Choose a cast-on method

Choose the edge by required stretch, appearance and whether stitches must be recovered later. Test the cast-on with the intended fabric.

Before you start

Use smooth, light yarn and a small sample that matches the lesson’s flat or circular construction. Mark the right side and record the starting stitch count. Follow the pattern’s own stitch key.

How to do it

1. Try a knitted cast-on first: put a slip knot on the left needle; it counts as stitch 1. Insert the right needle into it as for a knit stitch and draw a new loop through.
2. Keep the old loop on the left needle. Put the new loop beside it without twisting. Repeat in the newest loop until there are 20; leave room for the needle to enter each one.

Try this example

Work 20 stitches with two candidate cast-ons. Stretch each over the same opening; reject a neat edge that prevents the sample from opening far enough.

Check your result

• Count live stitches, trace one column and inspect both faces. Compare the relaxed edge with the middle of the sample before repeating the operation on a project.
• Stitch names and mounts vary between knitting styles. Follow the required fabric structure and pattern key rather than assuming every front loop is the correct entry point.

Sources

• www.craftyarncouncil.com: instructions_kn.php3
• www.garnstudio.com: lesson.php
• journals.aps.org: PhysRevX.8.021075

Browse editable craft templates

Report a correction.