Crafting Cast Ons by Mary Forte

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Crafting Cast Ons by Mary Forte ON YOUR WAY TO THE MASTERS Crafting Cast Ons by Mary Forte Take advantage of the cast on row for making your garments com- same width as the interior rows with the same number of stitch- fortable and showing off your expert hand crafting. One goal with es. For stretchy edges in the hats, vest and sweater, also look for a your Master’s swatches is to have a straight edge with stitches all comfortable, elastic cast on. Sometimes just recognizing the prob- about the same size. Another goal is to have the cast on tension lem, and adjusting how tightly or loosely you form the stitches, match the tension of the rest of the knitting: not too tight, not too will improve the cast on. Also consider the following strategies for loose (See Figure 1 on page 6). In projects, especially garments, improving cast on tension: you also want to choose an appropriately elastic or inelastic cast on depending on the use. Change needle size. Cast on with smaller needles if the tension is too loose or larger needles if the tension is too tight. Cast on with two needles held together. This is a good technique to use Starting SUGGESTIONS if your cast on is so tight the first row is hard to knit. Remember to Slip Knot: To make the slip knot easy to tighten after the first remove one of the needles before you start knitting the first row. row, make sure it’s the tail yarn that slips, not the ball yarn. No-Knot (Twist): Hold the yarn as for a long tail cast on. Adjust the number of cast on stitches (not for the Master’s swatches). Take the needle over the top and snag a loop by moving the Practice swatches will help you determine the correct number to cast needle tip in a clockwise motion (See Figure 2 on page 6). on and then the number of increases or decreases needed in the next row. Experiment with techniques. If elasticity is a problem, choose a more Spotting THE Problems appropriate method of cast on (next section). Learning what to look for is one of the most useful strategies for improving knitting. Along with making sure the stitches are con- USING COMMON CAST ONS sistently sized, evaluate the following in your cast ons: Knitting reference books offer many options for casting on. See the bibliography at then end of this article for publications detailing You can determine that the cast on is too loose if you see flaring or the following common techniques: over-large stitches at the bottom edge. The corners may slope up towards the selvages, giving the bottom edge a U shape. The bottom Long-Tail Cast On may flare and wave as you knit up the piece. Also look for spaces in The long-tail cast on is probably the most common. It involves the first row of fabric that are larger than the spaces between the scooping a loop of yarn first off the thumb and then off the index stitches in later rows. Those holes tell you that the cast on is trying to finger. It is also called double cast on, half-hitch cast on, German pull the first row stitches further apart from each other because the cast on, and probably other names. You can use this cast on for tension doesn’t match (See Figure 3 on page 6). sleeves, sock tops, waistbands, or anywhere you need a durable elastic edge. The cast on is too tight if you see the bottom corners drawing inward and down in an inverted U. The stitches may be leaning away from Keeping appropriate tension: When forming stitches, experiment the center towards the outside edges. You may also find the first few with how tightly you snug up the loops. Try keeping your fingers rows puckering (See Figure 4 on page 6). closer to the needle for more control. Another cast on problem is inappropriate elasticity for the use of Pros: Long-tail stretches and rebounds nicely. It creates the first row the piece. A cable cast on may make a beautiful edge, but may not of regular knitting at the same time as the cast on, making the next expand enough to allow a sock top to fit comfortably around the row easier to knit off. wearer’s leg. A long-tail cast on may allow the edge of a bag to droop open. Cons: In its most common form, the long-tail cast on leaves you with the purl side facing for the first row. If you want the stockinette side FINDING THE Solutions facing, you will have to purl a row. However if you don’t want that For the Master’s swatches, aim for a cast on edge that measures the extra row of purling, there is a solution, the reverse long-tail cast on: 66 Cast On • August – October 2009 Switch hands for the cast on – needle in left, loops around thumb and fingers on the right –the rest of the technique is the same and Figure 1 the stockinette side will be facing you for the next row. You can also use the reverse long tail to place the purl side out when knitting in the round. A challenge of the long tail method involves estimating the cor- rect amount of tail yarn. Some sources recommend measuring out three times the anticipated