How To Casting On

Casting On is the term used for starting to knit.  It is the process by which the stitches are added onto the needle.  This is usually done as the start of a piece of knitting but there are circumstances when extra stitches are required in the middle of a piece of knitting so stitches will be cast on there as well.

There are three main methods of casting on used in knitting.  These are (1) The basic method which is the simplest method of casting on  (2) the cable method, which is slightly more complex than the basic method but produces a beautiful pattern at the bottom of the knitting and (3) the thumb method. There are advantages and disadvantages to all three methods, but my personal favorite is the cable method of casting on. 

 
 
(1) The Basic Method Of Casting On
   
 
 
(2) The Cable Method Of Casting On
   

 
(3) The Thumb Method Of Casting On
 
 
   
   

Hints & Tips

Casting on and the first couple of rows of knitting immediately after casting on are always the hardest to knit.  This is because the knitting is still quite tight  and there is no weight in the knitting to pull it away from the needles, making it difficult to see or manipulate the knitting on the needles. 

If you are new to knitting, it would be easiest if you get an experienced knitter to cast on for you, that way you will become confident handling the needles and working with the stitches before you need to do this step for yourself. If you don't know an experienced knitter don't let that deter you, with a little patience you should be able to cast on for yourself.