Casting On - The Knit Method - A Beginner's Guide

Casting on can be done in a number of ways. Each method has its pros and cons and finding the right cast on method is essential for making right start to your project.

Perhaps the simplest cast on method is the Knit Cast On which uses two knitting needles, starting with a slip knot each stitch is knitted to form a new loop, this loop is then returned to the left hand needle and the process repeated until you have the desired number of stitches. This method is easy to master as it repeats a semi-knit stitch which is very similar to the knit stitch you will use with garter or stocking stitches.

This method produces a neat row of flat stitches which has some stretch so this can be used for cuffs and flat edges alike.

Step 1: Form a slip knot approximately 4” (10cm) from the end of your yarn. Slip this onto your left hand needle (LHN), this is your first stitch.

Step 2: Insert your right hand needle (RHN) through the first stitch on your LHN from front to back.

Wrap your yarn around the tip of your RHN from back to front and between the RHN and LHN. Slip your RHN down and out from the first stitch taking a new loop of yarn with it. Do not slip the first stitch off of your LHN.

Now, slip the new loop on your RHN onto the LHN, this will now become the first stitch on your LHN, you will now have an extra stitch on your LHN and no stitches on your RHN.

Repeat step 2 until you have the desired number of stitches on your needle. You are now ready to begin the first row of your pattern.

Have a question? Please leave a comment or contact us - I would love to hear from you, SJ.

Kitchener Stitch - A Beginner's Guide

The Kitchener Stitch allows you to join two rows of live stitches, that is joining the stitches without first having to bind off. The Kitchener Stitch creates a very thin seam which is suitable for toes of socks and the top of mittens.

You will need:

• · Two rows of stitches with an equal number of stitches

• · A blunt sewing needle

• · A tail of yarn approximately 4 times the length of your seam

Step 1: Holding your two knitting needles together you will work the stitches evenly pairing stitches on the front row and back row. Begin by inserting your blunt needle into the first stitch on the front row from back to front as through to purl this stitch and pull the yarn through. Now, insert your blunt needle into the first stitch on the back needle from front to back as through to knit this stitch, pull the yarn through.

Step 2: Insert your needle into the first stitch on the front row as though to knit this stitch, pull the yarn through and slip the stitch off the knitting needle. Now insert your needle into the new first stitch on the front needle from back to front as through to purl this stitch, pull the thread through but keep the stitch on the knitting needle.

Step 3: Insert your needle into the first stitch on the back needle from back to front as through to purl this stitch, pull the thread through and slip this stitch off the knitting needle. Now, insert you needle into the new first stitch on the back needle from front to back, pull the thread through but keep the stitch on the knitting needle.

Repeat Step 2 & 3 until all stitches have been worked and there are no stitches remaining on the knitting needles. Use your blunt needle to weave in the yarn tail and trim any excess.