width of the piece. But if you are using larger yarn and needles, you will want to measure out more. You could also try wrapping the yarn around the needle for 10 wraps (not too tight), noting that length of yarn, then measuring out those increments for the rest of the stitches. For example, if you need 100 stitches, and 10 wraps gives you inches; then 100 stitch- es will need 0 inches. You will end up with a generous tail since the tail yarn actually wraps the base of the stitch rather than the Figure 2 needle. You might also like to add extra length for seaming. Always err on the side of more length. Finally, remember to add at least 4 more inches for weaving in ends. You can also use these strategies for estimating intarsia lengths and figuring out if you have enough yarn left to finish a row or section. Thumb Cast On The thumb cast on is also called single cast on, simple cast on, e- loop cast on, and probably other things. It involves looping the yarn over the thumb and scooping it onto the needle, making a series of twisted e-shaped loops. Keeping appropriate tension: On the first row after the cast on, keep needle tips close together to avoid stretching the stitches. Figure 3 Pros: The thumb cast on is easy to learn and is quickly done. Cons: This cast on is difficult to keep even. It is often too loose, and it can be very difficult for a beginning knitter to knit off the first row as it slides off the needle quite easily. Because this cast on is so difficult to keep even, it’s best used for quick (not Master’s) swatching or edges that won’t show at the end of the project. Some knitters use it for the follow-up row of a two-row buttonhole, but a cable cast on will make a sturdier buttonhole top. Cable and Knitted On Cast Ons The cable cast on involves drawing up a loop between previous stitches and placing it back on the same needle. The knitted cast on only differs in that the loop is drawn up out of the last stitch. Figure 4 Keeping appropriate tension: For the cable cast on, make sure you draw out the yarn far enough for each loop, often over half an inch. Pros: Cable cast on produces an attractive twisted edge. It is very useful for buttonholes, purse openings, pocket edges, and any other edge that needs to be firm and stable. continued on page 68 www.TKGA.com 6 continued from page 67 Cons: It is difficult to make a cable cast on elastic enough for some applications. While the cable cast looks neat and attractive with rib- bing, it doesn’t really allow the ribbing to stretch These are only a few examples of cast on methods. Consult knitting reference books to find many other options. They are fun to experi- ment with and worth your time to explore so that you can craft the most attractive and comfortable choices. Bibliography Buss, Katharina, Big Book of Knitting, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. New York, 1999. Hiatt, June Hemmons, The Principles of Knitting, Simon and Schus- ter, 1988. Stanley, Montse, Reader’s Digest Knitter’s Handbook, Reader’s Digest, Pleasantville, NY, 1993. Swanson, Meg, “No-Knot Start,” Vogue Knitting, Winter 2004/2005, pg 30. Vogue Knitting, Butterick Company, Inc., 1989. Wiseman, Nancie M., The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques, Martingale & Company, Woodinville, WA, 2002. Special thanks to Kathy Mates, Sylvia Willoughby, Binka Schwan and Cindy Nelson for their help on this article. leisure arts ad 68 Cast On • August – October 2009.
Recommended publications
  • Casting on a Seam Stitch
    WOOLWIND/INTARSIA This technique is used to knit blocks of different colours, avoiding the extra bulk of Fair Isle knitting. When using this method, you will need a separate ball for each section of colour. The colour twist method involves twisting the different coloured yarns over each other to prevent holes. Twist the colour to be used underneath and to the right of the colour just used. Always change colours on the wrong side of the work so colour change does not show on right side. CASTINGCASTING ON A ONSEAM A SEAM STITCH STITCH CASTING ON A SEAM ST When casting on a seam st, do not inc by knitting into front and back of stitch. Make a loop with yarn as shown and slip onto left hand needle as indicated by arrows, pulling up stitch firmly, then work as first stitch of next row. KNITTING UP STITCHES 1 2 3 4 Insert needle through One stitch knitted up. Repeat step 1 as many All stitches knitted up fabric one whole stitch times as required, ready to begin 1st row in from the edge, wrap spacing the number of or round. yarn around needle (as stitches evenly along the for knitting) and draw piece of knitting. through fabric. FRINGES Wind yarn round a piece of cardboard of required width and cut along one edge. With right side facing, using crochet hook and two or more strands of yarn (diagrams show three strands), fold yarn in half and draw loop through a stitch on item (diagrams A and B), draw ends through this loop (diagram C) and pull tightly to form knot.
