How to cast-on a knit project?

As a new knitter, the first cast-on method I learned was the long-tail cast-on. Then, as I began working through other patterns, often times the designer would not include a specific type of cast-on method to be used. This perpetuated a very incorrect assumption that there was only one way to cast-on.

It wasn’t long before I came across a knitting pattern that said “using a stretchy cast-on, CO xx sts”.

Stretchy cast-on? I had no idea what that even meant. So I began googling. And YouTubing. And here’s the thing, there isn’t a knitting cast-on method called “stretchy”. So, hours and hours later. I still felt frustrated and quite frankly a little dumb. Can you relate? It’s so hard as a newbie and all these words get thrown around casually. You’re like, I don’t understand what I don’t understand!

If you’ve found yourself confused, like me, take heart.

Let me clarify a few things.

1. There are many knit cast-on methods
2. Cast-on methods are usually put in categories such as “stretchy”, “tubular”, “decorative”, etc.
3. Sometimes a knitting cast-on method can be named the same thing as the category used to describe it, such as, the tubular cast-on, which is both a cast-on method name and category.
4. Knitting cast-on methods can occupy a place in multiple categories, such as, stretchy and tubular, or stretchy and decorative.

As my German calculus teacher would say, “Clear as mud?” a

To make matters better (or worse depending on your perspective), most cast-on methods can be used pretty interchangeably. Which is why a lot of times designers won’t even include a specific cast-on method to be used. And why sometimes they will use a word like “stretchy” to indicate a type of cast-on method rather than a specific method.

Mini book review (not an affiliate!)

As a side note, during my search to understand knit cast-on methods, I bought an awesome book, Cast On, Bind Off, by Leslie Ann Bestor. This book is AMAZING. First, it has a binding that allows it to lay flat. Then, it has all the photo instructions for various cast-on, bind-off methods. Most importantly, it tells you how to incorporate this cast-ons in your knitting! And this is how I learned many new cast-on methods.

But more than just learning the how-to for various cast-ons, I also learned their purpose. For example, did you know that the long-tail cast-on method is actually a “stretchy” cast-on? I didn’t. In fact, I often felt like my long-tail cast-on was too snug with not enough stretch.

Because there are many types of cast-on methods. It is possible to segment these cast-ons into various categories. However, I place them in these 6 categories: basic, stretchy, decorative, provisional, double-sided and tubular. The book uses more categories, but I just dumped some in the same pot.

Try out a new knit cast-on method next time you start a project!

Trying out new-to-you knit cast-on methods is a lot of fun. If the pattern you’re working from doesn’t have a preferred cast-on method, see what you think would work best with the pattern you are making. Or you can get that book I talked about and the knit cast-on methods include the best situations to use each particular method.

Many knitters have their “go-to” knitting cast-on methods, and I’m no different. Whenever I’m doing color-work, I love to bust out the two-color braided cast-on. This is a simple cast-on method that anyone can do. Because if they know how to do the long-tail method. With a couple of tweaks, you can get this gorgeous effect! (And I made a YouTube tutorial!)

In fact, it was watching me use this cast-on method, that brought up the topic of cast-on methods with my knitting buddy, Diane. 

“I’ve only ever used the long tail cast on method for knitting. I know there are more, but I’ve never learned how to do them.” Diane, 30-year veteran knitter. Diane is a talented and experienced knitter! She can knit her way around anything (except maybe magic loop socks – and that is due to fear and not an actual inability)

Her admission shocked me!

Her admission made me stop and think, how many knitters are afraid of learning new knit cast-on methods? How many don’t try a new one, and just stick with their old stand-by?

Trying out different knitting cast-on methods

When you are knitting a rib pattern on a cuff or a hat, did you know that you can make the cast-on edge look like it just started at the rib stitch?

There are a number of ways to do this. Follow a tutorial on any “tubular” knitting cast-on method. Personally, I like the cable cast-on, because it’s fairly quick and provides a “firm” edge that looks just like the rib pattern you are knitting in.

If you’ve only cast-on using the thumb method, give long-tail a try or vice versa. Slowly begin incorporating new cast-on methods into your knit life. I promise you this: it comes in handy! You never know when a pattern will drop an Italian cast-on in the middle of a pattern.

But if you have experience with it already, it’s far less intimidating.

Wanting a super stretchy and decorative cast-on, I like the lace cast-on. This knit cast-on is soooo stretchy, and lovely. I’ve used it on brims of hats which is totally not a typical use for the lace cast-on. But you know what? It’s stretchy and pretty., so why not?

How and when can you try out new knit cast-on methods?

It’s pretty standard to get knitting patterns that don’t give a specific type of cast-on method. My own patterns often say “your favorite”. This is a great opportunity for you to try something new.

