How to Cast On - Knitting
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I have taught many people how to knit, and have found that casting on is always the hardest part for beginners to catch on to. This might be because we usually only need to cast on at the beginning of a project, so knitters don't spend a lot of time casting on. But, practice makes perfect, so feel free to practice casting on for awhile before moving on to knitting stitches.
Every knitting projects begins with a row of foundation stitches. You make a foundation row by casting on. There are as many different ways of casting on as there are knitters, but I'm going to outline the easiest method I've found found for beginners here.
Hook, Yarn, & Slip Knot
The Hook, Yarn, & Slip Knot video is focused on crocheting, but shows how to make a slip knot.
Casting On for Beginners
Step 1:
Make a slip knot on one needle. (Need to learn how to make a slipknot? Check out the video, Hook, Yarn, & Slip Knot). This will be considered your first stitch.
Step 2:
Hold the needle with knot in your left hand. Your thumb and index finger should be placed close to the point of the needle. This will help you control the needle.
Step 3:
Your right hand will mostly be used to control the yarn coming for the skein. You will also hold the other knitting needle in your right hand. Again, place your fingers close to the point.
Step 4:
Insert the point of the right needles, from front to back, into the slip knot. the right needle will rest under the left needle.
Step 5:
Hold the left needle in your left hand as you move your left fingers over to hold the right needle. Use your right index finger to pick up the yarn from the skein, bringing the yarn under and over the point of the right needle (from left to right).
Step 6:
Return your right fingers to the right needle. Draw the yarn through the existing sticth with the point of your right needle.
Step 7:
Slide the left needle into the new stitch by making the needles parallel to each other.
Step 8:
Remove the right needle from the stitch. Pull the skein yarn gently, so the stitch is snug on the needle. You have now made a stitch. You should have two stitches on the left needle.
Step 9:
Insert the poing of the right needle, from front to back, into the stitch you have just made, and under the left needle.
Repeat Steps 5 through 9 for next stitch. Continue until you have as many stitches cast on as your pattern calls for.
Practicing? It is easy to destroy the cast on stitches. Simply pull the needle out of the stitches. Wind the used yarn back onto the skein.
Beginners tend to knit very tightly, but this makes it difficult to slide the stitches on the needle. Try to relax, keeping the stitches loose.
Ready to start a project? Learn How to Knit a Scarf.
More Handcraft Resources
- KnittingHelp.com | Casting On Stitches
This site explains many different ways to cast on: Long-Tail Cast-On, Single Cast-On, Cable Cast-On, Knitting-On, Old Norwegian Cast-On, Invisible (Provisional) Cast-On, and Alternate Cable Cast-On. - Casting On FAQ
The Lion Brand Yarn website offers answers to frequently asked questions about casting on. The site also offers very clear, step-by-step illustrations of casting on. - The Knitting Site - Beginning Knitting Casting Off
So, you have learned how to cast on, now you need to learn how to cast off at the end of your projects (also called bind off). The Knitting Site explains how to cast off for beginning knitters. Everytyhing you need to start knitting your own garmen
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Very well done!
My mate loves to knitting in her spare times and she make all sorts of clothes like that.
I´ve to agree with Lissie, this hub deserves to have brothers ;-)
Ok. Video was great. (And you sound exactly like I imagined you would!) But I got lost in the pics, my brain just doesnt work that way. Im sure it will work for everyone else cos most people can follow basic instructions. Not me, however. So. Please make a video of whatever that is?!! I'll send you a granny square. :)
Isabella, I meant to caption the pictures, but forgot--I'll fix that. Stay tuned.
How wonderful are the illustrations - much better than the book I had as a kid!
I am an avid knitter! Love creating my own designs! But it is great to see someone's else' methods! For all I know, some of my methods may just be bad habits developed over time! At one stage, I did have to change my style of knitting because I developed severe RSI. So I was forced to stop clutching the needles as if I was permanently desperate.
Great hub!
Smiles and Light
I could never learn to knit, my daughter is starting to learn, i told her she could teach me...but with this hub, i might have to get my own knitting needle and learn by myself.
Regards MM
I'm looking forward to trying this soon...
Thanks for the hub. I actually learned a one-needle method for casting on. Someone had mentioned this two-needle method to me when my theatre company was doing Cats (and we were knitting legwarmers like crazy). I didn't have time to learn this method then. I'm hoping that I can take the time now. :)
does anyone have a pattern for grateful dead bears or a steal your face 13 point lightning bolt.. i'm trying to make deadhead gifts?
willowrose@gmail.com
much appreciation!
The instructions are to complicated. I almost exploded because it just made knitting more hard. I know how to knitt but I never can remember how to cast on. I have tried videos but the person who is speaking was talking to fast and I was not able to comprehend what she was saying.
Ihave tried many websites to learn how to knit but im sure you have helped me the the most. Thank you!
Awesome step-by-step instructions, WITH pictures! Great work!
it was ok
the video is confusing i still dont know how to ,make a stitch knot
i can not see the dim pictures and the directions were complicated. i had alot of trouble figuring it out.
this is confusing
Im just a teenager and im learning how to knit with a friend
Its kinda CONFUSING to me... I am young and am looking at this with my mom... Can you make one for kids??? I really need help and it is kinda hard to learn. Please reply. Thank you!
this is too hard i cant understand the pictures or words
i was so confused, probibly just a leftie thing though
Ok, question. Where in the yarn am I supposed to start? In the middle,on the end. Do I need to hook with one and use the other for...knitting?
i sort of got the instructions but you lost me with the pictures.
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Lissie Level 1 Commenter 4 years ago
I'm expecting a whole series of hubs developing from this one!