Casting on Method for knitting

On 14 Jul 2006 01:59:23 -0700, "angel_crafter" spewed forth :

I don't know anyone who produces a perfectly even cast on, regardless of the method used.

Once the item is finished, scoured and blocked the entire fabric - including cast on/off edges - evens out.

I aim for consistence when I cast on and I expect some variation. The thumb loop (for a two-strand cast on) is the one to keep loose as it's the one that needs to be flexible, especially on sock cuffs, sweater ribbing, etc.

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Reply to the list as I do not publish an email address to USENET. This practice has cut my spam by more than 95%. Of course, I did have to abandon a perfectly good email account...

Whatever cast-on you use, it will take practice to get it tight and even. I have done it several ways, and knitting on seems to be the best. Sorry that this wasn't much help.

Higs, Katherine

Hallo Angel crafter, welcome here , from the land of Milk & honey. I ALWAYS knit /cast on my stiches ,,,, mirjam,

I had the same problem all the time, too, until I started doing a long tail cast on method (explained in many many many books). That tends to work better for things like ribbing because it starts out pretty firm.

Here's a good link with lots of cast on styles.

I really looked at the site I realized that this was the mainsite that helped me remember how to knit when I was in school.

-Amanda Tikkanen

above url is very helpful. I think about.com is better than most dedicated knitting sights when it comes to finding help on knitting or crochet.

Hugs & God bless, Dennis & Gail

Thanks for all your help.. And I will check out the site Amanda.. Sounds like a good resource for knitting help. So, I don't feel so bad.. I want my work to look nice if I plan to sell my stuff but if I have my cast on not looking right and funny, well... Anyway, thanks again.. God bless you all.. Portia/California

There's also

which also has videos of different techniques.sue

-I wonder if the problem is not really the cast on, but the knitting of the first row? If you let the 2 needle points be a couple of inches apart, you will increase the thread lag between the stitches. I see people doing this all the time. Check when you are doing your first row, and be sure that you keep the points together and never hold a needle in both hands and pull out to look at what it looks like when on the first row. Minimize the distance between the needles on the 1st row to keep the cast-on from getting stretched out.

Are you working with wool? manmade threads or cotton ? you might try and cast on in bigger size than knitting size , although it used to be adviced to make the hem in a smaller size. But i am happier to cast on and off with a bigger size. mirjam

I always use the cable cast on and it seems to end up very even and neat despite my best efforts. After you have put two sts on the needle, put the right needle between the sts, put a loop round the needle, pull it up and put it on the left needle.

Roger.

angel_crafter wrote:

I use the slingshot method and that may be what your are describing.

make my cast on stitches even I cast on to two needles - one thesize I am knitting with and one a couple of sizes smaller. I do ittight and slip the small needle out when I start my first row. Theyturn out even and nice - in my opinion. Hope this helps...

Padishar Creel

angel_crafter wrote: