Cast-on knitting methods, part 2: Basic Cast-on Methods
Welcome to the cast-on knitting method series! If you want to read a brief overview of the various cast-on method categories, click here to go to the first post in the series.
If you are a new knitter, it can be quite confusing to follow a pattern that just says “cast-on xx number of stitches”, but they don’t tell you how to cast-on knitting. Not to worry, you aren’t missing something. There is not one single way to cast-on. In fact, there are many. And for the most part, you are free to choose whatever cast-on method you prefer, or that you think would look best for your project.
Sometimes it makes it even harder when a pattern says to use a “stretchy”, “elastic”, cast-on. As a newbie, I had no idea these weren’t actual cast-on names. I spent far too long searching for the “elastic cast-on”, don’t even want to admit how long, definitely hours, probably a week. I can get pretty determined when researching and trying to get things just right.
It is a great idea for all knitters to have at least one basic cast-on method memorized that they can turn to and start knitting with ease. It’s also fun to try out new cast-on methods, and not just stick by your old standby. Who knows? You may just find a cast-on knitting method you like better!
Other Useful Cast-on Posts
If you didn’t already know, words like basic, stretchy, elastic, etc. are all a sort of category of various cast-on methods that you can choose from. If you want to read more about the various categories, go see my post here. Just as the post title indicates, today we are going to be looking a bit more closely at the category of cast-on called Basic. Basic as in your all-purpose cast-on, not as in the derogatory way basic gets used today.
If you want to read my post about why cast-on methods are often not called for in a pattern, and check out a great cast-on method resource, click here for my How to Cast-on a Knit Project post.
Cast-on Knitting Basic Cast-on Categories
One of the most important cast-on method categories to learn first is the basic cast-on methods. They’re like your all purpose cleaner, the basic cast-on methods can get you going and knitting. They can serve multiple purposes and it’s good to have (at least) one memorized.
We will be taking a look at each cast-on that is in the “basic” category, and please note that some cast-on methods will fall into more than one category and that is OK! Also, knitters may have differing opinions on particular cast-on methods and in which category they should be. So, remember, as in life, and knitting, always practice grace with yourself and others – these are not hard fast rules.
To keep things fair and easy to compare, I will be using Rainbow 8/8 100% cotton yarn by Hobbii. (not affiliated). I just have a ton of it, it has excellent stitch definition, and is super easy to work with. Though, I am not affiliated I recommend this yarn 10/10!
Cast-on methods that can be categorized as “basic”
Perhaps you see this list and think, yep, I’m familiar with all of those. Or maybe you’re more like me where I look at this list and KNOW that I have not tried some of these. But I guess that’s what having a knitting blog is all about! I get to try them all out for you, show you what they look like and tell you what I think. Then you can decide for yourself if you want to try that cast-on method or not.
If you see one I missed – comment below! I want to be sure to add it. 🙂
Backward Loop Cast-on
The Backward loop cast-on method is great for beginner knitters as far as getting used to handling the yarn and being an easy cast-on method to memorize. It introduces you to moving your thumb and having yarn on your hand and making it’s way over to the needle.
Other categories this cast-on fall under: Stretchy
Pros
- Good cast-on intro for new knitters
- Can be easily used to add stitches in the center of your knitting or at the end of rows and rounds.
Cons
- It’s not the prettiest cast-on edge.
- Not a very sturdy cast-on edge.
- Can be difficult to knit that first row with the yarn kind of slip sliding all over the place.
I don’t yet have a tutorial for this cast-on, but I will be adding it soon – so bookmark this page and come back soon!
Cable Cast-on
The Cable CO method uses very similar movement to the knit cast-on, but instead of knitting into a st you are knitting between 2 stitches. And you don’t need to twist the stitch when you move it from the right hand needle to the left. I personally adore the sister cast-on to the Cable cast-on, Alternating Cable cast-on.
Other categories this cast-on fall under: Stretchy
Pros
- Great cast-on method for beginners to learn.
- Creates a sturdy cast-on edge.
Cons
- The first row for this cast-on should definitely be a wrong side row.
I mentioned above that this cast-on is similar to the knit cast-on, but I just want to say I prefer this cast-on. It’s sturdier, easier to knit into, and I think it looks nicer!
Chained Cast-on
The Chained cast-on method uses an extra tool-a crochet hook! So if you are a crocheter and want to learn knitting, this may be a good cast on for you to start with. Otherwise, I do feel this cast-on method is cumbersome. It’s very lovely and similar to the long-tail cast-on but much more stretchy. If you don’t mind the extra tool and time, or if you want a beautiful stretchy edge, this cast-on may be just right for you!
