Learn to create a Crochet Cast On! It is a useful tool in your knitting tool box! There are a variety of uses that make this in invaluable cast on and I would put it in the intermediate to advanced category. Intermediate or advanced, because if you have not crocheted before then holding the yarn will be somewhat foreign, but remember that each new technique you learn will grow your skill and if you take it step by step you will master this crocheted cast on in no time at all.

The crochet cast on is useful for necklines leaving the edge smooth and without any gaps. The crochet cast on perfectly matches the standard or basic bind off, so if you are beginning a scarf of blanket, you can finish with a matching stitch. This is also the standard stitch you would use to create a provisional cast on, which is nearly the same, but you will begin a provisional cast on with scrap yarn instead of using your project yarn which then allows you to pick up your stitches at the beginning and knit in the other direction.

If you have never tried the crochet cast on before you will find that holding the knitting needle and holding the crochet hook, especially for the first stitch is awkward, but once you get past the first stitch it will become easy to do. You will also need to remember that your last stitch to be counted is the stitch on the crochet hook, so plan accordingly to use this last stitch. Once you have the rhythm going, you will enjoy this particular cast on.

The crochet hook I use in the video is a Boye crochet hook, size I, which is a 5.25mm hook. It has a comfort grip that is really nice! I am also using Clover Takumi bamboo knitting needles and Red Heart Grande yarn.

 

If you are going to create a ribbed piece on your knitted garment, for example, you are making a classic sweater and you want a ribbed waist band, the last thing you want is to lose all of that valuable stretch by starting with a classic cast on. The Cable Rib cast on is an invaluable cast to have in your toolbox and is the perfect cast on for this scenario!

This cast on make a beautiful stretchy edge that flows with the knits and purls of your work, and you can start with a provisional double slip knot to avoid the knot at the beginner of the cast on which is a nice add on. It will be worked into the “working” yarn, so you do not have to plan ahead for the stitch count, but you do need to plan ahead for the patter you want to create. So, if you are doing a one by one rib, you will cast on one knit stitch followed by one purl stitch and continue on. If you are doing a two by two, or three by two, or any other pattern, you just follow that pattern as you cast on.

This is a more advanced technique, but I believe anyone can do it. It is more advanced because of planning your stitch placement and it is more advanced because you are not just repeating the same motions over and over in each stitch, but you are placing your working needle in a new position with each pattern change. It’s not difficult, it just requires a bit of focus as any patterned piece will require. Stitch by stitch you can knit anything you choose. Just take it one stitch at a time, take a deep breath and relax and enjoy the process. You will be so satisfied with the results, and guess what? If you are not happy with your progress, just rip it out and start over. It’s really no big deal and you will become a better knitter when you are not afraid to begin again.

I love the Clover Takumi bamboo needles that I used in this video as well as the Red Heart Grande yarn. If you want to see these or similar products just click on the links.

 

It is not difficult to learn to knit and to learn properly, in my opinion means that you also learn the purl stitch. Some knitters never move to the purl stitch, yet it is so easy and really expands your creativity. Be fearless when you are learning because if you can learn one half of the stitching, you can certainly learn to do the backside knitting as well. Learning the knit stitch and the purl stitch will open up your world of knitting possibilities.

When I began knitting I decided that each of my initial projects would include something new to add to my tool box. My first scarf was a collection of knits and purls that became a checkerboard pattern at each end of the scarf. The second scarf I made had one big beautiful cable running through it.

The third project I knitted was insane! I picked out a beautiful shawl pattern called "Pacific Northwest" by Fiber Trends. I fell in love with this beautiful shawl and wanted to make it for my mother-in-law. I picked out a beautiful merino wool and silk lace weight yarn and asked the woman at my local yarn shop if she thought I could handle this. She told me I shouldn't take this on just yet...so I did!!

This shawl started with a crocheted cast on and had several lace stitches that I had never heard of. It took me nine months, I started over and over, and I had to learn how to gauge the yarn properly because I had one large skein of yarn and I

wasn't willing to buy a second since the cost was prohibitive. That shawl was knitted up perfectly! Mainly because I didn't know how to fix an error on lace, so I had no choice but to take my time and do it right, but this made me FEARLESS!!

Don't be afraid to rip out and start over; it will make you a better knitter. Start simply, practice your stitches and then find a project that will help you build on your skills.

 

A Cable Cast On is perfect for neat edges on a knitted project. When you knit this cast on it makes a perfect, firm scroll accent and if you are knitting a blanket or a coat where you want to see a firm edge with lovely detail, then pick the cable cast on. This cast on knits up in a similar fashion to the Knitted Cast On, but it will be much tighter. The edge of your knitted fabric will not have the same amount of stretch as it would with the knitted cast on.

When I work up this cast on, I prefer to insert my needle into the space in between the two loops on my needle before I tighten up the tension. I mention this in the video and show you an example. When I knit this cast on there is just too much tension and it will work up more easily and more quickly if I do so.

In the knitting tutorial video below I am using Clover Takumi bamboo needles and Red Heart Grande yarn in a brilliant red. I used a large size set of knitting needles, I believe they are a ten and a half, and chunky yarn to help show the stitches more easily. Both of these items can be purchased by simply clicking on the highlighted links and shopping through Amazon, but there are no limits with this cast on. You can use a finer yarn and you can use yarns that have some loft or dimensional elements. You will just need to insert that needle first with frilly or irregular yarns or it may be difficult to complete the stitches.

There are a variety of cast ons and other knitting techniques so feel free to explore the entire knitting portfolio here at Craft Curiosity.

 

Use a Knitted Cast On for any project where you want a loose edge. Flowing sweaters, loose scarf edges would be the first place to use this one. This is an easy all-purpose knitting cast on and works up very quickly for most knitters. If you like this method, but prefer an edge that is a bit more solid and has moderate stretch, but is certainly not as loose as this Knitted Cast On, then opt for the Cable Cast On.

In the video below I used Clover bamboo needles and Red Heart Grande yarn.

There are so many options for casting on yarn. Each one has a good reason for its use and in this particular case the Knitted Cast On will be a very loosely knit cast on. The edge is perfect for some types of sweaters. I made a box sweater that was designed to have slim arms and be oversized and loose fitting. The yarn was beautiful fine lofty yarn with sequins and I designed a striped pattern in four colors. I used black, red, blue and ecru and the blue was brilliant, like a peacock blue. I wanted the bottom to be incredibly loose and to have an unfinished look to it. The knitted cast on is perfect for something that follows this idea.

One huge advantage to using the Knitted Cast On or the Cabled Cast On is that unlike the Long Tail Cast On, you do not have to plan ahead and pull a lot of yarn to create a working amount. You also do not have to redo your cast on when you don’t plan ahead, like I have many times.

Practice this cast on for a simple pattern, but try one that requires a bit more of a cast on than a scarf. Try a dish towel or perhaps a pillow to give yourself a little bit longer cast on and see how this one works out. Then try the Cable Cast On.