Casting on open stitches

Occasionally, a knitted object asks for a start with open stitches. That means that you do not have a closed edge. Stitches appear open so that you can subsequently work in opposite direction or that pieces can be joined by grafting.

It's most easy to start with a chain. Just crochet as many chains with a thick crochet hook as you need stitches later on. Break yarn.

Looping up

Looping up belongs as well to the possibilities of creating stitches. This method should be used hardly ever since it does not lead to an elastic border as is needed for casting on for sweaters and cardigans. However, looping up is most suitable for forming the upper edge of buttonholes.

  1. One stitch or several stitches are on the needle. Bring yarn from front to back round thumb.
  2. Hold needle in right hand. Insert point of needle from below under front loop which is situated round thumb ...
  3. ... and transfer loop from thumb to needle, tighten!

Knitting up

This method of casting on stitches should not be used at the beginning of a knitted object, except for double borders to be knitted together subsequently, due to the fact that this type of casting on allows to pick up stitches well. This method of making new stitches is recommended if you need to cast on several stitches at the end or the beginning of a row. As for instance in case of a sweater which is knitted crosswise and where you need a large number of additional stitches for side seams. This knitting up leads to a most elastic border, matching the knitted object; the return row can be knitted without problems.

  1. Make a knitted loop as for twisted cast-on ...
  2. ... or insert needle into a stitch on left-hand needle as for knit stitches, that means from left to right.
  3. With the right-hand needle point draw strand forward as loop. Lengthen this loop and ...
  4. ... place from back, thus twisted, on left-hand needle. Tighten strand and stitch and repeat this step as often as chosen. The right-hand needle can remain in the new stitch; there is no need to take it out each time.

The ready cast-on

Twisted cast-on

Twisted cast-on is the method of casting on which is used and described in most cases. It can be used for each type of pattern. The row after casting on is the return row. Use each time two needles for this casting on to obtain an elastic base and to facilitate knitting of return row.

This shows the finished casting on.
 

  1. Leave yarn end hanging at least 3 times as long as the width of the knitted object and make a knotted loop.
  2. Place this loop on two knitting needles and tighten. Hold yarns in left hand as shown.
  3. Bring both needle points under the yarn which leads from left thumb to the hand.
  4. Bring both needle points over the yarn which leads to left index and ...
  5. ... pull this yarn as loop through the strands round thumb.
  6. Remove thumb after each looping from loop. Insert needle again under front strand and, at the same time, tighten the new stitch on needle points.