We have already looked at a number of different cast on methods including simple one strand as well as two strand methods. Below we will consider some more interesting and decorative cast on methods.
Channel Islands Cast On
This is a more advanced form of a two strand cast on but is much firmer and is great to use if you are going to be doing a single rib pattern. You should follow your preferred two strand cash on but instead:
1. Use both strands of yarn in your left hand
2. Wrap the two strands of yarn around your thumb or index finger, the usual way for the simplified method and the opposite way for the thumb, German and Italian methods.
3. After each stitch wrap the yarn under and up the front of the needle to make another stitch.
Knotted Cast On
This is another two strand method that is very strong and is also great to use as a decorative edge.
1. Cast on 2 stitches using your preferred two strand method
2. Take the second needle in your left hand and insert into first stitch
3. Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the end of the needle
Cable Cast On
This is a very firm cast on method and forms an edge like a cord. It is important to work it loosely otherwise you may have difficulties. This method uses two needles and one strand.
1. Make a slip knot.
2. Cast on one stitch using the knitted method (can be found in part 2)
3. Continue like knitted cast on but insert the needle behind the first stitch
Alternate Cable Cast On
This again uses two needles and one strand of yarn and is a variation on the cable cast on that is good for single rib. Follow the cable cast on method except knit behind first stitch and then purl behind the following one and so on. When beginning your rib you should start with purl if your last cast on stitch was a purl and vice versa.
Picot Cast on
This is one of my favourite cast on methods and gives a lovely decorative edge. It uses two needles and one strand
1. Make a slip knot
2. Cast on 5 stitches using cable cast on (stitches will be on left hand needle)
3. Cast off 2 stitches (you should have 2 stitches on LH needle and one on RH needle)
4. Slip stitch from right hand needle to left hand needle
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have the correct number of stitches.
There are literally so many cast on methods that I could go on all day listing them. However what I have put together are a number of cast on methods that I like and that you should hopefully be able to try. Don