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"I never use long tail cast on--hate to run out or waste
the tail yarn. I usually use the knit cast on (where you knit
in between 2 sts and then put the new st. on the left needle--see
EZ's KW/OT). It takes a little more effort but gives a very
nice elastic edge. I also use invisible cast on if I'm going
to hem or add an edging. That way all the sts are sitting
there on a piece of yarn just waiting for you to slide them
on a needle. I STRONGLY suggest learning all cast on methods
and then choosing the one that best suits your current project."
- Darcy
"Thanks for having the discussion group. It will be
very informative to have all the input from so many knitters.
I use the long tail method for beginning a project. To avoid
running out of thread I use a thread from two skeins or the
inside and outside thread of one skein, form my slip knot
of the two threads thereby starting with two cast on stitches
cast on whatever is needed and cut one thread from second
skein leaving a few inches tail or cut the outside thread
of the one skein as above. To make the cast on more intersting
if I want to trim or use two colors I use two colors for the
cast on. The one over the thumb is the edge of the sweater."
- Nimble Needles/Marilyn
"I'm most comfortable with the long tail method (I think
thats what it is). I learned it as a child and it's just second
nature. However, I like to cast on using waste yarn (kind
of twined around the needle) when I add the ribbing or borders
later. I use the knitted cast on when I need to cast on additional
stiches to an existing body. I hope I'm clear enough."
- Sharon
"I almost always use the crochet/knit cast on. I like
the edging. If I'm press for time I'll do the twist cast on.
Seldom do the long tail cast on." - Joan
"good info can be shared here. RE: Casting on question.
After using a couple of other methods through the years, I
have recently been using the one you've described. The cast
on stiches are the right amount of tight, but still stretch.
Good luck and I'll be anxious to see all the replies!"
- Sheri
"What a great idea, Helene. My favorite cast-on is also
the cable cast-on. I seem to be able to get better tension
with it and the cast-on edge looks nicer than with any other.
Happy knitting" - Kathy
"I have two favorites, depending on what their intended
use is. For anything really stretchy, like garter st or ribbing
I like my mother's cast on. Similar to cable cast on as described,
but you keep knitting into the first stitch, putting the st
back on the LH needle, instead of between the first two sts.
The second is a stranded, invisible cast on as described in
BW's Knitting From the Top. I use it for any sweater and anything
that might get an edging--or where I don't yet know what I'm
going to do there!" - Sally
"Hi Helene, I agree with you. I was taught to just do
basic cast on with two needles as if to knit. Several years
ago someone taught me how to cable cast on and it gives the
neatest and firmest cast on I have tried and I have been knitting
for 45 years. Good luck with your Forum!" - Madeleine
"My favorite varies on what it is going to connect to,
for single rib I use a plain half hitch cast on. For garter
or any other flat (eg seed/moss etc) I like to use that lump
bobbly one from knitting ganseys (I think its called channel
islands cast on), I also like the knit in the back of a crochet
chain cast on, great for starting afgans." - Zoe
"I see no-one so far has mentioned EZ's fav - long tail
CO! It's the only one I use. Took me awhile to figure it out,
when I was first learning, but now can do it in my sleep,
and hardly ever miscalculate the needed amt of yarn to pull
forward before starting. That just comes with experience!
Happy Knitting All and congrats on the new message board Hélène!"
- Dawn
"Helene -- what a great idea! Thanks for setting this
up. I usually use the long tail cast-on. If I'm feeling particularly
perfectionist, I cast-on in pattern (you can do this purlwise
as well as the normal knitwise). My friend Catie Kniess showed
me a trick to make sure you don't run out of yarn -- just
use another strand of yarn (the only downside is you'll have
2 more ends to work in). I often cast on invisibly into a
crocheted chain, and have 2 tricks that I've learned recently.
In Hats On, Charlene Schurch suggests picking up a stitch
then yarnover the pick up through another stitch -- this speeds
things up. To end up with the same number of stitches on the
bottom of your work as the top, Anna Zilboorg suggests picking
up an extra stitch, then knitting two together on the first
row somewhere. Viola, you have created the "missing" stitch
on the bottom. I usually save the cable cast-on for times
when I want a firmer edge. Other methods just don't stick
in my brain (guess I only have so much room in there), so
I rarely use them, and need to refer to reference books when
I do." - Jamie
"Thanks, Helene, for this forum. Sounds like it's going
to be intersting and informative. I usually use the 'knit-on'
cast-on; that is, cast on a loop, then knit into the loop
and place new stitch back onto left needle. This seems, for
me, to have the same elasticity as stockinette stitch, and
works for sock cuffs very well. But when I need a firm, unelastic
edge I will use long-tail cast-on." - Gwen
"Hi All, My favorite everyday cast on was taught to
me by my Granny (some of my Great Aunts use it too) but, as
been pointed out to me by a more modern knitter...they weren't
very knowledgable (as they never published any works on the
subject)...oh well, tisk tisk on them...they still knew a
lot as far as I am concerned. This cast on didn't really have
a name that I recall, but theidea was to cast on the knitting
needle by way of crocheting...the result is a very tidy and
very smooth chain like edge that has a more consistent tension
that other methods I have tried. It's a bit awkward if you
don't crochet, however. I guess I will call it, "Grans Crochet
Cast On." Thanks for letting me state an opinion, The StixChic
" - Casey
"I prefer the long tail cast on most of the time. Feels
very comfortable for me to do and the first row always looks
neat and tidy." - Chris
"If I'm doing k1 p1 ribbing then I use the tubular cast
on. It gives a flexible but not too loose edge and is invisible.
If I'm not doing rib then I use the cable cast on learned
at my grandmother's knee, but we didn't know it was called
that at the time!" - Jacquie
"My mother taught me the knit-a-stitch-but-don't-slip-it-off/put-it-back-on-the-left-needle
when I was very young (about 9 if I remember correctly). Since
then, and after many years of knitting, I find that I prefer
the cable cast on for a nice firm, smooth edge; I just didn't
know what it was called. Helene, love the site and message
board. Are you considering naming all our "unnamed" cast ons
and/or providing source(s) for learning the names to what
most of us learned from a talented relative, who just didn't
know the technical name? That would be a wonderful resource
for me!!! Thanks, happy kniting, and good luck with the message
board!!!!!" - Barbara
"I use the knit-a-stitch . . . version. I got tired
of having to pull that long piece through when using the old
"wrap it around your fingers and put it on the needle" version,
so when I got the VK book, I set out to learn something that
would work better. After wrestling with the other methods
(as much as I love knitting, trying to learn a new technique
is often frustrating for me), I finally settled on this one.
It's also almost as fast as the other. The VK book, btw, calls
it "knitting on." - Barbara
Note that the information quoted above may or may not
be correct. It is posted here purely as a starting point from
which knitters can begin researching methods of casting on
and be inspired by other enthusiasts.
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