cast-On: This is a variation of the Italian Tubular Cast-On that uses two colors of yarn to create a decorative edge. It’s great for projects that require a bit of extra color, such as scarves or hats.
Estonian Cast-On: This is a decorative cast-on method that creates a lacy and textured edge. It’s great for projects that need a bit of extra flair, such as shawls or wraps.
Cable Twist Cast-On: This is a variation of the Cable Cast-On that creates a more decorative and textured edge. It’s great for projects that need a bit of extra flair, such as sweaters or blankets.
Crochet Chain Cast-On: This is a variation of the Crochet Cast-On that creates a more structured edge. It’s great for projects that require a bit of extra support, such as bags or totes.
Provisional Crochet Cast-On: This is a variation of the Provisional Cast-On that uses a crochet chain to create the foundation row of stitches. It’s great for projects that require a bit of extra flexibility, such as shawls or wraps.
Estonian Double Cast-On: This is a variation of the Estonian Cast-On that creates a double-layered and more structured edge. It’s great for projects that require a bit of extra support, such as sweaters or jackets.
Channel Island CO with loops: This is a variation of the Channel Island Cast-On that uses loops to create a more decorative and textured edge. It’s great for projects that need a bit of extra flair, such as scarves or shawls.
Which Cast-On Method Is Stretchiest?
The long-tail cast-on method is generally considered to be the stretchiest cast-on method. This is because it creates a row of knit stitches that are twisted, which allows the edge to stretch easily. The amount of stretch will depend on the length of the tail used to cast on and the tension of the stitches.
However, some other cast-on methods like the German twisted cast-on or Italian tubular cast-on can also create stretchy edges. It’s a good idea to experiment with different cast-on methods and yarns to find the one that works best for your specific project and desired outcome.
What’s the Best Cast-On Method In Knitting?
There is no single “best” cast-on method in knitting as the choice of cast-on method depends on the specific project, yarn, and personal preference. Each cast-on method has its own unique characteristics and benefits.
Here are a few popular cast-on methods and their benefits:
Long-tail cast-on: It’s versatile, easy to learn, and creates a neat edge that’s perfect for most projects. It’s also a stretchy cast-on, which is great for items like socks or sweaters.
Cable cast-on: This cast-on is great for adding stitches in the middle of a project, such as for buttonholes. It creates a sturdy and firm edge.
Provisional cast-on: This cast-on is used when you need to remove the cast-on later on and pick up the stitches again. It’s perfect for creating cuffs, hems, and necklines.
Tubular cast-on: This creates a smooth and rounded edge, and is often used for items like hats, socks, or sweaters. It can be a bit trickier to learn, but the finished result is worth it.
German twisted cast-on: This cast-on is a great option for items like hats, mittens, or socks. It creates a very stretchy edge and has a decorative braided appearance.
Ultimately, the best cast-on method depends on the project, the yarn, and the desired outcome. It’s a good idea to experiment with different cast-on methods and find the one that works best for your specific needs.
Long-tail cast-on Step By Step like as easy for Beginners
Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the long-tail cast-on method for beginners:
Make a slip knot: Start by making a slip knot and placing it on one of your knitting needles. The slip knot will count as your first stitch.
Position the yarn: Hold the two strands of yarn (the working yarn and the tail) in your left hand, with the tail end draped over your thumb and the working yarn over your index finger. Your needle should be held in your right hand.
Make a loop: Using your needle, insert it between the two strands of yarn, from front to back, under your thumb. Then, bring the needle over the top of the tail yarn and pull it down through the loop on your thumb.
Tighten the stitch: Slide the stitch up onto the needle and tighten the stitch by pulling the tail yarn gently.
Repeat the process: Continue making loops, inserting the needle between the two strands of yarn, over the top of the tail yarn, and pulling it down through the loop on your thumb.
Count the stitches: Once you have the desired number of stitches on your needle, add one extra stitch to serve as the last stitch of the row. This is important to ensure that you have enough yarn to finish the row.
Start knitting: Once you have your stitches cast on, you can begin knitting your project!
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Keep trying and you’ll soon get the hang of it. Good luck!
Knitted cast-on Step by Step as easy for 7 years old
here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the knitted cast-on method in a way that’s easy to understand for a 7-year-old:
First, make a slipknot: Take your yarn and tie a knot in it, leaving a long tail. Then, slide the knot onto your knitting needle and tighten it. This is your first stitch.
Insert the needle: Hold the needle in your right hand and insert it into the first stitch on your left-hand needle, as if you were going to knit the stitch.
Wrap the yarn: Take the yarn that’s attached to your ball and wrap it around your right-hand needle. Make sure the yarn goes over the top of the needle and around the back.
