Let’s talk about another great stretchy cast on that you should know: the knitted cast on. As you learn to knit, you’ll need to know different types of knitting cast ons. The one we’re going to teach you today is an easy cast on for knitting.
This knitting cast on method is a great cast on for beginners because it shows you how the individual stitches are formed. Really, though, you’re learning two things at once: a useful technique and stitch construction. Awesome, right?
The knitted cast on is easy to do. But before we get to our step-by-step knitting tutorial, let’s talk about why this knitted cast on is so useful.
Knitted Cast On Benefits
- Creates an elastic cast on.
- Teaches garter stitch formation.
- You can cast on an unlimited amount of stitches.
- Uses only a single strand of working yarn, unlike the long tail cast on.
- No need to measure yarn for cast on.
- You can use this knitting technique to add stitches at the beginning of a row.
- It can also be used to cast on in the middle of a row.
- You can use it for different knitting projects that require a super stretchy cast on.
- Beginners casting on knitting for the first time can learn quickly.
- One of the easiest ways to cast on in knitting.
As you can see, there’s a lot to love here in this one basic knitting technique. On the flip side, the only negative thing we could say is that it’s not the fastest cast on method. But with practice comes speed. Have patience.
Before we begin discussing our easy cast on knitting instructions, a quick note on knitting styles.
Knitting Style
For this knitting tutorial, knitting style is not terribly important. However, we have chosen to use the American knitting style, also known as English Knitting. It is also known as right handed knitting, or throwing, but they all amount to the same knitting style, which has been used for this cast on. The steps in the photos below reflect this style.
Read more: American Knitting
Alright, let's get down to business.
How Do You Cast On in Knitting
Step 1:
Make a slip knot and cinch it onto your knitting needle. Don't make it too tight or it will be difficult to begin.
The slip knot is your first stitch.
Remember, your working yarn comes from the back.
Step 2:
With your working needle in your left hand, insert your empty needle into the first stitch. Do this as if to knit the stitch.
Read more: How to Make a Knit Stitch
Step 3:
Wrap the yarn around the needle as if to knit. For knitting beginners, wrap the yarn counter-clockwise and over the top of the right knitting needle.
Step 4:
Next, you will knit into the stitch but keep it on the needle. Without slipping it off, pull the loop up and towards you.
It’s okay to give it some length as you will end up cinching it close in the following steps.
Step 5:
Now twist the loop to the right. This will open the stitch for the next step.
Step 6:
You will now insert your left needle into the loop from front to back. In other words, move your left needle point through the loop on your right needle.
Step 7:
With the loop now on the left needle, it's safe to drop it from the right. Slowly begin to cinch it closed.
Don't make them too tight. Your stitches should be able to move easily on the needle.
Repeat steps 2-7 until you have cast on the number of stitches you need.
Cast On in the Middle of a Row
There will also be times when you need to cast on stitches during knitting. Take, for example, this Water Lily short row knitting pattern. Each petal is a series of knitted cast ons and bind offs.
It may seem difficult but it’s really quite easy to cast on knitting stitches in the middle of your knitting.
Get the free knitting pattern I used in this tutorial: Water Lily
How to Cast On in the Middle of a Row
When your pattern calls for you to add stitches to a row of knitting, place your work in your left hand. Since your work is already anchored on the needle, you will not need to add a slip knot.
Work the next stitch as described in steps 2-7 above. Then repeat these steps as many times as you need to create the number of stitches you want.
What to Do After Casting On in Knitting
And finally, once you've cast on your knitting stitches, you will be ready to begin (or continue) knitting. Your work will already be in your left hand so there's no need to turn your work. All you will need to do is knit or purl as the pattern requires.
That's it. You've done it. You've learned how to start the knitting cast on and how to add stitches to the middle of a row. As you can see below, it really is a stretchy cast on.
We hope these knitting instructions for casting on have been helpful to you. If so, please drop us a note and let us know how we're doing. We'd love to hear from you.
Hi Christina,
Do you by any chance know where I could get the pattern for the example you used for the knitted cast on tutorial? Many thanks for sharing patterns and you excellent tutorials. Thanks in advance. Kathryn
Hi Kathryn! Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave a comment.
Yes, the pattern is called "Water Lily" and can be found at this link: http://knitting-and-so-on.blogspot.com/2018/07/water-lily.html
Happy knitting! Christina
Please show this using continental knitting. The other way just confuses me. Too many steps to get ehere you need to be.
Hi! Thanks for the suggestion. This is on our "to-do" list and we hope to have it up soon.
It's very generous of you to share this labour of love. It would have taken me several days of toiling to understand and work out the pattern . By sharing your knowledge you have enabled me to make this pattern easily. I appreciate what you have done and thank you with all my heart
hi! i have been using this cast on for a while. it gives a pretty result. but i find that it is very stable and definitely not at all stretchy. can you think of a reason for this? i truly believe that i am doing it exactly as you demonstrate here.
i have tried other "stretchy" and "super-stretchy" cast ons as well, and they seem to be pretty non-stretchy too. i do knit a little snug, but not tight.
