Which Cast On Should I use? — Donna Jones Designs (2024)

FAQs

Which cast-on method should I use? ›

Knit/Purl Cast-On

This cast-on is stretchy and nearly invisible, and a good choice for things like cuff-down socks and hat brims – items that have ribbing and require some extra stretch.

The tubular cast-on is the neatest way to cast on for ribbing and gives your projects a beautiful finished edge. It's a stretchy, elastic cast-on method that's ideal for hats, socks and neckbands. A tubular cast-on is characterised by the way the edge looks rolled over, without a defined beginning.

Long-Tail Cast-On

It creates an attractive edge that's stable and easy to knit from, with good stretch. I use it for pretty much everything. To keep it stretchy, don't cast on over two needles held together—that's a myth! Just make sure you leave space between the stitches as you snug them up on the needle.

The tubular cast-on is the method that is the most similar to the type found in commercial knitting pieces. It works best with 1 x 1 ribbing and it gives the edge a rounded finish. It gives a neat and stretchy finish too.

While all cast on methods can be learned as a beginner, there are two methods that are fast, easy, and can be done in just a few steps. The backward loop cast on uses yarn and a single needle, and the basic knit cast on uses the same motions as the knit stitch! Both are excellent beginner-friendly cast on techniques.

Beautiful, durable and professional looking, the Italian Tubular cast on is ideal for the brim of hats or cuffs of sleeves — anywhere you need a finished edge with a little stretch.

Repeat steps 1–6 to continue the Long Tail Cast-on until all of your stitches have been cast on. Learning how to cast on for knitting is one of the very first things you learn as a knitter, and the Long Tail Cast-on is a versatile and easy method that's perfect for hats, shawls and sweaters.

The tubular cast on gives the edge of any 1×1 (or 2×2) ribbing a “rolled” appearance, without an obvious front and back. Often it is used for hat brims, sock tops, collars on top down sweaters, ribs on bottom up sweaters, mitten cuffs or flat knitting the edge of a ribbed project.

However, with one extra step it can be modified for 2×2 ribbing. There is a video near the end of this tutorial to show you how but I encourage you to go through this entire tutorial before watching it. The Tubular Cast On is worked flat, but can be used for flat or in-the-round projects.

What is the best cast off for 2x2 ribbing? ›

best bind off for 2×2 rib in the round

Tubular bind off is probably the best way to close stitches of ribbing. It forms a neat edge without a ridge and with the same elasticity as the rib fabric. The edge looks as if it doesn't end, but rather flows to the other side of the work.

Many knitters think there is only one way for casting on stitches, and that is usually the way that we learned when we first began knitting. The truth is there are many ways to cast on, from simple to specialist methods, and how you start your project can make all the difference to your finished projects.

The advantage of the long tail cast on is that it is easier and faster to work and you only need the size of needle you are using for the project.

Casting on - thumb method

Easy for anyone new to knitting to master, the thumb method is often the go-to for those working on a pattern that requires a loose edge. It's also good to use if your project requires a great number of stitches to be cast on before you can start knitting.

A provisional cast on is a method of temporarily casting on stitches that you can pick up and knit in the opposite direction at a later stage. There are two ways to achieve the provisional cast on, but these instructions show you my favourite way!