Casting on is the most basic of knitting techniques, but if you don’t do it correctly, the rest of your knitting will be a struggle. Therefore, it’s imperative to understand the mechanism of Casting on, which is a way to create the initial row of stitches on your knitting needles. It is the foundation for all knitted items, from simple scarves to complex sweaters. If you’re a beginner knitter, casting on can seem like a daunting task, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to do it quickly and easily. There are a few different ways to cast on, but the most common method is the long-tail cast-on. This method is simple to learn and can be used for most types of knitting projects. Moreover, the long-tail cast-on provides enough yarn to work with and gives your stitches a secure base.
To cast on using the long-tail method, you will need to:
Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches, you are ready to begin knitting. Casting on is a simple technique that is essential for all knitters. With a little practice, you will be able to cast on quickly and easily, so that you can get started on your next knitting project. Moreover, casting on is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of different stitches and textures. By experimenting with different casting-on methods, you can add interest and complexity to your knitted projects.
Materials You’ll Need
To get started with casting on in knitting, you’ll need a few essential materials:
Yarn
This is the fundamental building block of your knitted projects. Choose a yarn weight and fiber that suits your intended project, considering factors such as warmth, drape, and durability. For beginners, a medium-weight yarn made from wool, acrylic, or a blend of both is a good starting point.
Here’s a table summarizing the recommended yarn weights for different project types:
| Project Type | Yarn Weight |
|---|---|
| Socks | Fingering weight |
| Scarves | Sport weight or DK weight |
| Hats | DK weight or worsted weight |
| Sweaters | Aran weight or worsted weight |
| Blankets | Bulky weight or super bulky weight |
Knitting Needles
The size of your knitting needles should match the yarn weight you’ve chosen. Thicker yarn requires larger needles, and vice versa. For the yarn weights mentioned above, the corresponding needle sizes are as follows:
- Fingering weight: US 1-3
- Sport weight: US 3-4
- DK weight: US 4-6
- Worsted weight: US 7-9
- Aran weight: US 8-10
- Bulky weight: US 10-12
- Super bulky weight: US 13 and up
The Slip Knot
The slip knot is the foundation for all knitting projects. It’s a simple knot that creates a loop on the needle that you can use to start casting on stitches. Follow these steps to make a slip knot:
- Make a loop with the yarn leaving a tail of about 6 inches.
- Insert the right-hand needle into the loop from front to back.
- Hook the yarn with the left-hand needle and pull it through the loop.
- Tighten the knot by pulling on both ends of the yarn.
The slip knot should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to easily slide it up and down the needle.
Once you have made a slip knot, you can begin casting on stitches. Cast on the number of stitches that you need for your project by following the steps in the next section.
Creating the First Stitch
To cast on the first stitch, follow these detailed steps:
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Create a Slip Knot: Make a small loop with the yarn and slide it onto a knitting needle. Tighten the knot by pulling on both ends of the yarn.
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Hold the Needle and Yarn: Hold the knitting needle in your right hand and the yarn in your left hand. Position the slip knot on the left-hand needle.
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Wrap the Yarn Counterclockwise: Bring the yarn tail under and around the right-hand needle, counterclockwise, and over the left-hand needle. Hold the yarn taut with your left hand.
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Pull Through the Loop: Use the right-hand needle to pull the yarn tail through the loop on the left-hand needle. You should now have a single stitch on the right-hand needle.
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Tighten the Stitch: Pull the yarn tail to tighten the stitch. The stitch should be secure and not too loose or too tight.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while casting on the first stitch, refer to the following table for possible solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Loop is too tight | Pull the yarn tail more gently to loosen the stitch. |
| Loop is too loose | Pull the yarn tail more forcefully to tighten the stitch. |
| Stitch is falling off the needle | Tighten the stitch by pulling the yarn tail more firmly. |
| Yarn is wrapping around the needle multiple times | Hold the yarn tail taut and guide it smoothly around the right-hand needle. |
Long-Tail Cast-On Method
This method, also known as the cable method, creates a stretchy cast-on that is ideal for socks and other stretchy items. It is a two-step technique that involves creating a slip knot, which is then used to cast on the additional stitches.
To create a slip knot, make a loop with the working yarn, bringing the tail over the loop and through to make a small loop. Pull the working yarn to secure the slip knot.
Step 1: Making the Slip Knot
- Make a loop with the working yarn.
- Bring the tail over the loop.
- Pull the tail through the loop.
- Tighten the slip knot.
Step 2: Casting On
- Slip the slip knot onto a knitting needle.
- Bring the working yarn over the needle from back to front.
- Insert the needle tip into the loop on the needle from left to right.
- Hook the working yarn and pull it through the loop.
- Slip the new loop onto the left-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 2-5 until the desired number of stitches is reached.
