Conny Jude
To Cast On
There are several methods of casting on stitches, each suitable for different applications. The thumb method is used at the beginning of a piece of work, because it has more elasticity, whereas the through stitch method is used for casting on once the work has been started, for instance when working buttonholes.
The Thumb Method
Only one knitting needle is used for this method. Leaving a length of yarn sufficiently long to make the required number of stitches, make a loop on the knitting needle. Hold this needle in the right hand and wrap the yarn from the ball around the fingers of the right hand as shown in the diagram. Take the loose end of yarn and wrap it round the left thumb to form a loop. Slip the point of the knitting needle under the loop. Wrap the yarn from the ball around the point of the needle and draw it through the loop, allowing the loop to fall from the thumb and at the same time tightening the thread, Continue in this way for the required number of stitches.
The Through Stitch Method
To cast on extra stitches, once work has begun, insert the right hand needle into the front of the first stitch on left hand needle. Wrap the yarn round the right hand needle and draw the loop through, then slip the stitch onto the left hand needle and tighten thread. Continue in this way, working into the last stitch made.
There are several methods of casting on stitches, each suitable for different applications. The thumb method is used at the beginning of a piece of work, because it has more elasticity, whereas the through stitch method is used for casting on once the work has been started, for instance when working buttonholes.
The Thumb Method
Only one knitting needle is used for this method. Leaving a length of yarn sufficiently long to make the required number of stitches, make a loop on the knitting needle. Hold this needle in the right hand and wrap the yarn from the ball around the fingers of the right hand as shown in the diagram. Take the loose end of yarn and wrap it round the left thumb to form a loop. Slip the point of the knitting needle under the loop. Wrap the yarn from the ball around the point of the needle and draw it through the loop, allowing the loop to fall from the thumb and at the same time tightening the thread, Continue in this way for the required number of stitches.
The Through Stitch Method
To cast on extra stitches, once work has begun, insert the right hand needle into the front of the first stitch on left hand needle. Wrap the yarn round the right hand needle and draw the loop through, then slip the stitch onto the left hand needle and tighten thread. Continue in this way, working into the last stitch made.