Casting On
Using a suitable cast on method for your next knitting project will make sure your project is great from the start! On this page you can find tutorial videos for the cast on methods used in my book Colorwork Knitting from Head to Toe.
The sock patterns use Judy’s Magic Cast On for an invisible seamless toe, the hat and mitten patterns use the German Twisted Cast On (also known as the Old Norwegian Cast On) which is super stretchy. And the cowl patterns use the faithful longtail cast on which gives a sturdy edge we can use for seaming at the end.
Hats and Mittens – German Twisted Cast On
The German Twisted Cast On is a great cast on to use for any pattern that starts with ribbing. This is my favourite cast on to use for ribbing and is applicable not only to 1×1 or 2×2 ribbing but any combination of knit and purl stitches. It’s very similar to the longtail cast on, but it has one extra step which makes this cast on method more stretchy – perfect for hats, mittens, cuff down socks and more!
Socks – Judy’s Magic Cast On
Judy’s Magic Cast On really does feel magical! It’s the perfect way to start socks knit from the toe up. It creates stitches in two directions, meaning there is no need for seaming up later. From the cast on, you can instantly continue to knit in the round. It will feel very fiddly at first but I promise this is a cast on worth learning!
Bonus: Turkish Cast On – Alternative for Judy’s Magic Cast On
If you have tried to do Judy’s Magic Cast On without any luck, the Turkish Cast On is a great alternative. It is easier to do and also gives a neat and tidy invisible cast on.