    [Show full text]
  • Beginning to Knit
    Beginning To Knit This Lesson is reprinted by permission Pull down on both ends of the yarn to tighten the knot. of TNNA and contains portions of the Diagram 21. “How to Knit” book published by The Diagram 21 National NeedleArts Association (www. TNNA.org). Find full details for the new knitter in the complete “How to Knit” book available at your local yarn shop. Casting On - Double Cast On Method Measure off a length of yarn allowing one inch for each stitch you will cast on. Your pattern instructions will To cast on the second stitch, and all subsequent stitches, indicate this number. Make a slip-knot, it will be your hold the needle with the slip-knot in your right hand. first stitch. To make a slip-knot, make a pretzel shape Drape the short end of yarn over the thumb and the with the yarn and slip the needle into the pretzel as yarn from the ball over the index finger. Gently pull the shown. Diagrams 19 & 20. two ends of yarn apart to tighten the loop. Take care not to tighten it too much. The stitch should glide easily over the needle. Both strands of yarn should rest Diagram 19 in the palm of the left hand, with the last two fingers holding them down. Diagram 22. Diagram 22 Diagram 20 How To Knit Pull the needle downward, then insert the point of the Drop the thumb loop, then pull on the short end of needle up through the loop that is on your thumb. yarn with your thumb.
    [Show full text]
  • Filcolana A/S English Translation: Signe Strømgaard
    Aiyana - a gorgeously colorful cardigan Design: Charlotte Kaae This design is inspired by old Mexican blan- kets and patterns from the Aztec empire. The pattern is an explosion of colors on a light background, which is a joy to knit and to wear afterwards. Aiyana means eternal bloom. 2nd English edition - January 2017, © Filcolana A/S English translation: Signe Strømgaard Materials Peruvian Highland Wool by Filcolana: Main Color (MC): Approx. 230 (280) 330 (380) g in color 101 Contrast Color (CC): Approx. 180 (230) 280 (330) g in the following colors for a magic yarn ball: 271, 218, 194, 223 and 280. More is used of 194 than of the others. 5,5 mm double-pointed needles 5,5 mm circular needle, 60 cm and 80 cm long 3 buttons Stitch markers Sizes S (M) L (XL) Measurements Body, chest: 81 (91) 101 (111) cm Sweater, chest: ca. 81 (91) 101 (111) cm Sleeve length: 46,5 (46,5) 48,5 (48,5) cm Total length: 53 (53) 55 (55) cm Gauge 17 sts and 21 rows in pattern worked in the round on a 5,5 mm circular needle = 10 x 10 cm. Special Abbreviations M1: Make 1. Increase one stitch by lifting the chain between sts onto the left needle and knitting it through the back loop. Directions for knitting The sweater is worked from the bottom up and in the round to the armholes. Here the sleeves are added and the yoke is worked in the round as well. When the knitting is completed, the sweater is steeked mid front.
