Tubular Cast on for 1×1 Rib – flutterbyknits.com

Tubular Cast on for 1×1 Rib

This cast on is my preferred cast on for 1×1 rib. It gives a really stretchy edge, with good recovery. While it does take a little practice to get the tension right, it is worth the effort. The first two setup rows are worked flat, and then if desired the work is joined in the round at the start of the third row – the join is completed using the yarn tail. The cast on produces an even number of stitches – if you need an odd number cast on one extra and then decrease once the cast on is complete.

1: Hold the yarn with the tail over your thumb and working yarn over your first finger. Leave a long tail.

2: Insert the needle between your thumb and finger.

3: Bring the needle tip under the yarn tail and back to the top to form a loop.

4: To form the second stitch, bring the needle tip under the working yarn.

5: Scoop the yarn tail and pull the loop up under the working yarn.

6: Re-tension both yarn ends.

7: To form the third stitch, bring the needle tip under the yarn tail

8: Scoop the working yarn and pull the loop under the yarn tail

9: Re-tension both yarn ends.

10: Repeat steps 4 - 9 until you have the desired number of stitches, finishing on step 6. This should be an even number, Turn the work.

11: Knit 1 through the back of the loop.

12: Slip 1 purlwise, with the yarn in front

13: Repeat steps 11 - 12 to the end of the row. Turn the work.

14: Knit 1.

15: Slip 1 purlwise, with yarn in front.

16: Repeat steps 14 - 15 to the end of the row. If desired join to knit in the round.

17: Start knitting in 1x1 rib, beginning with a knit stitch. The tubular cast on produces a neat and tidy edge, with good stretch.