Cast-on Methods for the Knitting Board
There are a number of cast-on methods you can use to start your projects when you knit on a knitting board. Which one you use depends both on preference and also on the type of project you are working on. Below is a quick summary of some of the different types of cast-on techniques to help you choose which one is right for the project you are working on. It is recommended that you try each of the different methods to help you determine which ones work the best for you.
Cast-on Tips
Here are several tips to help you with your casting on.
- Follow good loom knitting habits when casting on.
- Strive to create a firm cast-on edge for your project.
- Casting on with a double strand of yarn may create a firmer edge.
- Make sure that the cast-on edge is not too tight or it will end up unraveling.
- Make sure that the cast-on edge is not too loose or it will flair and be unattractive.
- If you tend to cast-on too tightly, consider casting on on a larger gauge loom and then moving your project back to the size loom you need to knit your project on.
- Cotton, silk and other yarns that are not
flexible or springy will need an even firmer cast-on
edge. Two ways to do ensure this are:
- Use a smaller gauge loom
- Cast-on few stitches and then increase to the required number after the edging or last row of ribbing
- Use a stitch marker to mark every ten stitches when casting on a large number of stitches. This will help with your counting.
- Try to leave a tail that is 12-16 inches long for sewing seams. Don't forget for long tail cast-on to leave this tail in addition to the tail you are going to knit.
The Cable cast-on method creates a cast-on
similar to the cable cast-on in needle knitting. It
creates a sturdy edge that is elastic that is
perfect for ordinary edges, end of rows and
ribbing.
Tools needed:
- Round loom & rake
- Crochet hook
The Chain cast-on method is creates a nice even
edge that matches a single crochet bind-off. Use
when the edge of your fabric will not be hidden
such as with fringe and lace.
Tools needed:
- Crochet hook
The Double cast-on method creates a cast-on
similar to the double / long tail / two-strand
cast-on in needle knitting. It creates a firm,
elastic edge that is elastic that is perfect for
ordinary edges and ribbing.
Tools needed:
- Crochet hook
The Scalloped cast-on method creates a cast-on
similar to the invisible cast-on in needle
knitting. It creates a rounded, elastic edge and is
used where strength is needed.
Tools needed:
- Crochet hook
The Long Tail cast-on method is similar to the
e-wrap method except that you use the tail of the
yarn to knit off the first row. This creates an
even edge instead of a loopy edge like you get with
an e-wrap cast-on perfect for ordinary edges.
Tools needed:
- Knitting tool
The Lucet cast-on method is creates a beautiful
scalloped edge that matches. Use when want a
decorative edge to your fabric such as with
sweaters. Thank you, Isela Phelps, for taking
the time to work this out for the community.
Tools needed:
- Crochet hook
The Open cast-on method uses an anchor yarn between the first two wraps to keep the cast-on open so that you can either crochet the ends or pick up the stitches to work at a later time. Normally a different color yarn is used as the anchor yarn to help you differentiate between it and the stitches.Tools needed:
- Round loom or Rake
- Knitting tool
The Wrap cast-on method is the easiest cast-on
method on the knitting board. You use the
stockinette or twisted stockinette stitch. It
creates a loopy edge so it should not be used if
the edge will be seen.
Tools needed:
- Round loom or rake
- Knitting tool
