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.

 

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.

 

The Long Tail Cast On was the second cast on that I used, and I cannot remember what I did in the very beginning of my knitting adventure. This cast on served me well for many projects and it wasn’t until it was time to make tutorials that I discovered so many other wonderful cast ons. Actually, that is not completely true, in an attempt to make socks I did learn to do a provisional cast on that make a perfect, seamless toe. Alas, all of my sweaters, scarves and blankets all used a Long Tail Cast On.

Many times the calculation for the proper amount of “tail” was wrong and the cast on would need to be undone and started over. Had I known about the Knitted Cast On or the Cable Cast On, I may have deferred to one of these. Keeping in mind that this is just a cast on and removing the fear of starting again, will take you far in knitting and other crafts. If you don’t estimate enough, just start again. It’s not that big of a deal, right?

Mindful of making a good estimate, you can very successfully use this Long Tail Cast On with very good results. The edge is solid, has a good stretch, but is not too loose, and doesn’t roll up uncontrollably. These are all good features of a solid cast on.

I love working with bamboo or wood needles.  I recommend Clover Takumi bamboo needles. The soft wood is very comfortable and tends to hold the yarn better than metal needles. The yarn I am using in this video is Red Heart Grande in red.

There are many beautiful yarns out there and so many organic, soft yarns that are just yummy. It is important to choose well. If you want longevity, consider acrylic since there are so many textures, colors with a range from satiny to lofty. These will stand up to daily life. Luxury yarns are wonderful for special projects or anytime you just want to know that your project is organic, sustainable and of the highest quality. Your care and cleaning for higher end yarns will be very important.

 

Don't let fear of the unknown keep you from knitting. One of the easiest ways to begin knitting is to use the Craft Curiosity tutorial to learn the Beginner Cast On.

If you have never picked up a pair of knitting needles, and you have decided you want to learn how to knit, then the How To Knit: Beginner Cast On is right where you want to start!

Knitting is a beautiful, creative way to make artful clothing, accessories and home accents. It is both fashionable and functional. When you pick up a pair of needles and see results come quickly knitting becomes quite addictive. My love for knitting was instant just because I could see the yarn growing into something amazing right before my eyes. There is a certain amount of satisfaction I get from seeing the patterns develop.

Before these projects come off of those needles, we must decide how to begin with a cast on. If there is any apprehension at all, then The Beginner Cast On is perfect for anyone who needs the instant gratification of getting that yarn on the needles. It works well for children and also works well for anyone who is lacking confidence in their ability and needs a little boost. The method on this video tutorial is so quick and easy it practically guarantees success.

If you are not sure what type of yarn or needles to use then I recommend Clover Takumi bamboo needles in a size nine, ten or eleven. The soft wood is very comfortable and tends to hold the yarn better than metal needles. Choose a yarn that is in the chunky sizes, but don’t go with yarns that are too fluffy or frilly just yet. If you need a little flare then pick a yarn with multiple colors. In this video below I am using Red Heart Grande yarn, in a vibrant red.

Just three simple video tutorials about knitting with get you right into your first scarf. Use the How to Knit: Beginner Cast On followed by the How To Knit and Purl tutorial and when you have put enough rows on your project to call if a scarf, then watch the How To Knit: Binding Off video.

This is my recipe for a perfect first project.