Provisional Knitting Cast On (Crochet Method)

How and When to Cast On Using the Provisional Crochet Method

Dec 8, 2008 Lesley Arnold-Hopkins

There are many types of knitting cast on. This method leaves a cast on edge which enables you to pick up stitches without a creating a ridge at the back of the work.

The easiest way to have this sort of beginning is to use a crochet provisional cast on. Even if you’re not skilled at crochet, there is no need to be put off by the name, as this is a very simple technique.

Making the crochet chain.

Using a crochet hook of about the same size as your knitting needle and some spare yarn, make a chain as follows:

1. Make a slipknot and insert your hook into the knot, holding the hook in your right hand.
2. Using your left hand, wind the yarn around the hook, between the knot and the hooked end.
3. Keeping the held yarn in place, pull the slip knot over the end of the hook, leaving your yarn in place, anchored by the knot. This is your first chain. Continue in this way until you have approximately five or ten more chains than you need knitting stitches.
4. At the last chain, cut the yarn approx 4” (10 cm) from the hook, and allow this single thread to pull through your last chain, fastening the end.

Yarn.

It is best if the yarn used for the chain is fairly smooth, as it will need to be unpicked later.

To cast on.

Turn the chain over and you will notice a row of “bars” behind the stitches. Insert your knitting needle into the third or fourth “bar” from the right hand side and then wrap your knitting yarn around it. Pull the needle back through to create your stitch.

Moving to the next “bar” on the left, continue in this way until you have the number of stitches you require (see illustration 1).

With your stitches in place, you can knit on, as normal.

Unpicking the chain.

When you need to return to the cast on edge, simply snip the yarn next to the last chain and gently unravel the chain edge. As you unpick each chain, slip the point of your knitting needle into the stitch now becoming free (see illustration 2).

Once you have completed this exercise, you are ready to continue knitting away from your cast on edge.

Why use a provisional cast on?

There are many reasons for using this type of cast on.

Socks

The most common use is for knitting socks from the toe up. A free pattern is available using this technique. Socks made in this way can be tried on while still on the needles to check for size and fit.

Flexibility of length.

By making a sweater using this method, it is much easier to pick up from the bottom of the garment and adjust the length needed. This is also handy if you are using up yarn from your stash, and you want to ensure that you have enough to make all shapings etc.

Edging patterns.

You may be making an item with an attractive edging (such as a frill) that is better worked at the end of your knitting, rather than at the beginning. The provisional cast on creates a smoother pick up of stitches.

It can be seen, therefore, that the Crochet Provisional Cast On is a useful method of starting your knitted work, enabling you to return to the cast on stitches, and continue working in the opposite direction.

The copyright of the article Provisional Knitting Cast On (Crochet Method) in Knitting & Crochet is owned by Lesley Arnold-Hopkins. Permission to republish Provisional Knitting Cast On (Crochet Method) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Ill. 2Unravelling the chain

Ill. 1 Picking up the stitches

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