    [Show full text]
  • Let's Learn to Knit with Knit and Purl
    4JE-01PO Let's Learn to Knit with Knit & Purl Contents Your Guide for the Project --------------------------------------- 3 What Is Knitting? ------------------------------------------------- 4 Your Knitting Tools ----------------------------------------------- 4 About Yarns -------------------------------------------------------- 5 4 Rules to Learn Before You Start to Knit -------------------- 6 Casting On—The First Step in Knitting ----------------------- 6 The Knit Stitch—Plain Knitting or Garter Stitch ------------ 8 The Purl Stitch --------------------------------------------------- 10 Ribbing ----------------------------------------------------------- 10 Binding Off------------------------------------------------------- 10 Sewing Seams---------------------------------------------------- 11 Suggested Patterns ---------------------------------------------- 12 Self Quiz ---------------------------------------------------------- 15 Prepared by Jo Ann S. Hilliker, former State Extension Specialist in Clothing & Textiles Based on “Let’s Learn to Knit” from the Oregon Cooperative Extension Service Subject matter support provided by Linda M. Heaton, Extension Specialist in Textiles and Environment, Family and Consumer Sciences Special appreciation is extended to the committee that inspired this project and worked long hours to make it a reality. Many thanks to: Thelma Smith, Shelby County Leader Marie Riggs, Fayette County Leader Katherine Hixson, Harrison County Leader Jane Bailey, former Shelby County Agent for Home Economics Karen Hill,
    [Show full text]
  • Circular Cast-On
    Circular Cast-on I like this cast-on – it's absolutely perfect for top-down Hats, as not only does it reduce the hole at the crown, but it also mirrors how you would cast-off in a bottom-up Hat. When you knit a bottom-up Hat and get to the last few stitches, the instructions will most often tell you to cut the yarn and thread it through the remaining stitches and then tighten to close. Doing this reduces the hole at the crown and effectively casts-off all the stitches at once. This circular cast-on does just that, but the opposite way round! Mechanically it works in the opposite but same way to threading the yarn through and tightening – instead you are casting on the stitches over the yarn, which is what allows you to neaten up so easily. Once you've knitted a few rounds after casting on this way, you'll be able to pull the yarn end and the hole will close up and look perfect. You will need a crochet hook, one as close as possible to the size you will be using for the knitting. You could use a slightly smaller hook, as the stitches will be tightened anyway, but a hook that is too small will make the first rounds knitted onto the cast-on tricky. Likewise with a hook that's too big, the first few rounds will be a bit saggy until the hole is tightened. 1. With the end of your yarn, make a loop by 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Swatchcuff-1
    Fair Isle Style Swatch Cuff Designed by Anne Frost The best way to swatch for a fair isle project is to use the yarn you intend to use for your project and knit in the round. Many experienced Fair Isle knitters will swatch by knitting a hat. But if you are planning to knit a hat, you may want to swatch using a smaller project. This pattern has been designed to allow knitters to test for gauge using a small swatch in the round and end up with something useful at the end: a wrist-warming cuff or a small mat. = Knit with background color = Knit with contrast color = Purl Materials Knitting the Cuff Small amounts of yarn in two colors. I recommend using Knit the 19 rows of the pattern using the chart the two colors that are used the least in your pattern so above. Every round is worked from right to left you don't risk running out. from the chart. 3 to 4 Double pointed needles in the size you wish to test. Bind off loosely to maintain the proper tension of (Check the recommendation of the pattern you are the ribbing. planning to knit.) Weave in the ends. Darning needle If desired, you can use this project to practice Sharp scissors with a long blade. (optional, if you plan to steeking by making the cut between the stitches at steek.) the start and end of the rounds. Casting On Video Help Traditionally, many people knit Fair Isle in the round with There is a series of videos available on YouTube to help the work on only two needles.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Cast-On and Bind-Off Knitting the Essentials of Casting-On and Binding Off: How to Cast-On and Bind-Off Knitting
    The Essentials of Casting-On and Binding Off: How to Cast-On and Bind-Off Knitting The Essentials of Casting-On and Binding Off: How to Cast-On and Bind-Off Knitting CASTING ON AND BINDING OFF ARE which are included here, but there are all I hope this helps you with two of the most TWO SKILLS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL kinds of cast-on and bind-off techniques important parts of your knitting projects: FOR KNITTERS TO KNOW. IN OUR that knitters should be familiar with. beginning and ending. NEW EBOOK, THE ESSENTIALS OF CASTING-ON AND BINDING-OFF: HOW Choosing the right cast-on can enhance the Cheers, TO CAST-ON AND BIND-OFF KNITTING, success of a project. For example, you might WE PROVIDE YOU WITH A BUNDLE OF need a stretchy bind-off for some toe-up CAST-ONS AND BIND-OFFS! socks, or you might need to cast on stitches in the middle of a row for a buttonhole; Some of us rely on just two techniques, the there are definitely instances when one Kathleen Cubley long-tail cast-on and the standard bind-off, technique is better to use than another. Editor, KnittingDaily.com Cast-Ons THE ESSENTIALS OF CASTING-ON AND BINDING-OFF: HOW TO Backward Loop Cast-On ....................................PAGE 3 CAST-ON AND BIND-OFF KNITTING A Knitting Daily eBook edited by Kathleen Cubley Long-Tail Cast-On ............................................ PAE G 4 EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR, KNITTING DAILY Kathleen Cubley Knitted Cast-On .............................................. PAE G 5 CREATIVE SERVICES PRODUCTION DESIGNER Janice Tapia ................................................ PA GE 5 Cable Cast-On PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Hartlove (unless otherwise credited) Old Norwegian Cast-On ...................................