Do a quick Google or YouTube search. Or even rack open your copy of the Cast-on Bind-Off book and try something new.

Of course, you can always choose to do your favorite quick cast-on. But you may also have the opportunity to enhance your knit project with the perfect cast-on method. Having a cuff that has a basic cast-on is great. Having a ribbed cuff that was cast-on using a the Cable cast-on method? Now we’re talking!

Take this as your invitation to put your own touches on a pattern. Try something new!

Knit cast-on is the necessary evil to getting to the fun knit part …

I get it, sometimes I feel this way. Especially if it’s something simple like a dishcloth. But hear me out, the cast-on method can be really important to the construction and function of your knit project.

Like a total knitting nerd, I listen to knitting podcasts. In particular, I was listening to the one by the crew at KnitPicks. In one episode, they discussed how vital a cast on is to the design of a pattern.

Knitters, I have always wanted my knitting to be…

“OH! WOW!” (Look of pure delight and amazement!) “You made that?!” (insert ongoing praise for my abilities and talent here)

And NEVER be

“hmm…” (anxiously trying to think of how not to be insulting) “it looks like it was a lot of work?” (sees someone they have to talk to right now to leave the awkward situation).

You know what I’m talking about?

I think of this every time I’m about to cast-on. It’s in the details that our projects stand out. I can knit even stitches, but if at the end my cuff doesn’t allow my hand to go through comfortably, that is going to drive me INSANE!

“… finishing is not something that I wait to think about at the end of a project. For me, good finishing starts at the beginning of a project…” Deborah Newton.

Full disclosure, in this quote Ms. Newton is not speaking specifically of the knit cast on, but when I read it, or when I think of this quote, I think of casting on. Knit cast-on IS the beginning of a knit project.

If the knit cast-on method is SUCH a big deal …

Why don’t designers include a specific one every time?

Free and even paid patterns, patterns published by reputable sources often times do NOT include specific cast-on instructions.

Why?

If this thought is plaguing your waking hours, or you have been Googling “stretchy cast-on methods” for 3 hours and still don’t know which one to choose, I’ll do my best to answer this question from a designer perspective.

• For patterns that have you cast-on minimal stitches. If you’re knitting a shawl for example, or something on the bias, the knit cast-on method used is playing a tiny role. So small that when you’re done knitting it doesn’t really get any attention. In that case, pretty much any cast-on method would work.
• For basic patterns with no to minimal shaping, the knitting cast-on method can be very flexible. We’re talking your rectangular scarves, dishcloths, blankets, etc. If someone wants to make it more decorative or be quick – it’s really up to them. You’re knitting a square or rectangle.
• For patterns with minimal to more shaping. We’re talking your wearable patterns like cowls, hats, socks, etc. the knitting cast-on methods can still be pretty flexible. So long as the knitter uses say a “stretchy” cast-on. For example: the stretchy cast-on will make the item go over one’s head, it doesn’t matter if that’s the long-tail, tubular or lace cast-on.
• For patterns with lots of shaping (think sweaters, socks, etc), the cast-on method becomes more important. While you may still get away with some “stretchy” cast-on methods, sometimes you need a very specific cast-on method to uphold the integrity of the design and achieve the results intended.

This list is not hard and fast rules. I’ve knit rectangles and hat patterns that have very specific knit cast-on methods in the instructions. I’ve also knit sweater patterns that have little more than “cast-on xx stitches” and no category even given.

It really becomes a preference of the designer as well as which details are necessary to the design.

Otherwise it’s kind of like adding salt to your food. Are you all about the salt? Maybe you’re salt free. Perhaps you prefer to add a touch of salt right before you eat, but not while cooking. At the end of the day, if you enjoy your food, that’s what matters.

But of course, it does sometimes matter when and how much you salt. For example, did you know that adding salt while cooking mushrooms makes them rubbery? But if you wait until they are done cooking and then salt them – they’ll be just fine.

Same principals with knit designers and the knitting cast-on methods we include or exclude.

I promise, it is to make things easier and more accessible, not less.

A free pattern with the two-color braided cast-on method!

Shameless plug! If you want to try a new cast on, or maybe just do a fun cast on that you haven’t tried in a while – check out my free pattern 2-color linen stitch dish cloth and towel.

Or you can just view my YouTube video below to see the Two-Color Braided Cast On. If you feel comfortable with long-tail, this cast on is a cinch, and it is SO pretty!

I would love to hear from you! What is your favorite cast on method? Do you have a go to, a favorite? What is the most difficult cast on you have ever tried? Do you like a designer calling for a specific cast on, or are you more of a free-style knitter?

Share with me in the comments below!

Learn more about my knit design journey!