Knitting Guide

knitting lace edging

Knitting Basics - Casting On Part 2

We have previously considered why casting on is important and the different categories of casting on. We are now going to look at some of the methods in more detail as well as looking at what they can offer you if you use them.

 

Loop Cast On

 

This is a very easy form of cast on and can be used to create soft edges, hems and temporary edges. Although easy to work it is also very easy to drop stitches so you need to be careful. It is worked using one needle and one strands of yarn. However if you want to make the edge even softer you can do it using two needles together but this can make it even easier to drop stitches. The method is as follows:

1. Create a slip knot

2. Lift the yarn with the left index finger moving it away from you.

3. Catch the loose strand between the thumb and index finger, making sure it is inside the loop around the index finger.

4. Tighten loop and remove finger

 

Twisted Loop Cast On

 

Like the loop cast on this can be used to create lace and supple edges, hems and temporary edges. It uses one needle and one strand of yarn.

1. Make a slip knot

2. Wind yarn around left thumb and needle, moving from left to right.

3. The loose strand should go through the loop and in front of the thumb, hold with middle finger.

4. Slip loop off thumb and tighten

 

Alternate Loop Cast On

 

This cast on method can be used for decorative edging as well as lace and supple edges. This is done by alternating stitches between the loop and twisted loop cast ons.

 

Double Twist Loop Cast On

 

This can make a firm end of row as well as a temporary edge and again uses one needle and one strand. The method is as follows:

1. Make a slip knot and take the needle in the left hand.

2. Lift the yarn with your right index finger from behind.

3. Twist the yarn twice with your finger and place it on the needle.

4. Tighten the loop.

 

Knitted Cast On

 

This is a very simple cast on and can be used for ordinary edges. This method uses two needles and one strand of yarn and can be done as follows:

1. Make a slip knot and take needle in left hand.

2. Take the other needle in the right hand and slip the tip through the stitch from left to right.

3. Wind the yarn around the tip of the right hand needle and pull back out through the stitch, you should now have a loop on the right hand needle.

4. Slip the loop on the left hand needle from back to front

5. Tighten the loop.

 

Twice Knitted Cast On

 

This is a great cast on for a decorative edge and can also be used for fringes. Like the knitted cast on it uses two needles and one strand of yarn. To cast on using the twice knitted method follow the below steps:

1. Make a slip knot

2. Work the first stitch like the knitted cast on.

3. Continue like the knitted cast on but knitting 2 stitches at a time, so in point 2 of the knitted stitch you would put the tip of the RH needle through 2 stitches at a time rather than 1.

 

Above we have only covered a small number of possible cast on methods and in our next article we will look at other cast on methods including those using two strands of yarns and more decorative methods.

About the Author

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

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