Other names for this cast-on method: provisional (just use waste yarn!)
Other categories this cast-on fall under: Stretchy/elastic
Pros
- Stretchy cast-on perfect for elastic edges.
- Creates a beautiful cast-on edge.
Cons
- Requires a crochet hook
- Requires extra stitches to be cast-on
Double Loop Cast-on
This is similar to the backward loop cast-on method, but has a little added twist. Double Loop creates a prettier edge than the backward loop, and it’s more sturdy. The cast-on can be elastic and it can be used for adding buttonholes or extra stitches at the end of rows. It can be a bit tricky, so just have patience.
Also known as: Double Twist Loop cast-on
Other categories this cast-on fall under: Stretchy/elastic
Pros
- Stretchy cast-on perfect for button holes.
- Creates a beautiful cast-on edge.
Cons
- Requires an extra twist.
Knit Cast-on
It’s just like knitting! This is a great basic cast-on for beginners because the movement of cast-on is similar to the movement of creating a knit stitch. As you can see, it can create holes along your cast-on edge. Take heart newbies! The knit cast-on method is holey period. There are also some little twists you can make to minimize the holes. I’ll go in depth about these options in the tutorial when I get that up.
Pros
- Easy to learn for beginners.
- Easy to memorize.
- No long tail to keep track of!
Cons
- Not a sturdy cast-on
- Difficult to knit into
Honestly, I’m not a fan of the holey edge that is created by the knit cast-on method. But I will say this, if you wanted holes as some sort of decorative element – I could be into that.
Long tail Cast-on
Ah! Long-tail how I love thee! Long-tail cast-on was the first cast-on method that I learned and memorized. It’s a bit tricky and requires measuring out a long tail, which can be a real pain. It can be stretchy, but that is if you don’t cast-on too tightly and keep aware of the distance between stitches on your needles. It creates a lovely edge, but you’ll probably want to start your project on the wrong side, not the right side. Click here for a tutorial!
When it comes to long-tail cast-on, there are two methods: the slingshot, which is what I teach in my tutorial (link above!), or the thumb method (tutorial coming soon!).
Other categories this cast-on fall under: Stretchy/elastic
Pros
- Beautiful edge.
- Sturdy edge.
Cons
- Requires calculating a long tail, which can be difficult
- The first row after this cast-on should be a wrong side row. Unless you are knitting garter stitch fabric, or if you are knitting in the round.
I will say that though a lot of people categorize the long tail as a stretchy cast-on method. I have personally found, that it is easy to cast-on too tightly. So be aware of that. Watch my video on YouTube for tips to avoid casting-on too tightly.
Old Norwegian Cast-on
This one is a favorite of mine as I tend to not be a stretchy long tail cast-on person. If you have tried using the long tail for a stretchy cast-on and struggled, you may also benefit from using the Old Norwegian. It’s very similar to long tail, with just one little modifier that gives extra stretch.
Also known as: German Twisted cast-on, Elastic Long tail cast-on
Other categories this cast-on fall under: Stretchy/elastic
Pros
- Beautiful.
- Sturdy edge.
Cons
- Requires calculating a long tail, which can be difficult
- The first row after this cast-on should be a wrong side row. Unless you are knitting garter stitch fabric, or if you are knitting in the round.
- An extra step compared to long tail cast-on.
I do not yet have a photo tutorial for this cast-on method, but for now you can check out my YouTube tutorial.
Purled Cast-on
Just like the knit cast-on but instead of knit stitches, we’ll be working purl stitch movement. This is another cast-on method that would be good for beginners because you get to cast-on while practicing a stitch movement. I truly believe that muscle memory is one of the best ways for a newbie to increase their confidence and skills with knitting. Unfortunately, Same hole issues exist, but if you want to practice your purl stitch movement while casting on, this is a good time.
Pros
- Easy to learn for beginners.
- Easy to memorize.
- No long tail to keep track of!
- Can begin knitting on the right side.
Cons
- Not a sturdy cast-on
- Difficult to knit into
Again, I will say that I am not a fan of the holes in the edge of this cast-on method. BUT if you want holes for a decorative element – I can totally get behind that.
Final Thoughts for Basic Cast-on Knitting Methods
I hope you can find at least one basic method that you not only find easy to memorize how to work, but also that you love the way it looks. Both of those things are very important. It’s important that it feels simple to you, but also that you enjoy the look. As long as you can get those two things combined into one cast-on, you will never feel basic about it.
Stay tuned because those stretchy/elastic cast-on methods are getting their own post next! I can’t wait to get to know them a bit better, can you?
Have a particular cast-on question? Leave me a comment below or email me lois@ozzylosiknitdesigns.com
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