The following table summarizes the steps involved in the long-tail cast-on method:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a slip knot. |
| 2 | Cast on stitches by bringing the working yarn over the needle, inserting it into the loop on the needle, hooking the working yarn, and pulling it through the loop. |
| 3 | Slip the new loop onto the left-hand needle. |
| 4 | Repeat steps 2-3 until the desired number of stitches is reached. |
Cable Cast-On Method
The Cable Cast-On method creates a twisted, decorative edge that adds visual interest to your knitting. It can be used for a variety of projects, including scarves, hats, and garments.
Step 1: Create a Slip Knot
Make a slip knot on your left-hand needle.
Step 2: Hold the Working Yarn Over the Needle
Hold the working yarn over the right-hand needle and under the left-hand needle.
Step 3: Insert the Right-Hand Needle into the Slip Knot
Insert the right-hand needle into the slip knot from behind.
Step 4: Pull the Yarn Through the Slip Knot
Pull the working yarn through the slip knot to create a new loop on the right-hand needle.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 2-4
Repeat steps 2-4 to create a desired number of stitches. The number of stitches cast on will determine the width of your knitting. Here’s a table that provides guidance for different stitch counts:
| Stitch Count | Needle Size | Yarn Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 10-20 | US 7-9 (4.5-5.5mm) | Worsted |
| 20-30 | US 8-10 (5-6mm) | Aran |
| 30+ | US 10-12 (6-8mm) | Bulky |
Provisional Cast-On Method
The provisional cast-on method allows you to cast on stitches temporarily, work the bottom portion of your knitting, and then remove the cast-on stitches to cast on again for the top part. This method is commonly used when knitting items that require a bound-off edge at the bottom and a cast-on edge at the top, such as socks or the tops of sleeves.
- Using a smaller needle size than what you will use for the rest of your knitting, cast on a few extra stitches (usually 4-6) using the backward loop cast-on method.
- Slide these stitches onto a holder or scrap yarn.
- Work your knitting as desired until you reach the point where you want to attach the provisionally cast-on stitches.
- Take the stitches off the holder and place them onto a needle.
- With the right needle, pick up the first loop of the provisional cast-on from the left needle.
- Knit this loop and the next live loop on the left needle together. Repeat these steps until all the provisional cast-on stitches have been worked.
Below is a table that summarizes the steps for the provisional cast-on method:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cast on extra stitches using the backward loop cast-on method. |
| 2 | Slide the stitches onto a holder or scrap yarn. |
| 3 | Work your knitting until you reach the point where you want to attach the provisionally cast-on stitches. |
| 4 | Take the stitches off the holder and place them onto a needle. |
| 5 | Pick up the first loop of the provisional cast-on from the left needle. |
| 6 | Knit this loop and the next live loop on the left needle together. Repeat these steps until all the provisional cast-on stitches have been worked. |
Tubular Cast-On Method
The tubular cast-on method creates a flexible, stretchy edge that is ideal for socks, hats, and other projects that require a snug fit. Here are the steps involved:
- Make a slip knot and place it onto the left-hand needle.
- Slip the right-hand needle into the back of the loop on the left-hand needle.
- Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle, clockwise.
- Pull the yarn through the loop on the left-hand needle.
- Transfer the new loop onto the left-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 2-5 until you have the desired number of stitches.
- Join the first and last stitches together using a mattress stitch to create a continuous loop.
Mattress Stitch for Joining
The mattress stitch is used to join the first and last stitches of the tubular cast-on to create a continuous loop.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the back of the first loop on the left-hand needle.
- Insert the right-hand needle into the back of the last loop on the right-hand needle.
- Lift the two loops onto the left-hand needle.
- Pull the yarn through the two loops to bind them together.
- Repeat steps 1-4 until all of the loops have been joined.
Double Cast-On Method
The double cast-on method is a standard technique that creates a strong and elastic edge. It involves casting on two stitches for every one you actually need. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Make a slip knot and place it on the left-hand needle.
