[alybeans]

I'm learning to knit via my Mom and Stitch and Bitch. My Mom showed me how to cast on, but her way is different than the way in the book. Her way is easy and I haven't been able to figure out the way in the book, does it matter? Does the method you use for casting on ever matter? I'm just wondering if I should keep working on it or not? Thanks so much!

PS - I'm almost done with my first scarf!!! WOOHOO

 

[*Devon*]

Hi! Congrats on becoming a knitter!

There are many ways to cast on, each with their own advantages. I only know two, one of which is really easy but makes it difficult to knit the first row- the "one loop on your thumb" method, and the double cast-on, or "long tail" which leaves you with a knit row-- this is my new favorite and I have gotten by totally fine with just that!

Hope this helps, what method did your mom teach you? www.knittinghelp.com can show you other ways-- videos are more conducive to learning than still pics, I think.

~Devon

 

[tboroson]

Each different cast on has different advantages and disadvantages. Some are more or less stretchy, you'd want something really stretchy for a sweater but you might want a very non-stretchy cast on for a patch pocket. Some are very visible and others almost invisible. Some are decorative, like a ribbed cast on. I recommend the book The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques which discusses them all in detail. Welcome to a new obsession

 

[mommamin]

ohhh, thanks for suggesting a different book!

I have been referencing SNB and it does not go into great detail about different cast on methods. I just have been using the double cast on method which has worked great for all my projects so far. I am up for a new challenge

And it is an obession

: I already have quite a stash that I don't know what do with, BUT my LYS had thier anniversary sale, 20% ALL yarns so I stocked up :LOL

 

[Knittin' in the Shade]

generally, if it's important in teh pattern the designer will specify which cast on to use. Otherwise, you're usually good with teh long tail. Like Tara said, it's helpful to know some good stretchier ones for casting on ribbing or such, but the long tail really is the best "all-purpose" cast on

 

[ZeldasMom]

I really like www.knittinghelp.com 's instruction on long tail. Very different from how Knitting For Dummies says to do it. The only thing is she says you can do it without making a slip knot and I couldn't figure out how to make it work without making a slipknot.

 

[Knittin' in the Shade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeldasMom I really like www.knittinghelp.com 's instruction on long tail. Very different from how Knitting For Dummies says to do it. The only thing is she says you can do it without making a slip knot and I couldn't figure out how to make it work without making a slipknot.

I never do a slipknot (I hate knots, I'm anal like that, LOL!) I just lay the yarn over the needle, then pull it back and twist them together once (kind of like doing a twist-tie on a bread bag)

 

[ZeldasMom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knittin' in the Shade I never do a slipknot (I hate knots, I'm anal like that, LOL!) I just lay the yarn over the needle, then pull it back and twist them together once (kind of like doing a twist-tie on a bread bag)

Maybe I will get brave and try it again w/o the knot next time I do it!

 

[bu's mama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tboroson ... I recommend the book The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques which discusses them all in detail. ...

I just got this book for my birthday from MIL & it is a great resource. I still use SNB a lot but it doesn't have everything.

I'd also suggest checking out the knitting section in your library. Mine probably gets a new knitting book once a month! And they also have a drop-in knitting group that meets once a month, though I'm the youngest by about 40 years!

 

[mommamin]

Thanks for the reminder. I need to check out my library!

 

[twouglyducks]

http://www.fiberartshop.com/knclbg.htm
great videos