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Contemporary yarn crafts by Heidi Gustad. Knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame.

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Master the Knitted and Cable Cast Ons

January 11, 2018 2 Comments

Learn everything you need to know to master slip knots, the Knitted Cast On, and the Cable Cast On in knitting.

It’s a new year, so let’s start things off right! Throughout the month, we’ll be focusing on a ton of different ways to cast on (a.k.a. start) a knitting project. Last weekend I taught a really fun Cast On Clinic at one of my local yarn shops, and researching different cast ons and prepping for that workshop got me all geeked to share some of my favorite cast on tips with you all. :) 

First up, we’re tackling the Knitted Cast On and the Cable Cast On. Before we get into the cast ons, we’ve got to take a quick look at the mechanics of making slip knots, the foundation for both of these beginner-friendly cast ons. There are other knitting cast ons that incorporate slip knots in their construction, but the cable and knitted cast ons are an ideal place to start because they’re so similar.

A note for newbies: If you’re a brand new knitter, or it’s been a minute since you’ve picked up a pair of needles, you should check out the Knitting 101 section of this website. 

How to Make a Slip Knot

Learn how to master making slip knots to get your knitting or crochet started right.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “We must learn to walk before we can run.” In terms of knitting cast ons, a slip knot is definitely the walking part of that equation. To make a slip knot, I incorporate my knitting needle in the process while knitting, and if I’m doing a crochet project, I use a hook. A lot of folks prefer creating slip knots with their fingers, no matter which craft they’re doing. You can easily use your fingers to accomplish this slip knot method if you prefer. Knitting should be all about doing whatever works best for you! Without further ado, here’s a breakdown of how to make a slip knot the Hands Occupied way:

Learn how to master making slip knots to get your knitting or crochet started right.

How to Work a Knitted Cast On

Learn how to master the Knitted Cast On, a beginner-friendly cast on that starts with a simple slip knot.
The Knitted Cast On is my go-to for teaching absolute beginners how to knit. It requires a slip knot, yarn and both of your needles to accomplish. Since each stitch of the Knitted Cast On (after the initial slip knot) is formed by literally working a knit stitch, it’s so great for beginners. By the time you hit row two, you’ve already mastered the basic mechanics of knit stitches, so the rest of your rows are a breeze! A Knitted Cast On is also easier to knit into than a Single Cast On, which can throw some beginners off.

Some notes on Knitted Cast Ons for non-newbies: This is a pretty subtle looking & fairly stretchy cast on that allows you to easily add additional stitches anywhere in your knitting. If you’ve got a million zillion stitches to cast on with, a Knitted Cast On is a great way to avoid having to mess with estimating a long tail and you can get to knitting sooner!

Learn how to master the Knitted Cast On, a beginner-friendly cast on that starts with a simple slip knot.

How to Work a Cable Cast On

Learn how to master the Cable Cast On, a beginner-friendly cast on that's worked remarkably like the Knitted Cast On, but the result is a bit sturdier and won't curl at the edge.
The truly baffling thing about a Cable Cast On is that is has ZERO to do with cable knitting. Much like the Knitted Cast On, the Cable Cast On also requires two needles to accomplish. This cast on is not the first one I’d recommend trying if you’re brand new to knitting. (If that’s your situation, the Knitted Cast On above or the Single Cast On are great places to start.) This cast on is an easy one to get too tight, but it easily creates an easy, sturdy edge. The lack of flexibility in a Cable Cast On makes is a great candidate for the top edge of a shawl or for creating one row buttonholes, but it’s not the best choice for something like a sock or a hat that needs a bit more stretch. One last way this cast on is like a Knitted Cast On is that it also doesn’t require estimating a long tail.

Learn how to master the Cable Cast On, a beginner-friendly cast on that's worked remarkably like the Knitted Cast On, but the result is a bit sturdier and won't curl at the edge.
The yarn used in these videos is 24/7 Cotton in Ecru and was provided by Lion Brand Yarn. 

