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Colorful knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame from craft book author & designer Heidi Gustad.

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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 (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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handsoccupied

Yarn craft designer & author. Into intarsia knits, latch hook, color & vintage-modern style.
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Sneaking in a few stitches in the shade. 😎 Sneaking in a few stitches in the shade. 😎
Another morning of filming! One of the knitting vi Another morning of filming! One of the knitting videos I’d like to release soon is a big overview of how to swatch and why - if you have any questions or favorite tips, let me know. 
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To be honest, I want to be able to link to this video as a resource when I get angry gauge questions, so please don’t hesitate to share your best tips. Together, we can tame the knitting Karens. 😆
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#stopswatchandblockit #handsoccupied #knitting #knittersofinstagram
A big issue I've had in the last year is putting t A big issue I've had in the last year is putting together new design work but not doing any independent releases of them. Chalk it up to anxiety, burn out, or whatever but here we are. 
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Last week I turned 35, so in honor of that here’s 3 things: 
❤️ a picture of me at my most stylish 
💛 a little glimpse at some of the design things I've recently been working on
💙a promise that I will be releasing some of the pictured designs this year. Getting back in the swing of things after taking it easy is hard 😆 - wish me luck!
Like a riding a bike! June guarded the neighborhoo Like a riding a bike! June guarded the neighborhood while I shot a new crochet tutorial today. With any luck, editing will go smoothly & I’ll be posting new videos to YouTube regularly soon! Got any requests for tutorial topics? 
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#handsoccupied #crochet #studiodog #crochettutorial
This yoke deserved a mid-blocking closeup, don’t This yoke deserved a mid-blocking closeup, don’t you think? ❤️💛💙
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Pattern: modified #soldotnacrop sweater / yarn: various from my stash
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