Casting On

Casting on is the term used for making a row of stitches as a foundation for knitting. It is useful to know a few of the most popular ways of casting on as each method serves a different purpose according to the type of edge, or fabric, that you require. It is important for beginners to practise casting on until a smooth, even edge can be achieved.

Thumb Method

This method requires only one needle and is used for a very elastic edge or when the rows immediately after the cast-on stitches are worked in garter stitch (every row knitted). The length of yarn between the cut end and the slip knot is used for making the stitches. You will learn to assess this length by eye, according to the number of stitches required, but as a general rule the length of yarn from the slip knot to the end of the yarn should be about 3 or 4 times the required finished width

1. Make a slip knot the required length from the end of the yarn (for a practice piece make this length about one metre or one yard). Place the slip knot on a needle and hold the needle in the right hand with the ball end of yarn over your first finger. Hold the other end in the palm of your left hand. *Wind the loose end of the yarn around the left thumb from front to back.

2. Insert the needle upwards through the yarn on the thumb.

3. Take the yarn over the point of the needle with your right index finger.

4. Draw the yarn back through the loop on the thumb to form a stitch.

5. Remove the yarn from your left thumb and pull the loose end to tighten the stitch. Repeat from the * until the required number of stitches has been cast on.

Finger and Thumb Method

This again requires only one needle and gives the same effect as casting on thumb method. Once mastered, this technique is extremely quick and efficient and produces a very even cast on edge. If you find the edge is too tight, hold two needles in the right hand instead of one as this will give you a looser edge.

1. Make a slip knot about 1 metre (1 yard) or the required length from the end of the yarn and place it on a needle held in the right hand.

2. Wind the cut end of the yarn around the left thumb from front to back. Wind the ball end of the yarn around the index finger of the left hand from front to back as shown. Hold both ends of the yarn in the palm of the left hand. *Insert the needle upwards through the yarn on the thumb, down through the front of the loop on the index finger, then back down through the front of the loop on the thumb.