CAST ON BIND OFF Articles 3 min read

New Year, New Techniques: 3 Knitting Cast-Ons You Might Not Have Tried

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Many knitters—myself included—default to the long-tail cast-on for their knitting projects. After all, it is usually the first cast-on a knitter learns, it’s pretty easy to do, and it’s great for many knitting projects.

Me, every time I start a new project.

But the long-tail cast-on won’t work for every project, and different projects may call for different cast-ons. A stretchy cast-on is hugely helpful for a sweater hem, while you might want a firmer cast-on edge for a cabled shawl. As we enter the new year, I’m challenging myself (and you, dear reader) to broaden my cast-on horizons.

Clockwise from top left: Bluebird Day Pullover, First Tracks Cowl, Fresh Powder Pullover, and Piste Poncho. Find these and more in knitscene Presents: The Wintertide Collection. Photos by Molly Stevenson.

Here are three different cast-ons, two of which you can find being used in knitscene Presents: The Wintertide Collection. The Bluebird Day Pullover, First Tracks Cowl, Fresh Powder Pullover, and Piste Poncho all call for less-common cast-ons—we’ll show you those below. Each pattern walks knitters through the cast-on process, so you learn a new technique while making something beautiful!

Grab some needles and yarn, and get ready to play with some new ways to cast on!

Channel Island Cast-On

For a decorative picot edging that’s elastic yet firm, try the Channel Island cast-on.

First Tracks Cowl by Lana Jois | Piste Poncho by Estefania Espindola

Originally used at the hem of fisherman sweaters (hence the name), this cast-on is excellent for stability. Plus it’s fun to work once you get into the groove!

Step 1 Holding three strands of yarn together, make a slipknot about 6″ from the ends and place it on the right needle. (The slipknot does not count as a stitch if you are casting on an even number, but does count as a stitch if you are casting on an odd number.) Divide the three strands, using a single strand as the working yarn and the two remaining strands as the tail.

Figure 1

Step 2 Place the single strand around the index finger. Wrap the two-strand tail counterclockwisearound the thumb so that two wraps are visible below the thumbnail. Make a yarnover on the needle with the single strand (Figure 1).

Figure 2

Step 3 Beginning at the base of the thumb, slide the needle up through both loops on the thumb, then bring it over the single strand going to the index finger to grab it, then go down through the two loops on the thumb (Figure 2). Drop the thumb loops and tighten all three yarns.

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the desired number of stitches; each repeat creates two stitches.

If you are casting on an even number of stitches, drop the slipknot off the needle when you come to it and undo it just before weaving in the ends. For k1, p1 ribbing (which is lovely with this cast-on) remember to purl the yarnovers and knit the “beaded” stitches.

Old Norwegian Cast-On

The Old Norwegian cast-on, also known as the German Twisted cast-on, is very similar to the long-tail cast-on. However, there’s an extra twist that incorporates some extra yarn and gives you lots of extra stretch—perfect for pullovers!

Bluebird Day Pullover by Donna Estin | Fresh Powder Pullover by Kristen Jancuk

It can be tricky to train yourself out of your long-tail habit for this cast-on, but once you have it down, it might just become your new go-to.

Leaving a long tail (about 1/2″ for each stitch to be cast on), make a slipknot (this counts as the first stitch). Place your thumb and index finger between the yarn ends so that the working yarn is around your index finger and the tail end is around your thumb.

Figure 1

Secure the ends with your other fingers and hold your palm upward, making a V of yarn (Figure 1).

Figure 2

*Bring the needle in front of the outermost thumb strand, under both strands around the thumb, down into the center of the thumb loop, then forward toward you. Next, bring the needle over the strand going to the index finger to grab it (Figure 2).

Figure 3

Bring the needle back through the loop on the thumb, turning the thumb slightly to make room for the needle to pass through (Figure 3).

Figure 4

Drop the loop off the thumb (Figure 4) and, placing the thumb back in the V configuration, tighten up the resulting stitch on the needle. Repeat from * for the desired number of stitches.

Double-Twist Loop Cast-On

Make a slipknot and place it on the right needle, then hold it in place with your right index finger.

Figure 1

*Insert your left thumb and index finger under the working yarn and hold the working yarn taut by securing it with the other fingers of your left hand (Figure 1).

Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

Insert the right needle behind the strand at the bottom of the left index finger (Figure 2), then over the strand at the top of the index finger (Figure 3) and pull this strand under the first strand and up between the two thumb strands (Figure 4).

Figure 5

Drop the loops from the thumb and index finger and pull on the working yarn to tighten the stitch (Figure 5).

Figure 6

Rep from * for the desired number of stitches (Figure 6).


I hope you feel inspired to try something new! If you’d like to learn just about every way of casting on (and binding off) out there, check out Ann Budd’s Interweave workshop. See more from knitscene Presents: the Wintertide Collection and find the project that’s just right for your current winter mood on the blog.

Happy 2021, and, as always,

Happy Knitting,
Julia


Cast on a new way!

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