Tubular Cast-on: Part 1

One of the most often asked questions when I'm teaching is, "What is the best cast-on to use?".  My answer is always the same, as I feel there is no one "best" cast-on. Different cast-ons look, feel, and respond differently and the best cast-on is the one that best suits your project.  There are cast-ons like the long-tail and knit-on that will do you for most projects, but why not branch out and try something new.

One of my favourite technique books is Nancie M. Wiseman's The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques.  She not only provides great explanations for multiple cast-on methods, but also provides you with a list of pros and cons with regards to where best to use said cast-on.  This is where I was introduced to the Tubular Cast-on.  I have incorporated it into one of my hat designs (JAZZ, which I hope to have online for sale soon -- stay tuned!) as a way to get a very clean, professional looking edge on the brim.  You should give it a try some time.  I guaranty that you will not be disappointed with the results.

To start, I use a Crochet Cast-on (but, you could use any other waste yarn provisional cast-on if you have one you like).  You will need a knitting needle one size bigger than the size you will use to work the ribbed hat brim in, plus an equivalent sized crochet hook.

Make a slip knot with your yarn and place it on the crochet hook.  Now, tension your yarn in the left hand and hold the knitting needle in the left hand, as well.  Be sure to have the yarn positioned under the knitting needle, as shown above.

Now, reach over your knitting needle with the crochet hook, and come under the yarn to wrap the crochet hook.  Draw this wrap of yarn through the slip knot on the crochet hook.  You will now have one stitch cast onto your knitting needle.

Move your yarn around the point of your knitting needle to get it back into position under the needle, as shown above.  You are now ready to cast-on another stitch.  Once more, reach over your knitting needle with the crochet hook, and come under the yarn to wrap the crochet hook (see second photo).  Draw this wrap of yarn through the stitch on the crochet hook.  You will now have two stitches cast onto your knitting needle.

Continue in this manner until you have half the total number of stitches required for your hat, plus 1 (NOTE: In the pattern for JAZZ, the correct count for the provisional cast-on has been given).  Break your yarn, and draw the end through the stitch on the crochet hook.  You've now learned how to do a Crochet Cast-on.  Give it a try in any project where a provisional cast-on in called for.  It is also very easy to remove, as I will show in Tubular Cast-on: Part 2.  The next post will go over the workings of the actual Tubular Cast-on, so see you then.