I have a favorite cast-on. It’s kind of weird. Other folks have used it I’m sure, but it was an idea that I had that worked out really nicely. You cast-on over two needles (or one really big one) and then you immediately do a ton of double increases.
When you work in stockinette stitch you get a nice little star cluster effect that runs all along the cast-on edge.
It does however have a natural curve and tightness to it. Frequently knitters will worry that it’s too tight. It’s not! I promise. When you go to block the design it will block out into the perfect crescent edge, like you see in Longfellow below:
Or in Lawsonia:
You can even use it in garter stitch shawls like Jovia, although the cluster effect is not as pronounced.
What’s your favorite cast-on?
What cast on is this? Any links to learn it from?
You actually cast on 1/3 the number of stitches, using the long-tail method over two needles. Then in each stitch you work a (k, yo, k) to bring it up to the required number.
Ok, I have to do this! Have you ever done it as the neck line to a top-down sweater and how did it turn out? That’s what I am imagining right now.
I have one in the works, but you have to be careful with inelasticity of the cast-on once the elongated stitches are stretched out.
Aloha,
As a beginning knitter, I’m always pleased to learn new techniques. I’ve been using the long-tail and cable cast ons thus far and really like the look of your favourite.
Do you cast on the required number of stitches initially and then double them up to reduce them afterwards to the pattern requirements?
Mahalo.
You actually cast on 1/3 the number of stitches, using the long-tail method over two needles. Then in each stitch you work a (k, yo, k) to bring it up to the required number.
I love this cast on! I will have to try it in the future. I don’t think I have a favourite cast on although I enjoy the pinhole cast on very much!
Love the stitch, I see you have explained how to start it (I imagine holding 2 needles together and casting on over both), how do you continue through the rest of the pattern? When is the 2nd needle removed?
You actually only use the 2 needles for the cast-on. You work the increases with one needle and then just continue on as desired.
Do you increase the next row (WS, so a purl row usually for stockinette) after your CO? This is beautiful–I’ll definitely give it a try.
I consider the increase row a RS row. On the next row after the increases I usually purl.