Draft
Cast Ons for Beginners
The first cast ons to learn. Simple, forgiving, and good enough for most projects.
These are the cast ons that need nothing but the knit stitch, or less. The backwards loop is the simplest motion there is, and it is still the one to reach for when you need stitches added in the middle of a row. The knitted cast on makes each new stitch with a knit stitch, so you learn both at once. The cable cast on is the firm one, for edges that should not stretch.
None of them is wrong for a first project. The long tail, in the next family, is the one most people move on to, because it is faster and its edge looks better in stockinette.
The methods, side by side
| Method | What it gives you | Good for | Video |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backwards Loop Cast On | The simplest cast on there is. Quick, loose, and handy for adding stitches mid-row. | adding stitches mid-row, thumb gussets | 6 min |
| Knitted Cast On | A cast on made with the knit stitch itself, so you learn both at once. | first projects | 6 min |
| Cable Cast On | A firm, tidy edge made between the stitches. Good where you do not want stretch. | firm edges, buttonholes | 5 min |
| Simple Alternate Cast On | The knitted cast on worked purlwise, for a stable edge that curls less. | tight knitters, adding stitches mid-row, learning to purl | 5 min |
