When you’re learning to knit for the first time, getting the hang of the different knitting cast on methods and knitting cast off methods is a vital part of getting it right.
Before you even begin to learn how to knit and get into on a project, you must learn how to cast on.
Casting On Methods in Knitting
This is the process of getting loops or stitches on the needle which becomes the first row of stitches in your piece of knitting and there are several ways to do it. Here are four of the most popular:
- Single Cast On – This is considered to be one of the easiest ways to cast on in knitting because it’s quick and simple. It’s also a stretchy cast on, which makes it good for items that need to stretch, such as socks or hats.
- Knit Cast On – another method considered to be quite good for beginners and a good way to learn the knit stitch at the same time. This is also quite stretchy.
- Cable Cast On – not much different from the knit cast on, except it isn’t stretchy, so not good for clothing which needs to stretch.
- Long-tail cast on – this is quite possibly the most difficult method of casting on in your early days of knitting, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s probably one of the quickest and easiest to do – which is why seasoned knitters tend to favour this cast on method most.
There are plenty of other cast on methods too, such as the German Twisted Cast On (great for socks), Frilled Cast On (a bit more girly), and the Provisional Cast On (useful when joining two pieces of work.
Remember, once you’ve got the right equipment, including the right choice of yarn, needles and your project pattern, getting the cast on correct is the next step to a successful knitting project.
Cast Off Knitting Methods
When you’ve finished your piece of knitting, you’ll need to know how to confidently cast off (or bind off) – this means creating a final row of stitches to form an edge that isn’t going to unravel and undo all of your hard work when you remove the stitches from the needle.
These include the following methods and there are plenty of how-to videos online which show you the best way to do them – whichever cast off knitting method it is you prefer.
- Standard Cast Off – the most used
- Suspended Cast Off – stretchier version of the standard cast off
- I-Cord Cast Off – makes a rounded elastic edge
- Tubular Cast Off – very stretchy invisible cast off
- Picot Cast Off – decorative type of cast off
Once you’ve got the hang of casting on and casting off, before you start your project, why not take a browse through our website to discover our range of types of knitting wool for your project, knitting needles and accessories and a range of knitting patterns – all designed to bring you some great knitting inspiration.
For any help and advice on the right materials to use, get in touch with a member of the team today.