Hi there! I understand what you're saying. Since you mentioned that you're a snug knitter, you might try casting on with a needle size larger than what your pattern calls for. This'll offset any tightness or tension. Hope this helps. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Hi,
thank you for this lovely tutorial.
I've added a link to this tutorial on the Water Lily pattern blog page.
Thanks again,
SR
You're most welcome! Thank you for the beautiful free pattern AND for sharing the tutorial. Much appreciated!
I love this information, I enjoy learning new and different ways to knit. There are some techniques I want to learn, I am looking for dvds on brioche knitting and others. I would purchase these if I could!!! I thank you for your help,time, and encouragement I get!!!!
I find this a great way to cast on and have been doing it for the last 53 years (now62) I also don't feel that it is a stretch stitch and I am an average knitter. I cast on the same as your tutorial which is absolutely fantastic, you have described things to make it so much easier. Thanks so much.
Can you tell me what you think I might be doing wrong please?
Kind regards Sandy. 🤶🇦🇺
Sandra, I'm so happy to hear that you found my instructions clear and understandable. That is one of my primary goals on Knitfarious.com!
You're right. The Knitted cast on is not one of the stretchiest cast-ons, though it is categorized as such, but it does have some give. It's hard to say what you might be doing differently without actually seeing it but, like most things in knitting, tension and needle size are usually the cause. Might I suggest playing around with these (tighter/looser and bigger/smaller respectively) and see if these help.
I hope this helps! Thanks for stopping by!
Row 1 What does cast on 34 sts, knit end row-128 sts
Row 2 cast on 34 sts, purl to end of row-162 sets.
Then says work in Ridge pattern until measures about 10 from cast-on-rows, bind off.
Supposed to be easy, but understand what it means. Help please.
Hi Dee! Thanks for dropping me a note. Unfortunately, it's hard to tell without seeing the pattern. I would recommend you contact the designer and ask him/her to elaborate on the instructions. Best of luck!
ok Thank you it's not as easy as pattern says for some one just learning.
You're welcome. I understand where you're coming from. In the beginning when I taught myself how to knit, I learned that "easy" patterns were often very subjective. What's easy for one person is hard for another. This frustration is what led me to start Knitfarious and this blog. If I can help in any way, let me know. Take care. ~ Christina
Hi Christina, I am enjoying reading your blog. I've just started a winter project. Arron jumper. About the 12th project over 60ys. I do understand the pattern, at the moment the biggest problem is loosing that odd p1 or k1 stitch. I believe it's helping my concentration in this sad time of C19. Which has suffered by all the subtle changes we've all had to make remembering all the things we usually take for granted. Thank you for your clear and supportive advice. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
Tricia. Norfolk England
Hi Tricia! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a note. I'm so glad you have knitting to help you during these trying times. It certainly has helped me. I very much appreciate your kind words. Wishing you much success with your next winter project. If you feel so inclined, please share a pic when you're done. I'd love to see your work. Take care! Christina
I will but you may have to wait a while. 🙃🤣. Stay safe. Tricia
At 86 years old I have been knitting for a while. I am presently knitting for 7 great-grandchildren (3boys 1 - 12 and 4 girls (2-6). I am seeking fashionable vest patterns at present. I have just done your lesson on Casting On Knitting Stitches which will be a blessing to me. Thank you for the details which make such sense.
Thank you for taking the time to drop me a note. It's good to hear from you. It pleases me to hear you found my tutorial useful. Enjoy knitting for your great-grandchildren and Happy New Year!
Hello, I have just finished making an asymmetrical shawl, and I have bind it off. Can I pick up where I finished by using this pattern that you're showing us on this site?
Hi Patrice. I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you wanting to knit the Lily pattern onto your finished shawl? Please explain. Thanks.
Hola Cristina,agradezco que compartas tu experiencia.
You're welcome! It's my pleasure! / De nada. Es un placer!
Hi! I'm just wondering if you have any advice on how to close the gap when you knit or purl the next row after having added additional stitches via the cable cast on?
Thanks!
Ann, it might be a tension issue - casting on too tightly or too loosely as compared to how you were knitting before. This is often the case. If you can, try to replicate the area of the project that you're about to work on a separate piece and work small sample swatches to see what looks best. Good luck!
I want to knit a round table covering about 48 inches across. How and when do I need to add stitches as the piece gets larger so that it will remain flat? I have not been able to find instructions about this. I have been knitting for many years but never tried such a project. I have knitted 5 Irish fisherman's sweaters and other smaller projects.
Hi Marguerite! You can add a border to the edges to keep the edges from curling. Garter stitch, seed stitch, or ribbing will do. Also, depending on the yarn fiber you're planning to use, a good blocking will help as well. I hope this helps you! Good luck!