Draft

Simple Alternate Cast On

Name: Simple Alternate Cast On
Duration: 292 s
Description: The knitted cast on worked purlwise, for a stable edge that curls less.

The knitted cast on worked purlwise, for a stable edge that curls less.

5 min videoGood for tight knitters, adding stitches mid-row, learning to purl

This is the knitted cast on done purlwise. Instead of knitting into the stitch and placing the new loop on the needle, you purl into it. It is a good cast on for anyone who does not get on with the long tail, for adding stitches in the middle of a piece, and for anyone who casts on too tightly. It is hard to make this one tight.

The cast on makes a row of purl stitches, so you purl the first row and the right side of the fabric is facing you after that. The edge is subtle, with a little stretch but not a lot. Like the knitted cast on it opens up and lets the stitches breathe, which helps if you are a tight knitter. The teacher prefers it to the knitted cast on because the edge is a little more stable and curls in less.

One thing to know: this cast on gives a different gauge in stockinette than a long tail. Use the same cast on for your swatch as for the project.

1 Go in purlwise and purl
Start with a slip knot on your main needle. Put the working needle into it purlwise, the way you would to purl, and purl the stitch.
2 Place the loop on the needle
Pull out a little slack, then slip the new loop onto the main needle next to the slip knot. That is your next stitch.
3 Twist it for a firmer edge
If you want a little more strength in the edge, come behind the loop as you place it so it goes on twisted. Do it on every stitch or not at all. Placing it on straight is fine too.
4 Then keep going
Purl into the last stitch, pull out some slack, place the loop on. You are making a row of purl stitches as you go.
5 Or tighten around the needle
You do not have to take the working needle out. You can tighten the new loop down around both needles. That is another way to keep the cast on from coming out too tight.
6 Purl across the first row
When you have all your stitches, purl across them for the first row. The right side of the fabric is then facing you.

Close relatives

Knitted Cast On6 minA cast on made with the knit stitch itself, so you learn both at once.
Cable Cast On5 minA firm, tidy edge made between the stitches. Good where you do not want stretch.
Backwards Loop Cast On6 minThe simplest cast on there is. Quick, loose, and handy for adding stitches mid-row.

Popular cast-ons

Cast On Tips and Tricks5 minFixes for a cast on that is too tight or too loose, and a way to skip the slip knot.
Infinite Long Tail Cast On3 minA long tail cast on that never runs out of tail, worked from two ends of the yarn.
Italian Cast On6 minA tubular cast on for 1x1 rib with a rounded, seamless edge.

All the how-tos

1 Go in purlwise and purl

2 Place the loop on the needle

3 Twist it for a firmer edge

4 Then keep going

5 Or tighten around the needle

6 Purl across the first row

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