Learn the Make-One Method for Tubular Cast-Ons

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We’re back with another method of knitting a tubular cast-on! This series from Larissa Gibson walks you through four different methods to achieve very similar results. We started with the folded method, then moved to the yarnover method in our previous installments. This week, we’re tackling the make-one method, and the final installment will introduce you to the Italian method, also known as the long-tail method.

Each method gets a very similar but slightly unique result. The one you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preference and the project you’re working on. Do you have a favorite method?

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Learn to Knit Make-One Tubular Cast-Ons

The make-one method is similar to the yarnover method, but it produces a slightly different result in that it adds a subtle texture to the edge. Versions of this technique have appeared several times in Interweave Knits patterns and have been popularized by Brooklyn Tweed. The Brooklyn Tweed methods often include a selvedge stitch, and the valley between the first two stitches is not worked in pattern; instead, it is secured by picking it up and working it together (as a k2tog or ssk) with the adjacent stitch. Doing so allows for two stitches without a make-one between them at each edge. The method I’ve shown here omits the selvedge stitches for simplicity.

Make-One Tubular Cast-on for K1, P1 Rib (odd number of sts)

With a double-pointed needle, and calculating the chain-stitch count as described on p. 70, work a chain onto the needle as for working the chain-edge provisional cast-on and knit 1 row with working yarn to complete the cast-on, as directed.

Then work as follows:

• Set-up row (RS) K1, *insert left needle from front to back under strand between needles (Photo 1) and purl it (Photo 2), k1; rep from * to end.

• Row 1 (WS) Sl 1 pwise wyf, *k1, sl 1 pwise wyf; rep from * to end.
• Row 2 (RS) K1, *sl 1 pwise wyf, k1; rep from * to end.

(At this point, the waste yarn can safely be removed.)

Rep Rows 1 and 2 two more times, then work Row 1 once more. Work in k1, p1 rib for 6 rows. BO all sts (for swatch).

Comparing Yarnover and Make-One Tubular Cast-Ons

As a point of comparison, examine the foundation rows of the yarnover and make-one tubular cast-ons (below).

For each, the yarnover or make-one row was knitted in light gray. In the yarnover version (top), the lighter yarn snakes up and down following the classic hills and valleys of a knitted row. In the make-one version (bottom), the light gray yarn crisscrosses with the dark gray as it moves from hill to valley, creating a little bead in the foundation row.

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The final installment in this series demonstrates one more way you can work a tubular cast-on: the Italian method, also known as the long-tail method. You can also go back and learn how to work the folded method and the yarnover method. All four methods produce a similar result. The one you use will depend on your personal preference and what’s best for the project you’re working on.

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Larissa Gibson explores her interest in the details of textile construction as a technical editor for Interweave Knits and other knitting publications.

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Originally published in Interweave Knits Spring 2017. Published to web 2/6/2018.

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