Daily Archives: June 18, 2008

Cast-Ons

One of the things I've noticed while doing the research for the TKGA Level 1 is that cast-ons are often given different names in the various reference books. I figured it would be useful for me, and maybe for others, to list the cast-ons I used, what names they're known under in the books I've looked at, and any notes. Of course, this is really only useful if you have at least one of the books, for which I make no apologies.

Knitter's Stanley Vogue Notes
knit, p40 knitted, p73, fig 2.27 knitting-on, p27 a bit lacy and loose, but quick and you don't waste any yarn
cable, p40 cable, p75, fig 2.35 cable, p26 firmer than knit cast-on; my default.
thumb, p67, fig 2.9 double cast-on - thumb, p 25 similar results to long tail
long tail, knit, p38 German, p68, fig 2.12 double cast-on, p25 looks best when followed by a purl row
long tail, purl, p39 combine with knit version for in-pattern cast-ons
tubular, p42 two-strand tubular, p78, fig 2.41 good for k1, p1 rib or seed stitch
stockinette-stitch tubular cast-on, p79, fig 2.44 tubular: version B, p 27 use for k1, p1 rib

I think it's an interesting comparison. No wonder it's sometimes hard to figure out what knitters actually mean by any given term.

Bibliography:

Knitter's

The Knitter's Handbook: Essential Skills & Helpful Hints from Knitter's Magazine, 2005, XRX Books.

Stanley

Knitter's Handbook : A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Techniques of Handknitting, Montse Stanley, 1993, Reader's Digest.

Vogue

Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book, 2002, Sixth & Spring Books