Pull the loop: Using your right-hand needle, pull the loop of yarn through the stitch on your left-hand needle. You should now have a new stitch on your right-hand needle.
Repeat: Keep repeating steps 2-4 until you have the desired number of stitches cast on.
Start knitting: Once you have your stitches cast on, you can begin knitting your project!
Remember, take it slow and don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Knitting takes practice, but it can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Good luck!
Cable cast-on
here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the cable cast-on method in a way that’s easy to understand for a 7-year-old:
First, make a slipknot: Take your yarn and tie a knot in it, leaving a long tail. Then, slide the knot onto your knitting needle and tighten it. This is your first stitch.
Insert the needle: Hold the needle in your right hand and insert it into the first stitch on your left-hand needle, as if you were going to knit the stitch.
Wrap the yarn: Take the yarn that’s attached to your ball and wrap it around your right-hand needle. Make sure the yarn goes over the top of the needle and around the back.
Pull the loop: Using your right-hand needle, pull the loop of yarn through the stitch on your left-hand needle. You should now have a new stitch on your right-hand needle.
Repeat: Keep repeating steps 2-4 until you have the desired number of stitches cast on.
Make a second stitch: Insert your needle between the first two stitches on your left-hand needle, going from back to front.
Wrap the yarn: Take the yarn and wrap it around your needle, going over the top and around the back.
Pull the loop: Using your needle, pull the loop of yarn through the space between the first two stitches on your left-hand needle. You should now have a new stitch on your right-hand needle.
Repeat: Keep repeating steps 6-8 until you have the desired number of stitches cast on.
Start knitting: Once you have your stitches cast on, you can begin knitting your project!
Remember, take it slow and don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Knitting takes practice, but it can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Good luck!
Easy Steps for Provisional cast-on
Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the provisional cast-on method:
Cut a length of scrap yarn that is roughly the same weight as your working yarn.
Make a slipknot in the scrap yarn and place it on your needle.
Hold both the scrap yarn and the working yarn in your left hand, with the scrap yarn in front of the working yarn.
Using the working yarn, knit into the first stitch of the scrap yarn.
Bring the working yarn to the back of your work and knit into the second stitch of the scrap yarn.
Continue knitting into each stitch of the scrap yarn until you have the desired number of stitches.
Turn your work around and begin knitting with the working yarn, leaving the scrap yarn hanging from the first stitch you knit.
When you’re finished knitting, remove the scrap yarn from the provisional cast-on and place those live stitches back onto your needle.
Now you have two sets of live stitches that can be joined together in a number of ways, such as grafting or a three-needle bind-off.
Remember, the provisional cast-on method can be a bit tricky at first, so take it slow and don’t worry if you make mistakes. With practice, you’ll be able to master this technique and create beautiful projects!
Easy step on Tubular cast-on
Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the tubular cast-on method:
With a waste yarn, cast on the required number of stitches using the long-tail method.
Change to your working yarn and knit one row across all stitches.
Turn the work around and begin the set-up row as follows:
K1, sl1 purlwise repeat from * to * across the row, ending with k1.
Turn the work around and begin the foundation row as follows:
Sl1 purlwise, bring the yarn to the front, k1 repeat from * to * across the row, ending with sl1 purlwise.
Turn the work around and repeat step 4 until the desired number of rows is reached. This will create a 1×1 ribbing pattern.
Fold the work in half so that the cast-on edge and the last row worked are aligned, with the right side of the work facing out.
Using the working yarn, pick up and knit one stitch through the first stitch on the needle and the first stitch from the cast-on edge. Repeat this across the entire row.
Turn the work around and repeat step 7, picking up and knitting one stitch through the back loop of each stitch across the entire row.
Continue alternating between steps 7 and 8 until the required number of stitches has been cast on.
Now you have a stretchy, tubular cast-on edge that’s perfect for cuffs, collars, and other projects where a stretchy edge is desired.
Remember, the tubular cast-on method can be a bit tricky at first, so take it slow and don’t worry if you make mistakes. With practice, you’ll be able to master this technique and create beautiful projects!
German twisted cast-on
Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the German twisted cast-on method:
Make a slipknot and place it on your needle.
Hold the needle in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand.
Take the working yarn and wrap it around your left thumb twice, crossing the yarn over itself.
Insert your needle into the back loop of the first loop on your thumb, from front to back.
Bring the working yarn under the needle and back to the front.
Use the tip of your needle to pick up the back strand of the first loop on your thumb.
Pull the back strand of the loop through the front strand, creating a new loop on your needle.
Slip the original loop off your thumb.
Repeat steps 4-8 for the desired number of stitches.
