Knitted Cast On method
cast on knitting instructions

The knitted cast on is a way to put your first row of knitting stitches on your knitting needle.

There are many ways to cast on knitting stitches and today I'm going to give you a step-by-step knitting lesson for the knit on cast on method

This cast on is particularly good for beginners because it requires you to form knit stitches as you add them onto your needles.

And this one is even reversible or very close to being reversible. What I mean is that the edging of the cast on looks the same on both sides.

A lot of cast ons look different on each side - for instance the long tail cast on.

The knitted cast on can be used for some lacy knitting projects because it tends to be a little loopy and more open.

My little knitted swatch below is using the knit on cast on and well I love how easy it is to cast on this way and it does create a stretchy edge.

I know it looks a little loopy in spots right? You'll need to be consistent with your tension when you knit that next row after casting on.

But I also have a solution for you if you do have trouble with your cast on looking too loopy.  Just keep on reading ...

As you continue to learn to knit you'll find that some cast ons work better than others for certain knitting projects . 

This knitted cast on may be just the ticket for one of your knitting projects. 

Don't like a loopy knitted cast on edge?  try this...

If you don't like that look of my loopy knit on cast on and you end up having the same look as mine above, try knitting your first row through the back loops.  

And no worries my dears here are the super easy knitting instructions for learning how to knit through the back loop.

Wow what a difference!  Isn't that crazy? Now that looks much better than my other swatch doesn't it? 

If you don't have trouble with the knitted cast on edge when you knit across your first row then that's awesome!  

But if for some reason you do I'm so happy to give you the solution. It is a nice easy cast on to use.

More Facts About The Knitted Cast On

1. Same knitting technique as the knit stitch with one small difference
2. Creates a stretchy edge
3. Great all around cast on
4. Creates two stitches out of one
5. First row is easier to knit into than the single cast on method
   
6. Useful when you need to add extra stitches in the middle of a row
7. Nice alternative instead of long tail cast on
8. No need to estimate the length of yarn you need to cast on

This knit on cast on method is one of my favorites I must admit, and I use this and the long tail cast on the most.

The easiest way for beginners to start casting on stitches is by making a simple slip knot on your knitting needle. It creates a starting point to cast on.

Then you can start casting on with my step-by-step instructions just below. 

Do You Count The Slip Knot As A Stitch?

Yes you do. If you use a slip knot to begin casting on it's counted as a stitch

Is The Cast On Row Counted As A Row Of Knitting?

No the knitted cast on does not create a row of knitting. 

But the popular long tail cast on method does create a cast on row and a knitted row all in one. That's pretty cool.

So are you ready?  Let's get started...

Knitted Cast On knitting Instructions

Once again before you start the knitted cast on you'll need to make a slip knot.  

And also please note the pictures are on top with instructions just below. 

Insert your right needle into that first stitch (slip knot) from front to back.

With your working yarn (ball end) wrap the yarn around the right needle counterclockwise 

Snug it up a little but not too tight.

With the yarn still wrapped around your right needle slowly bring it through the loop on your left needle.

There. You just created a new stitch on your right needle.

Now all you are going to do is move the stitch on your right needle over to your left needle. 

So with your left needle just push it through the loop on your right needle from front to back and catch the stitch and slip it onto your left needle.

There you go!  Your new stitch is on the left needle where it needs to be.  

Oops! Just snug it up there a little bit.

Now just continue casting on knitting stitches until you have the amount of stitches you need.

And there you go. It's quite simple and doesn't look too bad.  Make sure to keep your tension consistent as you knit across your first row.

Below are two knitting videos for you to watch how the knitted cast on is done in the English method and the Continental method.  

Knitted Cast On Video - English Method

Knitted Cast On Video - Continental Style

Hope this helps. Happy Knitting!