- Insert the right-hand needle into the slip knot from front to back
- Yarn forward and pull a loop onto the right-hand needle
- Transfer the new loop to the left-hand needle
- Repeat steps 2-4 once, creating two loops on the left-hand needle
- Transfer the first loop (the one closest to the tip) over the second loop
- Insert the right-hand needle into the loop just created, from back to front
- Yarn forward and pull a loop onto the right-hand needle
- Transfer the new loop to the left-hand needle
- Repeat steps 7-9 to create the next set of two loops
- Continue repeating steps 6-10 until you have cast on enough stitches for your project
The following table summarizes the steps for the double cast-on method:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Make a slip knot and place it on the left-hand needle |
| 2 | Insert the right-hand needle into the slip knot from front to back |
| 3 | Yarn forward and pull a loop onto the right-hand needle |
| 4 | Transfer the new loop to the left-hand needle |
| 5 | Repeat steps 2-4 once, creating two loops on the left-hand needle |
| 6 | Transfer the first loop (the one closest to the tip) over the second loop |
| 7 | Insert the right-hand needle into the loop just created, from back to front |
| 8 | Yarn forward and pull a loop onto the right-hand needle. (This step creates a new stitch that is placed on the left-hand needle behind the two existing stitches.) |
| 9 | Transfer the new loop to the left-hand needle |
| 10 | Repeat steps 7-9 to create the next set of two loops |
Knitting On Cast-On Stitches
To knit on cast-on stitches, insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle from left to right. Hook the yarn with the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitch. Slip the new stitch onto the left-hand needle. Repeat these steps for the remaining cast-on stitches.
If you are knitting in the round, you will need to knit the first stitch of each round differently. To do this, insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle from right to left. Hook the yarn with the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitch. Slip the new stitch onto the left-hand needle.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for knitting on cast-on stitches:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle from left to right. |
| 2 | Hook the yarn with the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitch. |
| 3 | Slip the new stitch onto the left-hand needle. |
| 4 | Repeat steps 1-3 for the remaining cast-on stitches. |
Once you have knitted on all of the cast-on stitches, you can begin knitting the first row of your project.
Troubleshooting Cast-On Problems
If you’re having trouble with your cast-on, here are some common problems and how to fix them:
1. The first stitch is too tight
Try using a larger needle or hook for the first stitch. This will make it easier to get the yarn through the loop.
2. The first stitch is too loose
Try using a smaller needle or hook for the first stitch. This will help you to create a tighter loop.
3. The stitches are uneven
Make sure you are holding the yarn taut when you cast on. If the yarn is too loose, the stitches will be uneven.
4. The cast-on is too tight
If the cast-on is too tight, it will be difficult to knit the first few rows. Try using a larger needle or hook, or try casting on with a looser tension.
5. The cast-on is too loose
If the cast-on is too loose, the stitches will be too big and floppy. Try using a smaller needle or hook, or try casting on with a tighter tension.
6. The cast-on is twisted
If the cast-on is twisted, the stitches will be twisted as well. When you cast on, make sure to keep the yarn untwisted.
7. The cast-on is too short or too long
If the cast-on is too short, you won’t have enough stitches to knit the pattern. If the cast-on is too long, you’ll have too many stitches and the fabric will be too wide.
8. The cast-on is not stretchy enough
If the cast-on is not stretchy enough, it will be difficult to knit the first few rows. Try using a more elastic yarn or try casting on with a looser tension.
9. The cast-on is too stretchy
If the cast-on is too stretchy, the stitches will be too loose and floppy. Try using a less elastic yarn or try casting on with a tighter tension.
10. The cast-on is not secure
If the cast-on is not secure, the stitches will fall off the needles. Make sure to tighten the last stitch of the cast-on before you start knitting.
How to Cast On in Knitting
What is Casting On?
Casting on is the first step in knitting, where you create the first row of stitches on the needle. It involves creating a series of loops that will form the foundation for your knitted fabric.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Knitting yarn
- Knitting needles
- Tapestry needle (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make a slip knot:
- Create a small loop at the end of your yarn, slip it onto one of your needles, and tighten it around the needle.
2. Cast on the first stitch:
- With the slip knot on your left-hand needle, insert the right-hand needle into the back of the loop, hook the yarn from behind, and pull it through the loop.
- This creates the first stitch on your right-hand needle.
3. Continue casting on stitches:
- Repeat step 2 to cast on as many stitches as needed for your project.
- The number of stitches you cast on will determine the width of your knitted fabric.
4. Secure the cast-on edge:
- Once you’ve cast on all the stitches, use a tapestry needle to weave the yarn tail through the back loops of the last few stitches.
- This will help secure the cast-on edge and prevent the stitches from unraveling.
Tips:
- Keep the yarn tension consistent to create even stitches.
- If you make a mistake, don’t panic! You can easily undo your stitches by pulling the yarn through the loops in reverse order.
- Practice casting on with a few scrap pieces of yarn until you feel confident with the technique.
People Also Ask About How to Cast On in Knitting
What knitting needle should I use for casting on?
For beginners, it’s recommended to use size 8 or 9 knitting needles. Larger needles will make the stitches easier to see and manipulate.
How do I fix a loose cast-on edge?
To tighten a loose cast-on edge, use a tapestry needle to sew the first few stitches together through the back loops.
What are some alternative ways to cast on?
There are various ways to cast on, including the long-tail cast-on, cable cast-on, and thumb cast-on. Explore different methods to find one that suits your preferences.