Now you have a stretchy, twisted cast-on edge that’s perfect for hats, sweaters, and other projects where a stretchy edge is desired.
Remember, the German twisted cast-on method can be a bit tricky at first, so take it slow and don’t worry if you make mistakes. With practice, you’ll be able to master this technique and create beautiful projects!
Cable CO in easy steps
Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the cable cast-on method:
Make a slipknot and place it on your needle.
Hold the needle in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand.
Make a small loop with the working yarn and place it over the needle.
Insert the right-hand needle into the loop from back to front.
Bring the working yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front.
Use the right-hand needle to pull the loop through the working yarn, creating a new loop on the left-hand needle.
Repeat steps 3-6 for the desired number of stitches.
Now you have a sturdy, firm cast-on edge that’s perfect for ribbing or other projects where you want a defined edge.
Remember, the cable cast-on method can be a bit tricky at first, so take it slow and don’t worry if you make mistakes. With practice, you’ll be able to master this technique and create beautiful projects!
Channel Island CO
Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the Channel Island cast-on method:
Hold the working yarn in your right hand and the empty needle in your left hand.
Make a slipknot and place it on your needle.
Using your left thumb, create a yarn-over by bringing the working yarn over the needle from back to front.
Insert the right-hand needle into the loop on the left-hand needle as if to knit.
Wrap the working yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front.
Use the right-hand needle to pull the new loop through the old loop.
Slip the new loop from the right-hand needle back onto the left-hand needle.
Repeat steps 3-7 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches.
When you’re ready to work the next row, knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches, as indicated by your pattern.
Now you have a neat, decorative cast-on edge that’s perfect for scarves, shawls, and other projects where you want a special touch.
Remember, the Channel Island cast-on method can be a bit tricky at first, so take it slow and don’t worry if you make mistakes. With practice, you’ll be able to master this technique and create beautiful projects!
Twisted German CO
Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the Twisted German cast-on method:
Make a slipknot and place it on your needle.
Hold the needle in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand.
Take the working yarn and wrap it around your left thumb twice, crossing the yarn over itself.
Insert your needle into the back loop of the first loop on your thumb, from front to back.
Bring the working yarn under the needle and back to the front.
Use the tip of your needle to pick up the back strand of the first loop on your thumb.
Pull the back strand of the loop through the front strand, creating a new loop on your needle.
Slip the original loop off your thumb.
Twist the stitch on the left-hand needle counter-clockwise, so that the right-hand leg of the stitch is in front of the left-hand leg.
Insert your right-hand needle into the back of the twisted stitch on the left-hand needle, from front to back.
Bring the working yarn under the right-hand needle and back to the front.
Use the tip of your needle to pick up the back strand of the twisted stitch on the left-hand needle.
Pull the back strand of the stitch through the front strand, creating a new loop on your right-hand needle.
Slip the original stitch off the left-hand needle.
Repeat steps 9-14 for the desired number of stitches.
Now you have a twisted, decorative cast-on edge that’s perfect for hats, mittens, and other projects where you want a special touch.
Remember, the Twisted German cast-on method can be a bit tricky at first, so take it slow and don’t worry if you make mistakes. With practice, you’ll be able to master this technique and create beautiful projects!
Backwards loop CO
Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the Backwards Loop cast-on method:
Make a slipknot and place it on your needle.
Hold the needle in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand.
Take the working yarn and wrap it around your left thumb from back to front, creating a loop.
Insert the needle into the loop from front to back.
Tighten the loop around the needle by pulling gently on the tail of the working yarn.
Repeat steps 3-5 for the desired number of stitches.
Now you have a quick and easy cast-on edge that’s perfect for small projects or for adding stitches in the middle of your work.
Remember, the Backwards Loop cast-on method can be a bit loose and unstable, so it’s best used for small sections of stitches or for provisional cast-ons. Be sure to keep your loops snug but not too tight, or you may have trouble working the first row of your project.
Pinhole cast-on
The Pinhole cast-on method is also known as the “Emily Ocker cast-on” and is commonly used in circular knitting to create a seamless center. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the Pinhole cast-on:
Make a slipknot and place it on your crochet hook.
Hold the crochet hook in your right hand and the working yarn in your left hand.
Bring the working yarn over the crochet hook from back to front.
Use the crochet hook to pick up the slipknot and draw it through the working yarn loop, creating a new loop on the crochet hook.
Place the new loop on your knitting needle.
Repeat steps 3-5 until you have the desired number of stitches on your needle.
Tighten the center by pulling on the tail of the working yarn.
Now you have a center stitch that’s ready to be worked in the round, creating a seamless join.
Remember, the Pinhole cast-on method can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll be able to master this technique and create beautiful circular projects with ease.