Cast-on Methods for the Round Loom & Rake
There are a number of cast-on methods you can use to
start your projects when you knit on a round loom or
rake. Which one you use depends both on preference and
also on the type of project. 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 direction is different for circular and flat
panel knitting:
Cast-on & Knit Direction | |||
---|---|---|---|
Type of Knitting | Cast-on Direction | Knit Direction | |
Circular | Right to Left | Right to Left | |
Flat | Left to Right | Right to Left |
Essentially, the cast-on direction for circular knitting is the same direction as the knitting. You are, after all, going around in circles. It's different for flat though. Since you want to knit in a right to left direction, you need to start your cast-on on the left and finish on the right. Then you turn and start knitting from right to left.
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:
- 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 E-wrap cast-on method is the easiest cast-on
method on the round loom. You use the e-wrap
stitch. It creates a loopy edge which can easily be
hidden in a brim/cuff. It should not be used if the
edge will be seen.
Tools needed:
- Knitting tool
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 Scalloped cast-on method creates a
decorative, scalloped edge that is elastic. It is
used where strength is needed.
Tools needed:
- Crochet hook
The Ski cast-on method is an easy way to gather
the the end of your work in a similar fashion to
the gather bind-off technique making it perfect for
use with a ball. It was developed for an odd number
of pegs but can be slightly modified to use on any
loom.
Tools needed:
- Knitting tool