    [Show full text]
  • Patons 8360 Sweater
    0 J P 131 1 3 8360 SWEATER To fit chest 36 41 46 51 56 cm last st, cast on a further 16 [T8, 18, 22, 22] sts, 14 16 18 20 22 in (approx) K33 [39, 48, 58, 71] sts from spare needle {82 [96, 114, 138, 164] sts). Garment measures Starting with a P row, work in stocking st for 1 38 44 49 53 58 cm [15, 19, 21, 25] rows, thus ending with right side 15 1716 19V2 21 23 in (approx} facing for next row. Shape &le«ve$ by casting off 5 [4, 7, 8, 8] sts at Length from top of shoulders, approx beg of next 8 [2, 4, 10, 8] nows (42 [88, 36, 58, IS 20 23 26 30 cm 100] sis). 7 8 9 10 12 in 2nd, 3rd and 6th sizes: Cast off [5, 8, 9] sts at beg of next [8, 4, 4] rows ([48, 54. 64] sts} Length from centre back of neck to cuff All sizes: Work a further 18 [22, 28, 30, 36] 22 25 29 34 40 cm rows. 872 10 1172 13^ 1572 in (approx Change to No 3tk mm needles and dec as Patons Fairytale DK follows: Next tow—K6 [7, 8. 9, 10], (K2tog, K12 2 2 2 3 3 50 gram balls or [14, 16, 17, 19]} twice, K2tog, K to end (39 [46, 1 1 1 2 2 1 00 gram 'Magic Value' balls 51, 55, 611 sts). Starting and ending with a 2nd row, work in ribas before for 3 [3, 3.
    [Show full text]
  • 100 Stitch 'N Bitch NATION
    100 Stitch ’n Bitch NATION Copy these flower and leaf templates, then use them to cut pieces from felt. Sweaters and Ponchos 101 Yo Me ur T w i p o s h ! S You Spin Me Right Round, Baby S CHANGING A PATTERN FROM STRAIGHT KNITTING TO KNITTING IN THE ROUND f you are a circular knitting fanatic, there’s nothing to stop Knit the remainder of the sweater back and forth in the Iyou from knitting most of a sweater in the round even if a usual way. Just put all the stitches for the first side on a spare pattern tells you to knit it flat. You just need to make a few sim - circular needle or scrap yarn and work the front and the back of ple adjustments. Start with the front, casting on the total num - the sweater separately. ber of stitches minus 2, and place a stitch marker. Then cast on There are a few important things to take into account when the total number of stitches for the back minus 2 stitches, place • altering a flat-knit pattern for knitting in the round. First, your another stitch marker, and join your round. This reduction of 4 gauge for knitting in the round may be tighter than for knitting stitches—1 per side per piece—is what would have been taken up back and forth. If this is true for you, knit the back-and-forth by the seams. Since you’re knitting in the round, you won’t need parts on a smaller needle so that your gauge is consistent.
