knitting and casting on

knitting and casting on

Knitting Basics - Casting Off Part 2

We have already looked at some basic cast off methods that are good to get to grips with first. We are now going to consider some more advanced cast off methods that can be used for a variety of different purposes.

Two Row Cast Off

This is a great cast off to use for tubular fabrics. It can also be useful for ribbing and fringed edgings.

1. Work your first row of cast off in single rib passing the knit stitches over the purl stitches and off the needle as in the basic cast off method. Do not pass the purl stitches over the knit stitches. This will leave you with half the original stitches.

2. Cast off the remaining stitches by slipping each stitch on to the right hand needle purlwise and then slipping the first over the second. Work in this way until you have one stitch remaining.

3. Cut the yarn, pass through the final loop and pull to tighten.

Decrease Cast Off

This gives a decorative edge and is very useful for ribbing.

1. Knit 2 stitches together

2. Pass the stitch on the right hand needle back on to the left hand needle

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have one stitch remaining.

4. Cut the yarn, pass through the final loop and pull to tighten.

One over Two Cast Off

This method is usually used for twice knit and tubular work. With normal knitting you will find that it gathers the work and so should only be used if you want that effect.

1. Work 3 stitches

2. Pass the first stitch over the second and third stitch and off the end of the needle.

3. Work one stitch

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have only one stitch until you have one stitch remaining.

5. Cut the yarn, pass through the final loop and pull to tighten.

Picot Cast off

This is one of my favourite methods and creates a lovely decorative edge. It is very good to use for shawls and bags to create that great finish.

1. Cast off 3 stitches using basic cast off method

2. Pass the stitch on the right hand needle back on to the left hand needle

3. Cast on 2 stitches

4. Cast off 5 stitches using basic cast off method

5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have one stitch remaining.

6. Cut the yarn, pass through the final loop and pull to tighten.

Above we have considered some fantastic useful and decorative cast off methods that you can use in a variety of different ways. This is by no means an exhaustive list but they are something for you to begin working with. In our next set of cast ones we will look as some more decorative options as well as some other cast off methods that have practical applications for different garments and may make your life easier.

About the Author

This article has been supplied by Mercedes Aspland for the Knitting Shop where you can <a href="http:// www.knittingwoolandyarnshop.co.uk">buy wool online</a>.