Alternate Cable Cast On

The alternate cable cast on is the cable cast on worked for ribbing. Instead of making every stitch from the same side of the work, you alternate sides, one stitch made like a knit and the next like a purl, so the knits and purls of the rib are set up before you work the first row.

The edge is firm and strong like the cable cast on, but with enough stretch to use on ribbing. Worked over one by one rib it blends into the knits and purls and is hard to spot.

It is firmer than the long tail family of ribbing cast ons. If you want a very stretchy brim or cuff, pick one of those. If you want a tidy edge that holds its shape, this is the one.