    [Show full text]
  • The 4-H Knitting Handbook
    THE 4-H 4H/Sewing&Textiles/2012/02pr KNITTING HANDBOOK By Debra Proctor & Susan Haws TABLE OF CONTENTS • Teaching Your Love of Knitting to Kids .............................................. 1 • Knitting Project ........................................................................... 2 • Knitting Tools ............................................................................. 3 • Yarn & Gauge ............................................................................. 5 • Rolling Yarn into a Ball That Pulls from Center ...................................... 6 • Working on a Pattern ..................................................................... 8 • Learn to Knit ............................................................................. 9 (Slip Knot, Cast On, Long-Tail Cast On, Backwards Loop Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Knit Increases, Increasing 1 Stitch, Eyelet Increase or Yarn Overs, Make 1 Stitch, Decreases, Knit 2 Together, Slip, Slip Knit, Bind Off, Joining New Yarn, Assembly, Mattress Stitch Seam, Weave in Ends) • Patterns ...................................................................................... 22 (Knitted Nesting Pincushion, Pot Holder/Hotpad, Double Yarn Knit Slippers, Diagonal Knit Dishcloth, Holes and Ridges Knitted Dishcloth, Knitted Stocking Cap, Garter Stitch Scarf, Mittens, Pompoms) • Judging Scoresheet ....................................................................... 32 • Service Project Ideas ..................................................................... 33 • Acknowledgments
    [Show full text]
  • The Knitting Illini! -.:: GEOCITIES.Ws
    Welcome to the Knitting Illini! We are a social group that meets weekly to knit, chat and eat brownies. We welcome any skill level, from the absolute beginner to seasoned knitters with super-knitting skills. If you have any knitting supplies of your own such as yarn and knitting needles, please bring them with you to meetings as our club supply is low. Last year, club members worked on many personal knitting projects including hats, baby sweaters, blankets, scarves and more scarves! This handout lists important resources for knitters such as local yarn stores, must-have knitting books, cool web sites and online knitting forums and info about our charity projects. We've also listed common knitting terms, attached an illustrated guide on how to knit and included a simple scarf pattern for beginners. Contact and club info: If you have any knitting or club related questions, please feel free to contact Ariel, club president, at [email protected]. Our web site www.geocities.com/knittingillini lists upcoming events and meeting times. If you would like to add a picture of a project you've knitted to the photos page, please send it to Susan at [email protected]. So don’t just sit there, knit something! Local Yarn Stores: • Needleworks (24 E. Green St., Champaign 352-1340) This store carries specialty yarns, lots of knitting needles (circular, bamboo, double pointed, etc.), patterns and books, and they’re within walking distance from campus. The staff is also really friendly and will answer any knitting questions you may have. Knit nights every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.
    [Show full text]
  • Helix Knitting
    Helix Knitting Rochester Knitting Guild October 28, 2019 What the heck is a HELIX? Your circular knitting is a squishy SLINKY Knitting in the round is a giant spiral of interlocked stitches, built round by round. Single color knitting in Use the nature of circular knitting the round appears to to take advantage of the spiraling flow without a jog helices and lose the jog. between the end of one round and the beginning of the next. It’s there but not as noticeable. Garter Stitch in the Round Easy peasy, right? Knit one round, purl one round. Unfortunately, you’ll end up with what appears to be a seam at the beginning of the round where you switched from knit to purl and purl to knit. How to avoid this? Two rounds Two stitches/yarn positions Two balls of yarn And never the twain shall meet. To seem to have a seam, or not to seem. How does this work? Using two separate balls of yarn allows the knit rounds and the purl rounds to be continuous spirals In this picture, imagine that the gray spiral is Ball K, the knit rounds and the yellow is Ball P, the purl rounds. Each is continuous; an uninterrupted spiral of gray knits or yellow purls Two balls = No obvious seam Knit the knit rounds with one ball of yarn and the purl rounds with the other. Step 1: Weigh your yarn Step 2: Divide the yarn in half by winding two balls of equal weight Step 3: Make your life easy by casting on with your favorite long tail cast on method and a strand from each ball of yarn.
    [Show full text]