Casting on is what you do when you begin knitting and it is a way of getting the stitches onto the first needle. There are literally hundreds of ways to cast on and it is always a good idea to experiment. Many knitters will claim they always use the same form of cast on but this can be very boring. For that reason we will give you several ways to cast on so that you can begin experimenting.
Why is Casting on Important?
We believe that it is useful to know why casting on is important so that you understand the need for various methods. Basically when casting on you are creating an edge for your knitting that will show on the finished garment. How you do this will determine the finish you get to your garment. So you can use different cast on methods to create a different look and finish for a more interesting garment.
Beginning a Cast On
When you cast on the first thing you will need to do is create the initial loop so that you can begin. This is usually done by creating a slip knot using the following method:
1. Loop the yarn round into a circle
2. Pull the short end through the circle
3. Tighten the long end to make a loop - don't make it too tight
4. Slip the loop onto the needle and pull the short end so that it fits nicely round the needle.
Cast on Methods
As we have said there is a vast array of different cast on methods although you will see very few of them in pattern books. Remember you can always use a different cast on to the one in a pattern to get a more interesting finish. In order to understand cast on methods we have split them into a number of groups for you to consider and in later articles we will give more details on the methods themselves:
1. Ordinary Edges - these are simple cast on methods that will create very straight simple edges for a clean finish.
2. Decorative Edges - these can be done to add some contrast to your garment or to blend in with a decorative pattern.
3. End of Rows - these can be used to give either firm edges of soft, lace edges.
4. Fringed Edges
5. Hems
6. Lace or supple edges
7. Reinforced Edges
8. Ribbings - to create a ribbed effect
9. Temporary Edges - these are done when you will need to add work on to the end and will eventually be unravelled.
10. Two Way Edges - these are to be used when you need to pick the stitches of the cast on up and work in the opposite direction. For example when you are doing a cardigan that has edging.
The above are just general categories for the methods and many of them will fall into more than one category. When we go through the methods in more detail we will tell you what categories they fall into to make it easier to choose one.
Author Resource:
This article has been supplied by Mercedes Aspland for the Knitting Shop where you can buy wool online .
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