Filed Under: Knitting, Knitting 101 Tagged With: cable cast on, cast on, knitted cast on, knitting 101, slip knots, video tutorial

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author & content creator in love with primary colors & vintage vibes. She specializes in knitting, crochet, latch hook and macramé, and her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now!

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Comments

  1. rebecca Pennell

    May 9, 2020 at 2:25 pm

    Hi,
    If you are right hand knitting, why do you hold the work and the yarn on the left? i was taught to hold the work on the let and the yarn on the right.
    I feel like i have to relearn it all again. it is hard for me to maintain tension with the yarn on the left as im right handed. thanks!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      May 12, 2020 at 11:45 am

      I’m also right handed. The technique I use is called Continental Style knitting, and it’s a method of tensioning your working yarn in your non-dominant hand. It’s believed to be a faster technique. :)

      Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi, an author, yarn craft designer and content creator specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. My work unapologetically features primary colors and vintage-meets-modern style. My first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is now available!

Professionally I’m most known for: advanced intarsia knitting design & modern latch hook design.

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A new YouTube tutorial is live today covering how A new YouTube tutorial is live today covering how to knit the Little Butterfly Stitch (aka Bowknot Stitch). It adds so much cute character to simple stockinette. Only a little funky to knit, and it packs a huge visual punch! 🦋 
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Find the video & written stitch pattern on the blog and YouTube, links are in bio. 
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#kpambassadorsfeb21 #sponsored
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Yarn: @kelbournewoolens Germantown in Baby Blue via @knit_picks. Needles: Prism Interchangeables, also from Knit Picks. 
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Pictured: a light blue swatch of Little Butterfly Stitch knitting on a pink background. A skein of yarn and a few stitches of knitting are nearby.
“You’re telling me words can be pronounced in “You’re telling me words can be pronounced in different ways and mean the same things?!” 👀 Posting this here, just to make it clear: when anyone says skayne, skeen, or skyne, it can be safely assumed we’re talking about a bundle o’ yarn,  a SKEIN. It’s not necessary to shame someone for using a word that is known to have MULTIPLE common pronunciations. 🧶
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Can you plz comment sharing how you say SKEIN and where you learned it? The OED happens to say SKAYNE, but it’s not a personal attack if someone says SKEEN and you say SKYNE or even Saskatoon. I’m legitimately curious. We don’t all knit or crochet the same way, and craft evolves a bit like language - it is passed on. There is so much value in having conversations about & embracing these variations! ✌🏻
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Pictured: A blond woman holds a skein of mustard yellow yarn up to her head like a phone, looking shocked. She’s wearing glasses & a knit sweater. 
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#handsoccupied #heidigustad #skein #yarn #yarncraft #knit #crochet #yarnaddict #knitincolor #soldotnacrop #language #englishisweird #oed #oxfordenglishdictionary
Sometimes my weekend projects involve hair rather Sometimes my weekend projects involve hair rather than yarn. Here’s the latest mediocre-but-improving result of my slow quest to learn to set vintage inspired curls. 💇🏼‍♀️ I’m hoping to be able to wash my hair less using a regular vintage set, but we’ll see if it ends up being practical. 😆 Hair frustrates me so much more than crafts! 
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Do you also style your hair using vintage methods? If you have any tips for vintage hair styling or good resources to share, please do!
I suppose this is one way to decide what yarn colo I suppose this is one way to decide what yarn color suits your pooch. 😆 Navy really might be Woodrow‘s color - what do you think? 
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Pictured: A medium sized, brown, senior dog asleep on a green bed. For some reason a donut ball of navy wool yarn sits on his head.
The first stitch tutorial of the new year is live The first stitch tutorial of the new year is live on YouTube! Diamond Brocade is a great knit+purl only stitch for beginners or anyone wanting a classic look for their knitting project. Find the video with a written stitch pattern on the blog or head directly to the video on YouTube. Both are linked in bio. ✌🏻 
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