Creative Knitting – Beyond Knit and Purl

While starting my new Double Knitting project, I decided to try a new cast on method.  In the picture below you will see my two color cast on. Each color was put on by itself, producing an alternating colored edge.  I think it looks pretty cool.

How to do it.  Using the yarn and needles required  for your project, calculate the yarn length for your long tail cast on by making a slip knot, then casting on 10 sts.  Now tie a loop at the end of both pieces of yarn.  See  picture below.

Carefully undo the 10 cast on sts, leaving the original slip st on needle.  Now measure the ( A)  long tail side.

Then measure the ( B)  working yarn side (the one attached to the ball of yarn).

Here you see that the length is about 7 1/2 inches, but I will round it up to 8 inches.  Having determined how much yarn you need for 10 sts,you now can divide the number of cast on stitches required by 10 and multiply it times  the length just measured, then add about 6 inches extra.  

*You may notice that the measurements are about the same.  But don’t be fooled.  That is NOT always the case.  It is important that you write down the numbers.  On my current project, using size 10 1/2 needles, the B (working yarn) was about 1/3 more in length than the A (long tail).

Once you have determined the length of the long tail (A), peel off that length of  yarn for one color then make a slip knot.  STOP!!!!  Before you go any farther, make a loose knot in A.  You’ll thank me later.

Measuring again from the slip knot onward toward the ball of yarn, measure off the length of B.  Break the yarn.  Repeat this process with the other color, placing the slip knot infront of the first one.  Now, with both slip knots on the needle, lay out your B’s (long tails, the one’s you marked- I hope) to your left, and the A’s straight ahead.  Now you are ready to cast on.

In the video below, I will show you the move.  Try it!

Once you are finisned casting your stitches on, just spit slice your working yarn on to the ends left and start knitting your double knit pattern.

You might also like to try this decorative cast on for a Fair Isle project.

Enjoy!!

Knit-tweaker