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:
    1. Use a smaller gauge loom
    2. 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.

Cable
Chain
Double
E-wrap
Long Tail
Scalloped
Ski

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