Casting on

The second step in knitting, casting on, is slightly more involved that the first step, the slip-knot.

Which brings me back to the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework. I would love to show the detailed images from this book, which were so good that I was able to easily, if not quickly, learn two of the five illustrated methods.

However, copyright laws prevent me from photocopying and displaying the pages. So, I created photo/video tutorials of these two techniques to share with you.

Additionally, since my first days of knitting, I have learned that there are many more casting on methods. I have listed all the techniques I have found and will add image/video tutorials as I learn them.

Casting on Methods (found in Reader’s Digest)

Two-needle method
Cable cast-on
Single cast-on (“backward loop cast-on”,”e-wrap”, “e-loop”)
Double cast-on (“long-tail cast-on” or “knit half-hitch cast on”)
Looped cast-on

Additional Casting on Methods

Knit on cast-on
Tubular cast-on
Provisional cast-on (“invisible cast-on”)
Braided cast-on
Chain cast-on
Crochet chain cast-on
Turkish cast-on
Magic cast-on
Circular cast-on
Old Norwegian cast-on
Picot cast-on
Guernsey cast-on
Rib cable cast-on

Each of these methods is best suited to a particular type of knit or situation, depending on the flexibility or firmness needed, and on how simple or elaborate you want the project to appear.

So far I have learned the single and double cast-on techniques, as demonstrated in the videos below.

Single cast-on

This technique is quick and easy to carry out, making it a favorite for children and beginners. It creates a delicate, flexible border that is particularly good for a hem edge or lace.

Click HERE for video tutorial.

Double cast-on

This popular method creates a firm, yet stretchy, edge making it suitable for any pattern that does not need a delicate border.

However, it takes some practice because you have to estimate the length of the “tail” of yarn.

If the tail is too short, you will run out of yarn before all the stitches have been cast on and you will need to pull everything out, reposition the slip-knot, leave a longer tail, and start again. I

usually estimate 2-3 inches of yarn for each cast-on.

Click HERE for video tutorial.

Well, folks, that’s two casting on techniques down and 16+ to go, as there are even variations of each method listed! So stay tuned. I’ll post about them as soon as I learn them.

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Until next time… Happy Crocheting!