The Basic Method of Casting On

This method starts with a slip knot added to the needle in the left hand.  If you are unsure of how to make a slip knot click here.  The basic method of casting on is by far the simplest to do and the easiest to trouble shoot.  However the final result is fairly plain and looks a bit loopy.

 1.
 

Start with a slip knot on the left hand needle to form the first stitch


2.
 
Place the right hand needle through the front of the first stitch on the left hand needle to form a cross.
3.
 
Take the wool (from the ball) and wrap it around the right hand needle, working anti-clockwise starting around the back of the needle
4.
 
Pull the wool tight around the needle and draw it down so it sits in the cross between the two needles.
5.  
Using the right hand pull the loop through the first stitch and
6.
 
 

Place on left hand needle to produce the second stitch.

Repeat steps 2 to 6 until the required number of stitches are on the left hand needle